It was a mission to get tickets for The World Baseball Classic which was hosted at Estadio de Béisbol Charros de Jalisco y Atletismo. The game featured Mexico vs Italy, a match up that would have been intriguing if it was a soccer game. I’m not a fan of baseball but I am a fan of international sporting events. Luckily, I was still intoxicated from the Belgian beers. That liquid courage prompted me to join in on a pick-up soccer game that was happening outside the stadium. Bystanders referred to me as Messi as I broke it down on the youngsters.
Before entering the stadium, I bought an ‘official’ fitted Mexican national team hat from a street vendor for the reasonable price of $5. I even engaged in minimal face-painting.
We got their early enough to watch the opening ceremony and take plenty of pictures and have a few snacks.
After finding our seats, it was time to take in the spectacle. The fans were going wild after the first play from scrimmage (joking) was a lead-off home-run. After a few innings and a few micheladas, I was bored and decided to walk around the stadium.
The first stop was the Jaliscos’ official merchandise store. There I found my Kenny Powers Charros jersey for $40. Suited up, I addressed my hunger by buying a Fred Flintstone turkey drumstick.
Inspired by my new wardrobe, I went back to catch a few more innings. At that point Mexico was up and the fans were letting the Italian team know what they thought of their mothers. Not trying to be outed as an outsider, I ordered another Tecate and joined in on the cheers and jeers. Following my attempt to sing Take Me Out to the Ball Game in Spanish during the seventh inning stretch, I had enough baseball and headed for the exits.
I found out a few days later that Mexico, the visitante, blew the lead and lost to casa, the Italian side.
I still don’t like baseball but truly enjoyed the World Baseball Classic.
