ANNA MONICA

Take me out to the ball game It’s amazing, isn’t it, how much we are willing to do for those we care about. Among those things are, for instance, sitting in the hot sun on a Sunday afternoon when you have plenty else you could be doing, and watching a ball game. Why? Well, in our case, my niece’s husband was guarding first base and had hit a home run the night before, so we are there to support him and pray that he hit another. Wayne, Maria, Wayne Jr. and I were there. Macky Waguespack, a native of Paulina, is married to my niece, Sunny Stein, and plays for the Baton Rouge Blue Marlins during the summer months. They are a professional team and often hit the road to accommodate their schedule. The Marlins, privately owned, play at a very nicely refurbished park in Baton Rouge and appear to have a really good following of local fans n as well as some from the River Parishes who come to see the ball players they have known and loved. Sunny and Macky live in Baton Rouge, where she is a speech pathologist. Macky, you may remember, was an outstanding baseball player at Southeastern. Playing for a Baton Rouge team makes it really convenient for Macky to continue pursuing his love of the game. And, as I found out later, all the players, fine young men, indeed, absolutely love the game. That’s why those who are not still in school work at other jobs in addition to their baseball commitment. And, the reason I know they are fine young men is that I met just about all of them at a birthday party for Macky following the game. What a pleasure it was to leave the game, or I should say the heat! America’s favorite pastime, and yes it still is the favorite (perhaps because there are more games played, like every day, than football games which are weekly n and I know that is brilliant reasoning on my part) mostly played in the hot season, especially here. So, we put on our sunscreen, bring our lawn chairs, umbrellas and water and get ready to cheer. Who wouldn’t love it! Baseball players, spouses, girlfriends and family overflowed the home place at Macky’s party. There were plenty chips, dips, dessert and best of all, a great jambalaya and red beans cooked by Macky’s dad, “Wag.” Mom, Debbie, was there, too, along with other friends from our area. The big iron pot wasn’t so full after those ball players got into some serious eating. Some played cards, some listened to the neighbors playing guitars, some gathered to chat, but, mostly, everyone ate and enjoyed themselves. I have to tell you, the game takes on a new perspective after you have met and talked to the players. Then, as far as I am concerned, the game becomes more personal, the feelings more intense and the loyalty to the team is increased. Any St. John local would feel right at home watching the Blue Marlins because there are players’ names and faces that would be quite familiar. Eric Brown of LaPlace, former East St. John player, is a team member. His girlfriend, Yolanda, another local, is always there to support him. Former Riverside player, Kevin Perret plays as well as does Josh Kaplan of Luling, a Hahnvile High graduate. Macky had played for St. Charles before going to Southeastern. Remember the LSU player who in 2000 caught the ball about to go over the fence and assured a win for the team. That was Ray Wright and he plays for the Marlins, too. So, we have a real attachment to the Blue Marlins and, no matter what the weather, we can stick it out and always be loyal to a team we know, which makes it a pleasure to be at “the old ballgame.” ANNA MONICA, a resident of Garyville, writes this column regularly for L’Observateur.