A few years ago I came out and made an extremely bold proclamation. I admitted to watching and liking wrestling. You know, the WWE Universe, NXT, Monday Night RAW (RAWlins more like it) Friday Night SMACK DOWN, and I can’t forget Wrestle Mania, sometimes NXT… so many PPV’s, HECK I even own and have worn a wrestling t-shirt or two. I’m all about the WISEMAN Paul Hayman. IYKYK. However, post is not about sports entertainment.
THIS is a post about the good old American sport of Major League Baseball. That’s right, America’s FIRST professional sport, our national past time. Have you seen my baseball?
It’s kinda an sweet story. The hubs decided to reclaim a childhood hobby, and bought a box of baseball cards to rip. Being the ever loving and supportive wife, I fully encouraged his decision and even lended a hand or two for ripping cards. At the time, I think we had watched a few games of different MLB teams, but hadn’t landed on a house favorite.
We’re from Tampa, so one might consider following the Rays. We currently live in Austin, so we could have our choice of a Texas team like the Astros or the Rangers. We love the idea of one day living in a big city like NYC, and could have backed either the Yankees or the Mets. BUT, we didn’t pick any of the above.
Picture this: Austin Texas 2023. We’re ripping packs of cards and I pulled a Mike Trout. To which I proclaim at the top of my voice, “MIKE TROUT” only to then have an echo erupt from Josh, “MIKE TROUT” … and the rest is as we say, the future! The cards might be worthless cardboard, but the real value is the memories of ripping cards together, and sharing time. So in a way, Trout picked us, and we immediately landed on being LA Angels fans. GO HALOS!
*OF COURSE THIS IS JUST HOW I REMEMBER OUR ANGELS ORIGIN STORY.
JOSH MIGHT HAVE A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT STORY TO TELL.
So we’ve been LA Angel’s fans ever since. We watch Angels baseball nearly every night. SOOOO MUCH BASEBALL. I think that might classify us as diehard Angels fans. Heck, I even bought an Angels t-shirt, and have actually worn it out in public; so you know I’m all in. We have nicknames for many of the players. And we like to add to Erica’s and the Gubie’s commentary during the game. When Mike Trout is up to bat (welcome back Mike, no more injuries please) we both chant “MIKE TROUT!” because it’s what we do. Just last night Trout hit #400…. I hope the fan gave the ball back to him. It’s actually fun to share something as wholesome as baseball together. Just like we share watching Vampire shows, JAWS, and bad HGTV design shows and yes even wrestling. We share our love of the game.
FWIW we were watching when “Big Poppa” happened… that was a great moment for sure. I immediately started singing, “I love it when you call me Big Poppa.” Neto is priceless. And yes, we refer to Zach as “Big Poppa” at the house, don’t you?
My halo faves are (in no particular order): MR. Ron Washington, Big Poppa Neto, O’Hottie O’Hoppe, Schanny Schanua-wow Schanuel, Jo Adell – rolling in the deep outfield, T.Ward, Rengifoooooo, can’t forget ‘lil d (d’Arnaud), Zeferjahn!, Anderson, Detmers and Jansen the closer, the new guy Teodosio (my new favorite) and of course MIKE TROUT!
*OH and with less than 6 degrees of separation- I have a good friend in NJ who went to school with Trout’s sister. She happens to live just down the way from the “Great Wall of Trout” where he’s building The Great Reserve Golf Course with Tiger Woods. I had no idea my friend was in his proximity… So I’m practically “this close” to one day meeting an actual Angel! *eyes, fingers, toes are all accordingly crossed!!
So it’s September 2025 and the season is nearing the end. Our boys have been simplifying and playing some really strong games, but it doesn’t look promising to be in the playoffs this year. It’s ok, next year is going to be banging; hopefully I’ll catch a game when they’re in Texas.
PS we miss you WASH – get well soon so we can see you next season!
Now, since we’re in TX, getting to Angel’s Stadium hasn’t happened YET. But when it does, I’m hoping to have a seat in the big A with the Angels in the outfield. I might even wear a halo for good luck. I just need to score 2 tix and Josh and I will be there! 😛