Spud's first Cubs Game

Last ‘my kids’ story for a while – I promise.

Back in 2002 I took Spud to his first major sporting event. It was a Cubs against the Cardinals baseball game at Wrigley Field. Spud had been playing Backyard Baseball, the PC game, for a year or so and knew enough about baseball to follow what was happening on the field.

It was a bright and warm August afternoon as the Spudster and I settled into our seats, which were behind home plate about half way up the second tier. Spud was 6 and had never been to any type of big sporting event before (closest was a single A game the year before). It was a great experience, we did all the things kids love about baseball games. We had cotton candy, soda, peanuts and I even got him the ubiquitous foam claw.

The early innings passed with Spud getting acquainted with the mechanics of a ball game. The peanut throwing, Wrigley’s skanky toilets etc. but we soon settled to watch the actual game. Almost immediately the Cardinals star batter stepped up to the plate. I nudged Spud and said.

“Here’s Albert Pujols, he’s really good. Watch!”

I watched the at bat intensely. Ball, ball, foul, ball, foul, foul, flied out right field.

Only then did I turn to Spud to see how he’d enjoyed the classic Pitcher/batter duel.

Spuds face was bright red, he was gasping for breath and tears were rolling down his face. Fearing he was choking or had been struck by a flying peanut bag I asked,

“Spud what’s up? Are you hurt?”

Through gasps he said, “Pooh holes! His name is Pooh Holes!!!” It took him the rest of the innings to recover. Even now he sniggers when he hears the name.

We won’t be going to any Cub’s games this year not unless they trade Fukudome.

<Enter stunningly witty and clever tagline here>


Bazza