Patrick's Hobbies

My family tells me I was as young as two years old when I began my passion for baseball. My passion for America’s Pastime is as strong now as ever.

From an early age, I remember going to Veteran’s Stadium with my dad to watch the Philadelphia Phillies. My passion for baseball was so strong that it didn’t matter that I was usually watching a last place team in one of the ugliest and most maligned sporting venues in the game. To me, getting a hot dog and a soda while watching the ‘Phitin’ Phils’ from the 700 level nosebleed seats was as good as it got on a summer night.

Tuning to Channel 17 at 7:05 p.m. each night was a staple of summer nights not spent at the ballpark. Hearing the late legendary broadcasters Harry Kalas and Richie ‘Whitey’ Ashburn talk baseball was as enjoyable as being at the game. Harry and Whitey weren’t just giving you the play-by-play. They were having a conversation with you as they came into your living room each night.

To me, baseball was more than just going to The Vet or listening to the games on television. One of the reasons baseball became my primary hobby was because I could play the game. From pickup games with friends to competitive leagues, I was always with a glove and a ball in hand.

Even as a student in graduate school, I still maintain an active interest in baseball. I watch games each night on television, play in an intramural softball (as close as it gets) league and I hope to one day follow in my dad’s footsteps and become a little league coach.