As American As Baseball

On July 4th, we went downtown to Petco Park with Anne and Gilbert to watch the San Diego Padres play baseball against the Houston Astros. The tickets were courtesy of my good friend Sally, who had four tickets but couldn't use them. These were really close field level seats! I was very excited that we had made no plans for July 4th and were able to go last minute! Even more excited that Anne and Gilbert came with us. Anne had just finished running the Scripps Ranch July 4th 10K, her first race in 18 months.

Anne and Gilbert live pretty close to us, so they came by to pick us up. We would have driven, but remember, our Explorer is in the shop getting fixed up. My little Honda Prelude wouldn't fit the four of us. First we headed to the Subway by our house and picked up some sandwiches. They let you bring your own food into Petco Park, which is a nice perk. Then we drove down to Fashion Valley to catch the special game day trolley, instead of driving all the way downtown and having to fight traffic and parking. Trolley was easy peasy! It spit us out right outside Petco Park.

We arrived at our seats a few minutes before the first pitch. These were good seats! We were literally in the 2nd row.


After an inning or so, Todd went to find some garlic fries and a Coke. He came back successful.

Super-yummy garlic fries from Ruby's.

Besides the coke, Todd also found a big ole bag of caramel corn.


The great field level seats meant that I got some pretty good photos.


Before the 7th inning, the Pad Squad came out and threw out some souvenirs. The kids all went nuts.


Anne and Gilbert enjoying the game.


The floppy hat team also enjoying the game.


Todd taking in the action on the field.


During the 7th inning stretch, we sang "God Bless America" and also of course, "Take Me Out To The Ballgame".


The game was very close and tied at 2-2 until the bottom of the 9th inning, when the Padres scored the winning run with 1 out. Tony Gwynn Jr. got a base hit with the bases loaded and we won the game! It was the third game in a row where the Padres won at the last at-bat!


The trolley ride back was super convenient. We didn't even have to wait in line. Just jumped right onto the trolley. We had so much fun with Anne and Gilbert, plus, it was a very American way to celebrate Independence Day. If I would have had a hot dog and apple pie, it would have been even more American! :)