By Josh:
Last night I was at a Lower Columbia College Softball game and I got to watch a record being broken. Nicole Bolasky stole her 40th base to set the Red Devils stolen base record. It is always fun to watch a record being broken or even just come close to being broken.
This got me thinking as to what records I’ve seen in my lifetime.
Outside of baseball I had the opportunity to watch Ashton Eaton break the Decathlon World Record in 2012 at the US Olympic Trials. Having done track in high school and college I have to admit this was an amazing experience, especially watching it in Eugene.
Okay back to baseball.
When I was in high school I remember exactly where I was when Cal Ripken broke the consecutive games played record. I was at my Pastors house watching the game on TV with a few friends. I don’t remember if it was after church or youth group but honestly being able to say I watched this amazing record being broken is amazing to me. Cal Ripken Jr is one of my favorite players of all time.
When Mark McGwire broke Maris’ single season homerun record I was driving somewhere and was listening to it on the radio. I know I was cheering in my vehicle.
Although not a record I was at the Mariners 5 pitcher no-hitter. It was actually my daughter’s first game ever and I will admit this was an amazing experience for me.
All of this to say that as a fan when you watch a record being broken you feel like you are a part of it. Yes I know that it wasn’t me who did any of those records but as a fan I still get that feeling of a connection. That connection is honestly something that keeps me going to baseball games.
Records are fun and give fans specific memories that they can latch on to.
Congratulations to Nicole Bolasky on putting your name in the Lower Columbia College record books.