A Day at the Ole Ballpark with Friends and Colleagues..
By: Chief Fred Maas

On Sunday, July 11, 2004, an outing was planned by the Cultural and Human Services Department to see a Florida Marlins game. Members of the police department, led by Lt. Mike Grandinetti thought it would be a spirited idea to get many of our police team softball players and fans together, to attend the game also. So after playing our league game in the morning, (which we lost a heartbreaker in the last inning), we all arrived for a pre-game tailgate and BBQ and then a great (but hot) day at the ole Ballpark..

What a great way to attend a game! With friends and co workers and teammates. The laughs are greater, the jokes funnier, the excitement is more energized. Everyone just seemed to relax and enjoy the company of all around them. Soon, we had forgotten about our own earlier loss and were rooting the Marlins to victory. Not only did we stay thru the end, we decided not to let the day end without some additional tailgating and conversation while the traffic cleared. Before long, we were probably the last to leave.  

The excitement of the game was great but the satisfaction of being with great friends and co-workers was even greater. It reminded me of many special times in years past and how much this great game, called the American past time really offers. I saw fathers with sons of all ages, communicating. I saw moms and daughters-in-law, sharing stories. I saw co-workers talking about everything except work. I saw people who don't usually interact, enjoying the moment and interacting. And because we all are able to laugh at ourselves a bit, we were truly entertained; not just by the game, but by ourselves and our friends. The ole ballpark is still the greatest way to spend a day. On the field or off!!!  

See you at the next one???

TOP