Seven years of waiting

We were sitting down the left field line when San Francisco Giants pitcher Matt Cain uncorked one of his trademark 95 mph fastballs. Pittsburgh Pirates hitter Nate McLouth swung and drove the ball right at us. Jeff was clearly not interested in this souvenir and jockeyed for a position outside the path of the ball. I leaned toward the ball, but at the last second it curved a few rows in front of us. After bouncing in and out of a few fans' hands, the ball found its way to me. The crowd was impressed with my skills. And the best part -- there were no cute little kids around to force me to surrender my prize.

After seven seasons as a San Francisco Giants season ticket holder, I finally got a ball.