https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVsqew_Dddw
If I only had the money to buy the perfect day to fulfill my baseball fantasies…
What Do You Dream of?
I once heard that many men put themselves to sleep at night dreaming about striking out the Yankees lineup. Others probably dreamed of pitching FOR the Yankees. I’m a Red Sox fan who is more into hitting than pitching. So, I’d dream of knocking a homer over the Green Monster to beat the Yankees for the pennant! As baseball fans though, what would be your ultimate fan experience?
On The Field Fenway Park
If I had millions of dollars and could talk to Red Sox management into indulging my baseball fan fantasy, it would go like this. First, after breakfast I’d pull into Fenway Park and have valet parking. I’d then be escorted to the Red Sox locker room and have my own locker with two uniforms, a glove, and several bats waiting for me. After suiting up, I do warm ups and take my time stretching. I would need time to take in the view from being on the field. I’ve sat in almost everywhere there is to sit in America’s Most Beloved Ball Park, but I’ve never been on the grass. I’ve never stood on the mound or the infield or outfield. I’d take fielding practice in both places, trying to make throws from short to first and from center to home plate. Then I’d stand in left and try to gauge shots hit off The Wall and hopefully field them cleanly. Would I dive for any sinking liners? I’m not too far from getting Medicare, and I’d care not to use it. No heroics that will jam my shoulder and ruin the next part of the day after lunch.
Batter Up!
Next I shower then eat a leisurely lunch up in the Aura Club’s premium dining area, I’d take a nap in the trainer’s room on the table. After garnering all my strength, I’d get suited up again for batting practice. My swinging would end only upon exhaustion. At first I just try to make solid contact and get my timing down with some solid line drives. I’m sure just about every Red Sox fan has dreamt of hitting a baseball over the Green Monster. However, if I could even hit it it on the fly I’d be happy. It’s officially 310 feet down the left field line, though some sources insist it’s as few as 305 feet. If you can keep a ball in the air for just over the length of a football field you could hit The Wall. I’d have to adjust my stance, and my power’s against me being a left handed hitter. I seriously doubt I could homer to center, which as long as 420 feet, or right field at 380. Never mind hitting the red seat in right at 502 feet, where Ted Williams homered in 1946. I decide my final hit will be followed up with a run around the bases, homer or not.
Red Sox Hall of Fame
By this point it’s late afternoon and I’d tour the Red Sox Hall of Fame slowly, taking in every plaque. Unlike most other MLB teams, this is the history of Red Sox players at who starred at Fenway. For example, at Detroit’s Comerica Park there’s a statue of Tigers’ great Ty Cobb. Cobb however, never played there. He played at Bennet Park and later at Navin Field/Briggs Stadium/Tiger Stadium. The statues of Yaz, Ted, Dom DiMaggio, Johnny Pesky, and Bobby Doerr reflect famous Red Sox players who all made Fenway their home.
During rain delays at Fenway, I don’t need to be on my phone playing games or web surfing. I simply look out and imagine the ghosts of Red Sox players. I can picture great plays or clutch hits made for over 100 years.
Clubhouse and Seating
I take one last trip to the clubhouse. The players are getting taped, suiting up, and going through their pre-game rituals. Tonight they host the hated Yankees in a tight division matchup. I am humbly introduced to them and the manager by someone from the front office. Next I quickly talk to a few of my favorite players and get an autograph or picture. I’d hang out just listening to typical baseball banter. The manager and coaches walk in before the game to give last minute advice.
Next I go to a luxury box with a buffet dinner and drinks. I’m wearing on a new Red Sox jacket and cap courtesy of the club. I’d stay up there until the 7th inning stretch. Then to my surprise I’m taken to the Sox dugout to hang out on the bench. I end up listening to the manager and players discuss moves to pull this tight game out. A Sox player hits a walk off homer over the Green Monster in the ninth inning. I see and feel the eruption of emotion as the dugout empties out onto the field. The batter is mobbed, and I get to join in the high fives while avoiding any Gatorade showers that would mess up my new cap and jacket. I get to gloat a bit seeing the dreaded Yanks go back to their clubhouse in despair.
After the game I watch from the side as the Red Sox manager answers the press. On another day and in another fantasy, I’d be one of the press. I’d get to ask the tough questions. “Why did you bring in a reliever who has a 7.50 ERA in the 6th to face Aaron Judge?” I’d press on why they didn’t bunt with men on first and second base and nobody out. But in this fantasy we won, so let it go.
Back To Reality
After the valet brings up my car, I drive home listening to whatever radio broadcasts cover the post game analysis and highlights. I never got to play for any MLB team, but after a day like that I would feel like I had a day in the majors. Having such a baseball day at Fenway would be something that only Mr. Roarke on Fantasy Island could envision.
So what baseball fantasy fan experience do you have?