Baseball Trip

Every summer since I was seven, my dad has taken me on a baseball trip. We
visit a couple different stadiums around the country each year. Not only do
we see a game in each city; we also experience that particular city’s
culture and local attractions. My favorite and most inspiring trip was in
2008 when we visited Washington D.C., Baltimore and Philadelphia.

Following the Nationals game the first night, we visited the Jefferson,
Lincoln, Korean and FDR Memorials. As I stood on the steps of the Jefferson
and Lincoln Memorials, I took in the picturesque view of our nation’s
capitol. It was a surreal moment for me, standing next to these larger than
life statues of two of the greatest men to ever lead our country. It was
also somewhat intimidating having the eyes of Thomas Jefferson staring at me
with the sandstone colored background of the monument surrounding only me. I
then grasped just how much hard work and dedication these two men displayed
throughout their successful lives.

I reflected upon my life and tried to determine how best I could emulate
these great men and demonstrate my hard work and dedication, hopefully
leading me down a similarly successful path. I realized I have shown extreme
hard work and dedication in my own baseball career. Ever since I started
playing, my goal was to make my high school varsity team. I achieved that
goal last year. I have had to make sacrifices throughout my life to achieve
my goal. I have been playing for thirteen years, dedicating six days a week
and eleven months a year to reach my goal.

At the Korean Memorial, I realized how much those soldiers had to sacrifice.
Those men left behind families and many gave their own life so we all can
enjoy the lives we now live. In one night, I recognized the common theme in
all these landmarks was that extreme sacrifice and determination was
required in order to achieve lofty goals and to be remembered in history.

The following day, we took a private tour of the Capitol and visited the
White House, the World War II Memorial, the Supreme Court, and the
Smithsonian Air and Space Museum. At each stop, I learned more about our
country’s rich history.

In Baltimore, we saw the Orioles play the Boston Red Sox. It was a strange
experience at Camden Yards. Even though the Red Sox were the visiting team,
their fans seemed to occupy about seventy percent of the stadium and were
extremely vocal. Many had taken the train down from Boston to watch their
beloved Red Sox play. I have never been to a game where the visiting team
had more fans than the home team. It felt like Fenway Park south.

In Philadelphia, we visited Independence Hall, where the Declaration of
Independence was signed on July 4th, 1776 and where the American flag was
first unveiled in 1777. I also learned that in 1781, the Articles of
Confederation were ratified here and in 1787, the U.S. Constitution was
drafted here. Finally, and contrary to popular belief, Philadelphia acted as
our nation’s “capitol” before Washington D.C. was built.

At the Phillies game that night, I had my first ever Philly Cheesesteak.
Philadelphia is home to the original Cheesesteak, and it did not disappoint.

Throughout this trip I learned much about our great country and what it
means to be an American. It inspired me to work even harder and stay
determined. It also taught me to be prepared to sacrifice in order to leave
my place in history.