My son, a member of the local high school marching band, performed with the marching band on the warning track before the game and got to stay and watch the game for free. My parents decided to go and watch as well (mostly the performance, but also the game), and they took my daughter along for her first ball game. Yes, it was disappointing that I had to miss the whole thing--the band performance, the memories, and the Cardinals win--but I guess it's bound to happen now and then.
When I asked how it went, I got two different responses.
~~~
Me: So, how did it go?
Dad: Good game. Cards won. Beautiful weather.
~~~
Me: So, how did it go?
Mom: Oh, the band played very well, and Claire had a great time, but there weren't as many people from the school there as there were last year. The weather was beautiful.
~~~
The most amusing/wonderful/gratifying part was that my 4-year old daughter spent the entire game cheering for Molina. "Yay Yadi!" she would yell (or so I'm told) every time his name was announced (or even merely mentioned in passing). "To the point of being quite annoying," my father added. She clapped and screamed and sang his praises, and to be honest, I've never been more proud.
Overall, I'd say it was a success. Next year I'll be there.
