It was a warm yet pleasant August afternoon in Seattle, WA. It was not my first trip to Safeco Field (now called T-Mobile Park). I had once been years ago for an eighth-grade field trip and had no interest in being there. All I remember from that trip was hunting down the Dippin’ Dots vendors and eating my weight in Dippin’ Dots. This trip to Safeco Field, however, was much different. This trip I was going as a Dodger fan and I could not wait. My husband had surprised me and purchased tickets to see the Dodgers play the Mariners that evening. Not only did he surprise me with the tickets, but our seats were amazing. I was right where I wanted to be – in right field … right next to Yasiel Puig.

We got to the gates early and were pleased to see some fellow Dodger fans waiting in line with us. We talked about our favorite players past and present and enjoyed each other’s company while waiting for the gates to open. Time really flys when you are having a great conversation with Baseball fans.

Before we knew it the gates were open and our new mission was to grab some lunch before the game started. Boy was it a lunch! We had no idea that while we were eating we would be overlooking the field watching all the guys warm-up (the food was good too). My husband was telling me all about former Mariners Ichiro Suzuki and Ken Griffey Jr. when a man who was seated down from us spoke up and said: “I don’t mean to eavesdrop on your conversation, but I couldn’t help but hear you talk to her about Ichiro. Just so you know, he is right there on the field (pointing out to the field) helping the guys warm-up. I couldn’t not point that out to you two.” He proceeded to let us know that he was a regular at the park and if we had any questions to just ask him, he didn’t mind. Even if we were Dodger fans (he joked).

After lunch, we headed down to our seats. At first, our section felt as though we were taken over by Mariners fans … until the rest of the Dodger fans should up and then we took the section over. It was so fun to be amongst other Dodger fans and not just watch the game from home on TV.

Then the moment finally happened – it was time to “Play Ball”. Puig came running out onto the field and I finally got the guts to yell out “Go Puig!” He turned his head towards me and waved. I was one happy girl.

My day continued to only get better as the game went on. Out came Clayton Kershaw. I was pumped! To be able to see him pitch in person was like nothing I have ever experienced. He pitched seven sharp innings that game, which ended up being his 150th career win. It is an experience I will never forget.

As a non-California Dodger fan, getting to see the Dodgers play live an in person, and being part of it, was so special and so much fun. Additionally, being there to witness a rare ‘immaculate inning’ thrown by Dodgers left-hander (and Forest Grove, OR native) Zac Rosscup was nerve-racking but awesome. At one point I think I forgot to breathe, I was so nervous! But he did it – three strikeouts on nine pitches … and I was there for it!

Leaving a packed stadium with a Dodgers win and with a large group of fans yelling “Let’s Go Dodgers!” is a memory I will never forget.

Go Dodgers!

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