Author Archives: Diana

About Diana

Canadian-Vermonter, Texas transplant. Cowboy boot wearing, maple syrup connoisseur, music lovin', wine and micro-brew drinkin', two-steppin' traveler who loves finding all the hidden gems the world has to offer. Come join me on the ride!

The Miracle League

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I’ve come across a treasure.
And the first time I attended it, I fell absolutely in love.
It’s called The Miracle League.
The Miracle League is a baseball league which gives children with disabilities a chance to play. The love of the game involves everyone. They play on a “no barriers” field which is specially built for these children. The field is cushioned, with a rubberized surface to help prevent any injuries and to allow children in wheel chairs or walkers to play.
This is how the game is played:
  • Each player receives a chance to bat every inning.
  • Each player has a “buddy” to assist them and to cheer them on.
  • Each player is always safe on the bases.
  • Each player gets to round the bases and make a run every inning.
  • The last player up to bat hits a home run!
How amazing is that?!
I am a “buddy” for the Miracle League in Arlington, Texas. The field can be found near the entrance of Randoll Mill Park. The first time I attended a game, I couldn’t believe it. These kids were so excited and overjoyed to be given the chance to play! They get out into the field and are ready to go! They cheer on their opponents and encourage each other. I think we all know getting up to bad is the best part. The ball is set up on a “T” so they either get up there and swing away or get some help from their Buddy. The team I help out with has a little boy on the team and every game he can be found cheering on his team and telling them they are going to win. You can’t help but smile at how happy this opportunity makes them.
The Miracle League began in 1998 in Georgia and has since spread across the country. If you have a disabled child, this is a place that they would love. If you would like to help out or donate, reach out to a Miracle League near you. It’s truly rewarding for all involved.

2010 World Series, Game 3

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In honor of the World Series beginning today between the Texas Rangers and the St. Louis Cardinals, I thought I would reminisce about the team, this time last year.
Last year, on October 30th, 2010, we were lucky enough to score tickets to the 2010 World Series between the Texas Rangers and the San Fransisco Giants. Standing room only tickets, but tickets no less. Sy had to work so I headed down to the stadium with a couple friends to stand in line for our prime seats or spots.
We weren’t alone in line and that wasn’t a surprise. Texas Ranger fans have been waiting a long time for this moment. The team went from never having won a playoff game in the history of the team to making it to the World Series. These fans were pumped up and ready to go. Sporting their “That’s how baseball go” t-shirts, foam hats and antlers and other homemade memorabilia that they would be holding on and passing along to their grandkids.
Once inside, we headed to center field. The ESPN booth was already set up next to the visitors bullpen. I found my spot in a small corner. “No one should be coming thru here” was my only thought. Staying away from being trampled over the for the next 5-6 hours was my goal. We had a couple hours to go before game time. Little did I realize, that I just scored the best seats in the entire stadium.
For the next two hours or so, we not only got to watch the teams warm-up and mingle with some fans, catch a few glimpses of some great attire.
Before we knew it, it was game time! Kelly Clarkson, a “local” did a fantastic job of singing.
 
Let’s play ball!  
 
Now, you are probably thinking its pretty exciting to be attending a World Series game but to top it all off, we were standing right in front of the ESPN booth. What’s that mean? It meant that if you are a true baseball fan, you had the seats (standing room only spot) of your life. Not only did you get to watch a game that would be going down in history, all you had to do was turn around and talk to some of the biggest names in baseball.
Bobby Valentine – Local favorite who owns “Bobby V’s” restaurant in Arlington, former Rangers Manager and Manager of a baseball team over in Japan.
Nomar Garciaparra – Former Red Sox short stop.
Dave Winfield – Baseball Hall of Famer
Karl Ravech – Baseball Tonight broadcaster
Tim Kurkjian – ESPN Baseball Guru
Buster Olney – ESPN Baseball Guru #2 (according to Tim Kurkjian)
John Kruk – All-Star First baseman for the Phillies
  
 
They were gracious enough to joke around with us, take a few pictures and even sign some autographs.
 

We had to bring the hat…. and it worked!

 The Rangers ended up winning the game, 4-2. It would be the only game they won at home and would end up losing the series.
Now they’ve been given a second chance!
Let’s go Rangers!

Texas Rangers ALCS Championship Game 2010

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Fall is either make it or break it for baseball fans. As with all sports in Texas, things are taken very seriously. Since I’ve moved, I’ve really come to love the Rangers baseball team. Maybe it’s because the entire ball club seems to be one big ole family and Nolan Ryan seems to be the most down to earth and humble owner you could ask for.
2010 marked an exciting year for the Rangers. Not only did they win their first playoff game in Ranger history but they also won the ALCS Championship against the Yankees. Who better to beat than the Yankees, I say! We were lucky enough to be there for the championship game. What a night.
We showed up to the ballpark and it was raining, almost down right pouring. Fans were ready to go!
We found our seats, on the highest level but it didn’t matter we still had a good view and if there is anything about attending a playoff game, it doesn’t really matter where you are sitting you are part of this incredible crowd.
We had this huge Texas Rangers foam cowboy hat sitting at work. It came to the point where if there was a day game, we would be with the hat at work and the Rangers would win the game. If it was an evening game, someone would have to take it home and if someone was going to the game – the hat went too. If the hat was left alone during an evening game, we lost. Yes, this really happened. We took the hat. We won. Coincidence? I think not.
So the game went on. We were all nervous as ever.
Here is the final Yankee at bat, Alex Rodriguez.
It’s pretty exciting to be in this setting.
Families brought their kids – they wanted them to witness history.
That night they did.
Some of the players ended up bringing out their kids after the game.
It was nice to just sit and see everyone relish in the moment, almost surreal.
Would we get tickets to another ALCS playoff game?
Does it get any better than the game we went to last year?
When we finally left, outside was insane. Everyone was filled with so much excitement you would think that they just won the World Series. The Texas Rangers have some great fans!
Congrats to the Rangers for winning their second ALCS Championship over the weekend!