Go O's!

Even if you knew Emma pretty well, it might surprise you to learn that she was something of a baseball fan.  This really pleased Peter, especially because Emma pledged her loyalty to Peter’s team, the Orioles. It can be hard being an Orioles fan in Yankees territory. Actually, given their record, it can be hard being an Orioles fan, period. So it was great that Peter had Emma to talk to about the trials and tribulations of their team.

About once a year, we would manage to take in an Orioles game at Camden Yards. For Emma, this helped to cement her fondness for the team. For Sarah and me, it helped to cement our fondness for Boog’s Barbecue. While Sarah and I were roaming the stadium looking for pink cotton candy, peanuts, or some other kind of junk food, Emma would sit with Peter, keep score, and cheer on her favorite players. Her most recent favorite was Miguel Tejada. When he would get up to bat she would shout “Come on Tejada!! Let’s go Miguel!!” so loudly that I would have to turn to see if the shouting was really coming from my daughter. Who knew she could she shout like that?!

On one of our trips to Camden Yards, Emma got a Tejada t-shirt which she wore proudly for several years, even here in Yankees territory. She had taken to reading the box scores, and frequently chatted with Peter about how her man, Miguel, was doing. So it was a sad day in our house when the Orioles traded Tejada to another team. Emma remained loyal to the Orioles despite this disappointing decision. When we went to a game at Camden Yards this past April, she still cheered the team on enthusiastically (they lost), but she did not choose a new favorite player. Her baseball heart still belonged to Miguel Tejada.

Well, Emm, I’ve got some good news. Miguel is back with the Orioles. I hope he lives up to your loyalty. And just for you, whenever I see him come up to bat, I’ll be sure to scream. “Come on Tejada!!!” in my very loudest voice.