It's hard to believe that it is the end of December and that I'm penning my Final Thoughts section for 2014. While in the past this has meant that I was preparing for a long winter of baseball withdrawals, the beauty is that now I simply have a one month break before the 2015 season gets moving. While 2014 may be over, the future is so exciting. This past season has been one of growth and adventure, and I really feel that baseball and Baseball Road Trips made me a better person.
It's hard to believe that the 2014 journey started nearly 11-months ago with Fan Fest down in San Diego. That sun-splashed Saturday afternoon at Petco got me started on many baseball experiences throughout the season. All the way through the college games at USC, UC Riverside, and Cal State Fullerton. As Spring turned into Summer, there was my trip to Arizona for Spring Training and my travels through the San Joaquin Valley to Visalia and Bakersfield. Once April got going, the 66ers, Angels, and Dodgers got moving and it seemed like every weekend was a trip on the train. Throw in the couple Padres games I went to, and I sure did have my fair share of Major League Baseball for the summer. And, who can forget my trip to Catalina and Palm Springs in August? Then, as the leaves began to change, trips to the Arizona Fall League championship and down to Mexico. Yes, it was busy.
So, after all those games, how did I grow as a person? What made this experience of 2014 so impactful in my life? I think it's easy to answer that. 2014 was a year of many changes in my life, both for better and for worse. However, through all that strife and unknown, baseball was the constant. I could always be reassured that no matter what happened, I was going to go to a game and be entertained. That assurance on a seemingly weekly basis made me appreciate the opportunities I had and the life I was living. If that isn't impactful and meaningful to positive personal growth, I don't know what is.
However, the baseball games were only a small part of what was really a holistic experience. Exploring those cities on my bike, trying out new breweries and restaurants, checking out museums, hitting up the beach...baseball provided the avenue for me to really drive home an exhaustive plethora of fun times. I got to know so much and appreciated where I live so much more.
Boy, the memories of this season. Spring Training with my friend, Seeing North Dakota State take USC to the brink, watching Clayton Kershaw pitch, messing with Bernie, driving out to the desert to see High Desert and Lancaster, riding up Coronado, the "Arrow" game at the Big A...I could go on and on. In 11 months of baseball, I certainly created a lifetime of memories.
What was my favorite part of this season? Gosh, all of it was fantastic. But, I think the one thing I really came to enjoy was the concept of bringing my bike on Road Trips. I can't even imagine going to a game now without my bike. In one season, I biked LA, Orange County, San Diego, Phoenix, Mexicali, and Riverside. While in the process of planning 2015 trips, my bike is now a part of the process. I mean, every Sunday counting on going to a baseball game AND on a bike ride? Pure awesomeness.
As the calendar turns to 2015, and I look ahead, there's plenty to be excited about. To start, at the end of this month, I'll be driving back to Palm Springs to do a weekend watching the California Winter League. Once February comes around, college season gets moving as I have trips to Long Beach State, Pepperdine, UC Irvine, USC, and UC Riverside planned. March will see a return trip to Phoenix for Spring Training, and April will roll with the pros. I'm definitely getting season tickets for both the Angels and 66ers again, so I'll be busy with those teams for the season. I'll certainly be making return trips to Dodger Stadium and Petco Park again for a few games. As for extended trips, I'd like to make my way up to Modesto to hit all the California League parks, and make it out to Chase Field in Phoenix.
I can't tell you just how much I appreciate all of you reading this blog and communicating with me through social media. I never felt alone, and your spirit and encouragement were always present with me. I couldn't wait to write updates on my travels because I knew all of you would offer suggestions, encouragement, and praise for what I was doing. As I move into 2015, I hope that you will all still come along with me for this journey.
I'll do a preview of the California Winter League trip here in a few weeks. So, until then...
Always take on a 3-0 pitch ;)
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