Taking my 5-year old to his 1st MLB game tonight! (1 Viewer)

I can remember my Uncle taking me to Fenway to see my first MLB game when I was nine, it was Oil Can Boyd against the Orioles. I remember walking around the stadium before the game eating sausages being overwhelmed by the crowd. I remember walking through the tunnel and seeing the green field and feeling the buzz of the stadium. I remember eating the peanuts whole, with the shells, because my older cousin said it would put hair on my chest like his. I remember the sound the green monster made when Wade Boggs smacked a double off of it. I remember my team winning the game.

Having such fond memories of my first game is making me second guess whether or not I'm doing the right thing with my son. The former Joe Robbie/ProPlayer stadium cannot leave a lasting impression on my boy like Fenway did for me. There are no sausage vendors outside the stadium, there is no buzz inside the stadium and there is no green monster in left field. I doubt 25 years from now my son will remember his first game was Sergio Mitre against the Reds. Other than keeping our ticket stubs, does anyone have any advice on a way to make this game as memorable for my son as my first game was for me?

Have fun.

"Son, this is where the two-time world champions play"

My almost 4 year old has been to about 5-6 games already.

If you can, bring your mitts and try to get to batting practice a few hours before game time. Most of the time you should be able to get very close to the field and snag a few foul balls along the wall.

The last Mets game I brought my son to we went to batting practice and Jose Reyes came over after stretching and gave my son a high five. I was pretty excited. My son's response was "Where is Mr Met?"

He loves going to the games. Not interested in the game whatsoever. He just wants to see the Mets mascot (Mr Met) and catch foul balls.

Doctor Detroit said:

Have fun.

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This is the Home Run of advice.

He'll remember the game because he went to it with you. My 1st game was at the Astrodome with Ryan v Valenzuela in the old standing room only section. My dad hates crowds but I wanted to go to that game and he took me - that's what I remember most from that game.

Capella said:

"Son, this is where the two-time world champions play"

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What if he asks where they are? Do I just point out Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis and tell him that's all that's left?

ooofffaaa said:

If you can, bring your mitts and try to get to batting practice a few hours before game time. Most of the time you should be able to get very close to the field and snag a few foul balls along the wall.The last Mets game I brought my son to we went to batting practice and Jose Reyes came over after stretching and gave my son a high five. I was pretty excited. My son's response was "Where is Mr Met?"

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Good stuff, thanks.

greedygoat said:

Capella said:

"Son, this is where the two-time world champions play"

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What if he asks where they are? Do I just point out Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis and tell him that's all that's left?

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"All over the country son. All over the country."

Knightro said:

He'll remember the game because he went to it with you. My 1st game was at the Astrodome with Ryan v Valenzuela in the old standing room only section. My dad hates crowds but I wanted to go to that game and he took me - that's what I remember most from that game.

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Thanks, deep down I know you're right.

I remember my first game. 8 years old, Sunday afternoon. Phils/Dodgers with Don Carmen (my favorite pitcher because we were both left handed) on the mound. We sat third base side since that's where Mike Schmidt manned of course. Phils got smoked (as they did the first 5 times i think i saw them) but I remember being in awe of the size of the field and stadium.

Capella said:

greedygoat said:

Capella said:

"Son, this is where the two-time world champions play"

Click to expand...

What if he asks where they are? Do I just point out Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis and tell him that's all that's left?

Click to expand...

"All over the country son. All over the country."

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Ohh, thanks, I almost forgot. I can also point out #2 Alex Gonzalez and #19 Mr. Marlin himself Jeff Conine playing for Cincinnati.

local color? Buy him an Arepa!

Before my first real game at Yankee Stadium, I saw the Yankees in Spring training at Lockhardt. Now, that place is a dump.

RedRaiders said:

I remember my first game. 8 years old, Sunday afternoon. Phils/Dodgers with Don Carmen(my favorite pitcher because we were both left handed) on the mound. We sat third base side since that's where Mike Schmidt manned of course. Phils got smoked (as they did the first 5 times i think i saw them) but I remember being in awe of the size of the field and stadium.

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:shudder:

The Man from Laramie said:

local color? Buy him an Arepa!

Before my first real game at Yankee Stadium, I saw the Yankees in Spring training at Lockhardt. Now, that place is a dump.

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Now spring training home of the Orioles.I doubt he'll ask for an arepa, but he can have whatever he wants. As a father of 2 young kids (5&2), I find myself setting boundries alot. I feel like I'm too negative or find myself saying no alot, but realize it's a necessary part of disciplining children. Tonight I don't want to tell my son no once. If he wants local color I'll get him a Cuban sandwich. If he wants a $50 D-train jersey, even though he's likely tradebait, I'll buy it. If the boy wants to eat hot dogs like Kobayashi, so be it. I want him to have fun tonight.

greedygoat said:

The Man from Laramie said:

local color? Buy him an Arepa!

Before my first real game at Yankee Stadium, I saw the Yankees in Spring training at Lockhardt. Now, that place is a dump.

Click to expand...

Now spring training home of the Orioles.I doubt he'll ask for an arepa, but he can have whatever he wants. As a father of 2 young kids (5&2), I find myself setting boundries alot. I feel like I'm too negative or find myself saying no alot, but realize it's a necessary part of disciplining children. Tonight I don't want to tell my son no once. If he wants local color I'll get him a Cuban sandwich. If he wants a $50 D-train jersey, even though he's likely tradebait, I'll buy it. If the boy wants to eat hot dogs like Kobayashi, so be it. I want him to have fun tonight.

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Can I go? I will take a hooker.Just kidding. He will remember being there with you. One of the things I did with my kids was to make sure I got a pic of us with the field in the background. Frame it and it will be something he will always have.