Natasha's 52nd Birthday - One More Trip Around The Bases

As is the tradition around here (see also here, and here, and... you get the idea), I am taking over the blog — momentarily, I assure you! — to wish Natasha a very happy birthday.

This year, Natasha suggested a baseball theme, as that is something she's particularly excited about this summer. Unfortunately, all of our birthday plans for last week got sidelined by illness. Much like a mid-game rain delay, we had to wait a little while before continuing with our plans.

So, without further ado, let's dive into this year's edition of Natasha's birthday blog takeover, presented in the form of a baseball game!

First inning: Favourite team
Seeing as there is only one Major League team in Canada, this one isn't too hard to figure out. Go Jays go! 

Although Natasha rooted for the Blue Jays from afar growing up in Saskatchewan, being able to go to games in person (since we live just down the highway from Toronto) has certainly increased her overall level of enthusiasm... more on that later!

Some particularly enthusiastic cheering

Second inning: Favourite player
There have been many memorable Blue Jays over the years, such as George Bell and Lloyd Moseby (in the mid-80's), Joe Carter, Roberto Alomar, Roy Halladay, José Bautista, and Marcus Stroman.

On the current team, outfielder George Springer is Natasha's favourite. He can hit for power, makes sensational catches in right field, and has a generally charming personality.

Natasha meeting Jesse Barfield at a fan event in 2019.

Third inning: Most family and friends gathered for a game
We've had a few occasions where we've been able to combine a family reunion (or small group gathering from church) with a chance to catch a ballgame.

These games tend to take on a party atmosphere for us, and it's a fun way to share the game with a bunch of friends and family... as well as 40,000 other people!

A small mob of Natasha's family; her parents are in the lower right at their first ever Blue Jays game!

 

At a game with our (not so) small group from church

Fourth inning: Favourite food and drink
As a vegetarian, Natasha's ballpark food options are a bit limited. However, give her a veggie dog topped with ketchup and a bit of relish, and she's a happy camper!

Natasha has been enjoying trying the various mixed drinks that have been introduced at the Rogers Centre SkyDome (booo, corporate sponsorship!) over the past few years, such as the "Rookie of the Year" and the "Long fly ball".

A fun drink, a ballgame, and a great view... what's not to like?

Fifth inning: Cutest fans (from the archives)
Okay, so I may be a bit biased, but in gathering material for this post it struck me that we've been taking our kids to games for quite a few years now, and surely this photo (from April 2017) deserves a prize of some kind!

Sam brought his glove, just in case a foul ball reached us in the cheap seats!

Sixth inning: Favourite baseball road trip
We have taken a number of baseball-related trips over the years, visiting Cooperstown (home of the Baseball Hall of Fame), and going to games in New York, Chicago, Detroit, and even a pre-season game in Montreal.

The winner so far, in terms of level of anticipation (several years!), miles traveled, and overall fun, was our trip to Dunedin, FL last March to see a Blue Jays spring training game. The atmosphere was relaxed, the journey there was epic, and we even got to meet Hazel Mae (part of the TV broadcast team) as we were leaving the ballpark. All in all, it was a fantastic experience!

Natasha and Rachel, eagerly awaiting the start of the Jays' spring training game

Before wrapping up this inning, a nod to a strong honourable mention: our spontaneous road trip to Pittsburgh on Labour Day weekend 2022 to see the Jays play the Pirates. It involved an absolute lack of planning, some strange noises from our car heading south on the interstate, lots of fellow Jays fans at PNC Park, and a wonderfully memorable weekend.

Natasha and Rachel getting ready to cheer on the visitors.

Seventh inning stretch: O-K! Blue Jays!
If you've been to a Blue Jays home game before, you know what to do!
If not, follow along with this handy YouTube video (the guy singing along is... quite something :), and be sure to follow along with the actions; it is a seventh inning stretch, after all!

Eighth inning: Most memorable fan giveaway item
From bobblehead figurines and place mats to sweaters, T-shirts, and towels, we've received a fair bit of free Blue Jays swag over the years.

Natasha was excited when this photo was posted to the team's Instagram feed!

Due to the tough competition, this one is a tie between the "slanket" (it's a full-size blanket, but with built-in sleeves so you can wear it!) and the rally towels that Natasha turned into pillow cases, and still hold a place of pride on our couch.

Ninth inning: Greatest total amount of fun
Saving the best for last, I wanted to emphasize just how much fun Natasha has at baseball games; between the atmosphere, on-field excitement, random contests, and danceable songs, she is here for all of it, and her enjoyment really is a sight to behold!

Clearly, picking a single "most fun" occasion is a near-impossible task, but here are a few highlights

During the Winterfest fan event in 2019 (where Natasha met Jesse Barfield),
we got to sit in the dugout, pitch in the bullpen, and lots more!

Last year we were fortunate to be at the game where the Jays clinched a playoff spot.
Natasha is doing some post-game celebrating along with the team!

Quite a few years ago, Sam and Rachel took part in the Junior Jays kids' program.

Specifically, they got to run the bases (with some parental help) after the game,
and yes, that is Natasha and Rachel crossing home plate!

Happy birthday, Natasha!
Here's to many more ball games with you!