Columnists
A Slice-of-Life Commentary (c); America’s Pastime
By Susan Reno-Gilliland
Aug 8, 2005

As someone who has a lot of good memories from time spent in Fulton County Stadium, and, then, Turner Field in Atlanta watching the Braves play baseball, summer isn’t summer without trips to the ballpark.   For years, Americans have referred to baseball as “America’s Pastime,” and with good reason.   Regardless of whatever else is going on around you, there’s something about going to a game that makes you feel like a kid again. 
 
In recent years, though, the players seem to be tarnishing what we, as Americans, hold dear by their selfish behaviors.   Whether it is arguing over more money, bad-mouthing their teams or owners, or the ever-present cloud of steroid use, the actual game of baseball has had to take a back seat to the personalities and egos that overshadow what should still be America’s pastime.   Instead of losing ourselves for a few hours with hotdogs, cotton candy, sodas and the roar of the crowd at a game, we’re inundated with the news stories of this player or that player who has ‘broken-the-rules’ and is facing a suspension and fine.

But, baseball still has something “magical” associated with it, a certain “something” that makes life a little less stressful, if only for the time you spend in the ballpark.    It is even more evident when you visit a minor league park.    You get the feel of ‘real’ baseball, but with that small, hometown atmosphere that you associate with the good ‘ole days, Bull Durham, and the slower pace of rural living.

 
We recently treated our employees and spouses/dates to a Saturday night out at the State Mutual Stadium, home of the Rome Braves – the Class “A” Affiliate of the Atlanta Braves.    We had great seats, “Club-Level,” right behind home plate and had an entire row to ourselves.   Since we had purchased “club” tickets, we were also eligible for entrance into the restricted full-service restaurant, The Three Rivers Club, where we treated everyone to dinner before the game.   
 

 
Once we entered the stadium and made our way to our seats, it was as if we were instantly transported to a different place and time.    Everything outside of the stadium seemed to disappear as everyone got caught up in the spirit and excitement of the game – the sights, the sounds, and the energy of the crowd.    We were cheering on the Rome Braves, singing along with the music, dancing in the aisles with Romey the mascot, who would lead everyone in some gyrations between innings, and finding ourselves featured on the big screen more than a few times throughout the night.
 

Romey the Mascot
 


 
Although major league baseball has received more than a few ‘black-eyes’ over the last several years, the game – the true game of baseball – is still America’s Pastime in the most nostalgic sense of the word.     If you have the opportunity before summer’s end, catch a game – major league, minor league, or even recreational leagues – the feelings you experience from spending time in the stands with other fans will give your spirit a boost that will last long after the last pitch is thrown.
 
Batter up.    Play ball!
 
 
Ms. Susan Reno-Gilliland is a former Chattanooga-area native, who has traveled extensively, and is now living and working in Georgia.     She is a freelance writer, columnist, photographer, artist, interior designer, and owner of “A Southern Belle’s Life.” Ms. Reno-Gilliland has BAs in Fine Arts, Applied Arts-Journalism, and Interior Design, with minors in Psychology and Sociology.  She has been a residential/commercial Designer since 1995.  Due to her many relocations between ’95-‘02, she changed the focus of her design studio in 2002, and is strictly by appointment-only; working through referrals instead of actively marketing the studio's services, so she has more time to write, and volunteer within the community.

In addition to her varied creative works, Ms. Reno-Gilliland also offers decorating workshops to community and civic organizations.   She is active in several community and charitable activities – most specifically breast cancer awareness and animal protection, rescue and adoption.   She is a strong supporter of the Arts, is a published writer and columnist, is currently working on a new anthology book, and has been a featured speaker at public events and on several local/regional community television shows.  Ms. Reno-Gilliland also works with Realtors to assist their clients in preparing homes for sale.  She may be reached at her studio, A Southern Belle’s Life at: a [dot] southern [dot] belle [at] gmail [dot] com   
“Darlin’, don’t ever take a Southern woman for granted!”