NOW it's time to watch baseball

In honor of the Major League Baseball playoffs starting tonight, I want to share a picture of my daughters' first major league game. We went to see the Red Sox play the Devil Rays down in Tampa last year. It was a great match-up between Josh Beckett and Scott Kazmir who are the aces of both teams. Despite Kazmir tossing a complete game two-hitter in a 3-0 win, we had a blast. My family and I shared some moments that all dads dream of. We chanted "Maaaaannnnny, Maaaaaaaannnnny..." and then we all enjoyed saying "I love it when you call me Big Papi." every time David Ortiz stepped up. And we saw Jonathan Papelbon warm up just feet from us in the Red Sox bullpen. And we shared the ultimate baseball moment by singing "Take me out to the ball game," in the 7th inning.

Yes, those were great times and very soon, we will add to those memories by bringing my son Grayson Thomas Boston along to see his first Sox game. For those who haven't heard the story about his two middle names, this was a compromise between my wife and I. I was pushing pretty hard for Boston to be his first name but no dice-k. I thought Curt was gonna work for a while but that eventually was axed as well. Oddly enough, Manny, Pedro, Nomar and Yaz were not even allowed to be discussed. Geez... :-)

I will root for the Red Sox like I always have and try to keep it all in perspective if they don't win. Having my kids sit down and watch it with me is what will make this time truly special as I will probably forget who actually wins tonight but I will always remember who was watching with me.

Go Sox!