So, our second Tigers' game this year was much, much better. Not only did the Tigers' come away with an awesome come-from-behind win but the boys got to do all the things they wanted to do. We got there early - in time to see the retiring of Sparky Anderson's number - and immediately hit up the face painting booth. Harmon desperately wanted his face painted like a Tiger and it was well worth it - he was very cute! We then grabbed the boys some hot dogs and pretzels so they could make the biggest decision of the afternoon - carousel or ferris wheel. Since they rode the carousel at our last game back in May, the ferris wheel won. The line wasn't too bad and we loaded into our "baseball" car before Simon had the chance to escape (he was a little grumpy and just wanted to run free). We then hit the upper deck concourse and caught the last half of the game. It was hot so I watched in the sun while Kevin kept the boys in the shade. Harmon would join me every now and then to ask what the score was, who was batting, etc. SIDE NOTE: I LOVE that he's finally asking these questions.
After another save by Papa Grande, we headed down to the main concourse to get in line for kids run the bases. The line - which we were near the end of - wrapped around the entire stadium but it moved pretty quickly. Before we knew it, both boys were hand in hand taking steps on the field at Comerica Park! Harmon was very sweet in showing Simon where to start before he took off running - Harmon was about to home plate as Simon was rounding 2nd base. Kevin and I were trying to snap pictures and videos so we weren't right at home plate when Simon finished. He looked a little lost so Harmon went into the fray to retrieve him and bring him to us. It was, quite frankly, one of the sweetest brother moments I've seen between them!
Once we got packed up, we headed to the car and both of them were out pretty fast. I asked Kevin if we could drive by the old Tiger Stadium site on our way out of town and we did. There was a group of kids playing baseball there, which was good to see. The flagpole was still there too, with the flag flying high. It was a very odd moment for me - thinking about all that has happened at that famous corner of Michigan and Trumbull and thinking about how my boys won't ever know what it was like there. I'll have to tell some very good stories so they'll FEEL like they've been there. Every trip to the ballpark makes me so happy I have boys - I hope there are many, many, many trips to the ballpark in our future.
