I’ve begun to find more joy in solo activities. Sometimes that means a quiet night at home hanging in my hammock and listening to a podcast. Maybe it just means a night on the couch watching YouTube. But it could also mean going out somewhere alone—to eat, to catch a movie at the theater, or, in the case of last night, to watch a live baseball game.
Of course I love hanging out with friends or family, especially at the ballpark. The “park” in “ballpark” really captures the laid-back picnic vibes that make it a great group hangout spot. But last night I enjoyed hanging out with myself.
I parked at a garage a ten-minute walk away, and explored the neighborhood on the way to Victory Field. It’s freeing to wander when you’re traveling solo.
During the 6th inning, I left my seat to get a drink and ended up roaming around the concourse. I found a standing area closer to home plate and enjoyed a half-inning from there.
I kept score, a hobby I’ve recently picked up and something I want to write more about in the future. For now, I’ll just share a couple of fun “game notes” from my scorecard:
- It was radio broadcaster Howard Kellman’s 7,000th game.
- The ABS challenge system was tested several times and was fun to watch!
- Indianapolis played as the ABCs for Negro Leagues night.
To celebrate Negro Leagues night, between innings the video board played virtual “walk and talks” in which Sampson Levingston taught us about the black baseball history of Indianapolis. I learned the first-ever game of the Negro National League was played in Indy.
Indianapolis tied it up 4-4 in the bottom of the ninth on a sac fly that had the crowd cheering the loudest they had all night, but ultimately lost the game to the Gwinnett Stripers in the tenth inning for final score of 8-4.
linusoben.haus 