On the drive to play catch, I spotted an electronic billboard that read 29 degrees. I believe it. The Bryan Family Millennium Falcon protested the colder weather with multiple low tire pressure lights glaring from the dashboard.
Bridgette braved the below-freezing wind chill and biting winds for today’s game of catch.
At Chesterfield Park, Bridgette and I quickly exited warm vehicles and exercised our throwing arms. We could have played catch all afternoon and I never would have felt “warmed up.” The longer I threw, the more I struggled to keep a decent grip on the baseball. And I needed at least an additional layer or two to begin feeling comfortable outside.
Bridgette was brilliant. On the way out of her house, she grabbed a package of Hot Hands and put them in the pocket of her coat. Neither the temperature nor the wind seemed to bother her. I cannot believe I haven’t thought of using Hot Hands previously. If this weather continues, I might have to contact them for a sponsorship to last through the year’s end.
Bridgette is a Kickapoo and Missouri State and George Washington University graduate, with a master’s degree in strategic public relations. I have a feeling Bridgette could teach me a thing or two on how to make the most out of this catch-playing year.
She was “Raised Royal” in Springfield and played softball for KHS.
“Every position except pitcher. It was a lot of fun.”
The only Royals game she was able to attend this year was the same one at which Clif Smart threw out the first pitch. She has the MSU-colored Royals hat as proof.
“My friends tease me about being a baseball fan. I’ve got a lot of friends who are SEC alums, so it’s football season for them almost year-round. They teased me for waking up early to watch the Japan All-Star series. It’s still baseball season.”
I couldn’t agree more. It’s always baseball season. I’ve been watching the series in Japan as well as re-watching games from the 2015 postseason. (Currently, the Royals are down to the Astros 2 – 1 after three games of the ALDS.)
Bridgette loves the stories that sports tell, interacting with fans on various social media platforms, joining in as a bandwagon fan when necessary. Currently freelancing, she’s working hard at landing that dream gig.
“Working in the communications department in professional baseball.”
It is not easy navigating all things social media and finding one’s way through this digitally-driving world, so I asked for Bridgette’s best advice.
“Keep being yourself.”
What beautiful words with which to begin the weekend.
