4.21.98

    I think this entry marks a record in the "L.A. Stories." I seem to have, thus far, been unable to eke out more than six entries per month. This means that either I have achieved great clarity of thought or that I'm getting more lax in quality control. Let's not answer this question right now. No, let's move on safe in the knowledge that my fingers are becoming more comfortable at relaying my thoughts.

    I went to my first baseball game ever last night. The Anaheim Angels v. The Baltimore Orioles. I can't say that I'm a baseball lover -- never have been -- but it was not as boring as I thought it was going to be. The field was a beautiful, vibrant green which contrasted nicely with the perfect, rust-colored dirt marking the diamond. I think I may have seen too many baseball games played on football fields as the field seemed a lot smaller than I thought it would be.

    We were in the third row out by the rightfielder. We bought cups of beer, peanuts, big, chewy pretzels and settled in. Last night was gorgeous. I can feel the hot summer right around the corner but for now the weather is heavenly. I went to the game with T. and two of his coworkers, one of whom is a rabid fan of the game and didn't seem to mind answering some of my questions.

    Admittedly, there is plenty of time to ask questions. I guess this is why I could never get into baseball -- it's too slow. There is so much downtime. I was shocked to find out that every time the teams switch out they have a little practice session throwing the ball around, swinging the bats. I never knew. It seems to take the runners so long to get around the bases, too. When I was a kid and we'd play softball in school we had plenty of opportunities, it seemed, to get at least to third base. (Hey, hey! You keep your dirty thoughts to yourself!) In "real" baseball it takes for-e-ver! This wouldn't be so bad if the beer were cheaper.

    Anyway, I had a good time. I don't know if I'll ever understand the singularly American fascination with baseball but I'm gonna try. I have to -- T. has got an envelope full of baseball tickets.

    Take me out to the ball game....

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