Take Me Out to the Ball Game

Posted on 07/30/2012 @ 11:47 PM

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

Today, I was fortunate in that not only was I able to spend another day helping out disadvantaged pre-school and kindergarten children, I was also able to hear from 3 inspirational businessmen/women and philanthropists and attend my very first baseball game. I really enjoy spending time helping out the children at onward neighbourhood house, during which I feel that I am truly making an impact in their lives whilst enhancing my own.

Later on in the day, we were treated to a panel of 3 inspirational people who have not only made their mark during their impressive careers, but have used their positions to help out others, giving both their time and money. This was impressive in itself, and it was great to hear how these people, including michael jordan's manager, have stayed in touch with their jewish identity, which is so important to all of them in their own individual way.

Coming from Manchester England, I have had a number of experiences during Impact:Chicago which have been somewhat different to that I experience in the uk. I have learnt about the american culture, and imparted my british culture to others, enjoying the differences in our culture and language, which has caused much amusement throughout the week! Everyone seems to like my british accent and will use the words which I have taught them (most of which are appropriate!) However, one such experience, and the highlight of my week so far, was attending my very first baseball game tonight! Coming from England, I have never played, seen or knew much about baseball. I am a football fan (I refuse to call the sport 'soccer' for fear of losing all my british identity!) and was very interested to see the differences in the two sports. I thoroughly enjoyed the game, and tried to bring some english chants and screams to the game (without too much profanity which although is the norm in English football games is not welcomed in baseball) to a game in which americans support with amazing calmness and dignity. I enjoyed singing the American national anthem (with my fingers crossed!) and the song 'take me out to the ball game' and as so often has been the case during this trip, I could not believe the politeness of american fans. I loved learning about the game with a 20 minutes crash-course from Jason, which I now hope to support from England, with the Chicago Cubs becoming my team (we beat the pirates 14-4 tonight!). I saw 3 home-runs in a very exciting game, in which we beat the 'bloody' pirates (and no we do not all go to Hogwarts!) It was a nice change from the screaming lunatics in England. I guess I am not used to stopping halfway throughout the game to sing the YMCA and get a pretzel (which we don't have in the UK, much to my dismay!) I even managed to get a game ball which is a great souvenir of the game! It was great to be able to cheer with my new American friends from Impact:Chicago with whom I have become very close to and will stay in contact with from across the pond! Let's go Cubbies!!

-James Becker