It was a day I had been subconsciously waiting for my whole life, but I didn't realize it until it arrived. It was August 8, 1996, just 25 days before my son's first birthday. The Texas Rangers, my favorite baseball team, were in town to take on the KC Royals. I had always dreamed of one day taking my son to his first Rangers game. A father taking his son to a baseball game is exactly the American thing to do, and there I was, taking my son "to the ballgame"; America's favorite pastime. I haven't been to a Rangers game in years and I've been wanting to for a while. But like many other young married couples, we didn't really seem to have the time, or the money. We decided to splurge and purchase general admission tickets. Well, it was about three hours before the game, and an hour before I finished work. All of a sudden my phone rings, and it was my mother-in-law "wondering" if I wanted some free viewer tickets and a parking pass, for that night's Rangers game . I couldn't have been more excited, let alone believe in my luck. After leaving work and collecting the tickets, I ran home to get my wife and son ready to leave. Over the next half hour, I almost regretted having to bring my son, what with the hassle of filling the diaper bag, dealing with traffic, and fighting the crowds while pushing a stroller. It was hectic, but I survived. Finally, we were situated and ready for the game. The singing of the national anthem was over and we were waiting for the first pitch. All of a sudden it hit me, for some reason I couldn't have been more proud. There I was, holding my son and watching my childhood heroes, sharing in his first major league baseball game. Now, I don't know if what I felt was brought on by a TV fantasy, or just pure pride and joy, but I do know that I felt like a million dollars. After about ten minutes my son started fussing and my wife had to walk. around him to silence him. From time to time, when she brought him back to our seats, he would sit on my lap and watch the game for a bit while saying "ba", which was his word for ball. That alone would make me smile, even if the Rangers lost.