Red Wings vs. Bulls

The only person I know who's a bigger baseball fan than my boys, would be their Great Uncle Wayne.  Earlier this Spring, Uncle Wayne surprised us by sending us a bunch of baseball paraphernalia, most of which was related to his favorite and home team - the Rochester Red Wings.  It turned out to be very useful for Chris as assistant coach and us fans when Jared was drafted to the Red Wings in the spring.

Then a couple months ago, Uncle Wayne surprised us again by treating us to a real Red Wings game when they came to the area to play the Durham Bulls.  The event was much anticipated by my boys and finally came yesterday.

The seats were excellent and the stadium clean and beautiful.  They say its the nicest stadium in the minor leagues and Chris said he wouldn't doubt it.  Boys were tickled by the peanut vendor that was quite vocal in his enthusiasm for his job; apparently he's an infamous fixture at the stadium.  Chris used it as a teaching moment to remind the boys how we should enjoy everything we do and do it well.

Uncle Wayne had coached the boys over the phone in different techniques to assure that they would get a game ball.  Lance listened well.  The third inning ended in a strike out.  Lance ran down to the railings as the Red Wing catcher was running off the field, he saw Lance in his Red Wings hat and tossed him the game ball.  Lance had a perma-grin for the rest of the game.

Next came Jared's turn to shine.  A stadium representative came up to Jared and started asking him questions.  When she asked if he'd like to go on the field, Jared paused confused and Chris interjected telling him: "Just say 'Yes' Jared", so he did.   She took him behind the scenes to rehearse a skit with Wool E. Bully at the end of the next inning.  The video is after the picture below.

I've always said Jared was my thespian and now I have proof.  He was truly in his element acting out on the field.

The night couldn't have been a greater success.  Chris and the boys had an absolutely fantastic time!