Baseball Through a New Lens: My Story from the Chicago Suburbs to Seattle
Growing up around Cubs baseball in the Chicago suburbs, I never caught the true passion for the game. Moving to Washington DC, Nationals Park felt more like a social hangout than a place to focus on baseball. Then Seattle introduced me to a community of die-hard Mariners fans who live and breathe the sport. It wasn’t until later, when I watched When It Was A Game, that baseball culture finally clicked—and everything changed.
From Suburbs to Seattle
My journey across cities shaped how I see baseball. From Chicago's quiet suburban streets to Seattle's vibrant fandom, each place added a layer to my story.
Growing Up with Cubs Baseball
Living in the Chicago suburbs, Cubs baseball was a constant backdrop. You'd hear about the games, see the gear, but for me, it was just there. 100 years of history, yet I felt a disconnect. Friends would talk about the stats, but it was all numbers to me.
Walking past the television, I'd catch glimpses, but the magic others saw eluded me. Many Cubs fans are born into fandom, but my connection felt secondhand. It was like hearing a song everyone loves but not knowing why. For a kid in the suburbs, the games felt like part of someone else's world.
Social Scene at Nationals Park
Moving to Washington DC opened a new chapter. Nationals Park wasn't about home runs; it was about connections. Friends gathered, not to dissect plays, but to enjoy each other's company. The stadium buzzed with chatter more than cheers.
The ballpark was a social hub, a place for happy hours and dates and where baseball was the backdrop to laughter and conversation. It was less about the innings and more about the experience of being there. You'd see families, friends, even coworkers enjoying evenings under the lights. The focus shifted from the game to the gathering, reinforcing that ballparks could be versatile spaces.
Passionate Seattle Mariners Fans
Seattle was different. Something about my social and professional circles made me notice that Mariners fans live and breathed their team. Maybe it was just that I lived in the city for the first time, but fandom was a community. The energy was infectious, drawing you in.
When It Was A Game turned the corner for me, transforming baseball from a distant backdrop into a heartfelt passion. Our products and services at whenitwasagame.org aim to capture baseball’s rich history and culture, resonating with fans and newcomers alike. Through nostalgic videos, interactive experiences, and community events, I discovered the magic in the game’s nuances—its timeless rhythm, shared victories, and the profound camaraderie among fans and players. Baseball becomes a tapestry of stories and memories, woven with a sense of belonging. Sharing this passion has become my mission, invigorating my love for baseball with every shared story.