Take Them Out to the Ballgame

Last season, we took Kaila to her very first Dodger game. My brother and I grew up Dodger fans, and we still watch almost every game and text each other to celebrate or commiserate during wins and losses.

America’s pastime is a wonderful family activity that can help create memories both on and off the field. Whether your child plays Little League or you are just a spectator in the stands, baseball is a tradition that transcends culture or even language differences. In Japan, it was encouraging to see baseball resume after the recent tragic events.  

You don’t need to pay the expensive ticket prices and attend a Major League venue in order to enjoy the game, either. Here in Moorpark, we have many levels of baseball to enjoy and participate in.

Moorpark Little League's schedule can be found online, and includes T-ball through Junior divisions.

The Moorpark High School Musketeer's baseball program runs through May, with the CIF playoffs running through June.

The Moorpark girls softball schedule can be found on this website, and their schedule runs through May.  

The Moorpark College Athletics website includes both the men’s baseball program and woman’s softball schedules. 

If you are interested in joining a softball team here in Moorpark, you can find more information on the Moorpark City website and Spring 2011 Arroyo recreation guide. There are also T-ball classes for younger children and co-ed softball teams.

Going to games with my uncle and brother was a special time in my childhood that I will never forget. I even went on to play softball briefly as a teenager and though I was not much of a home run hitter when I played softball briefly as a teenager, bunting and stealing were my strengths.

Now long retired from my playing days, sitting in the stands with my daughter and husband while I watch Kaila scarf down a Dodger Dog is really one of the most enjoyable moments as a mother that I have had.

When taking a young child to a game, be prepared that he or she may not last through the entire nine innings. Kaila made it through to the last pitch, and I found partaking in peanuts and hot dogs is just as important as that bag of popcorn at the movies. Children love to yell and cheer, so a baseball game is a perfect outlet for their pent up energy. Plus, I get to pass on the Dodger Blue tradition to my children.

Baseball, or any other sport or activity your family prefers, can be a great way to connect with each other. As long as Kaila doesn’t become a San Francisco Giants fan, we can root for our team together in hopes of a World Championship.