Arizona D-backs FanFest 2/12/11

Arizona baseball is about to kick off in high gear.  This past Saturday I made my way to Chase Field in Phoenix, AZ home of the Arizona Diamondbacks for FanFest 2011.  Upon entering the stadium, I met Bobby Freeman sitting at an autograph table by himself with his keyboard and sound gear next to him.  Bobby is the Musical Mascot for the D-backs and has held this position since the inaugural season in 1998.  We had a nice conversation about music and baseball and he proudly showed off his 2001 World Series Championship ring which he allowed me to try on.  Inscribed inside the ring reads "9-11-01 Never Forget."



Bobby Freeman, Musical Mascot for the D-backs



Bobby Freeman's 2001 World Series Championship Ring

As fans made their way down to the field for FanFest, I noticed the breezeway of the stadium where the concessions are located was empty. I quickly realized I was by myself.  I wandered out of sight from the main entrance down through each numbered section of the stadium.  Stopping along the way to take photos,  I noticed parts of the stadium I had not seen before.  It looked different now with no voices echoing though the area, no distractions.  It was completely quiet.  Cascading above the seating entrance to Section 123 there is a photo of young kids wearing D-back baseball hats trying to catch a loose ball.  At this very moment, I am as excited as the captured look on each of their faces.  I started to think about how many fans had filtered through this stadium...families with kids, couples on dates, guys with their friends, girls holding bachelorette parties, older men with historical baseball stories from other stadiums, young boys carrying gloves hoping to catch a fly ball and then my thoughts turned inward.  I began to think about why I love this game, a game I have never played, yet I have such a passion for.  At that very moment,  I am empty of reasons and answers like countless times before.  I am exuberant with happiness alone in the hallways of Chase Field forgetting about life outside the stadium.  After relishing in this moment, I headed to the field to meet the players and feel the excitement as thousands of fans rushed onto the field.  Spring Training has arrived.