Do You Love baseball?

I was asked that question a few weeks ago. “Yes, of course I do!” was my response. Those of you who know me are thinking, “Right! You? Love baseball?” But I do. I do love baseball. My love for the sport extends far beyond favorite players or a team, beyond the athleticism and the statistics.

Through the years, baseball has always been there. There’s no escaping it! From watching Johnny Bench and the Cincinnati Reds on TV during the 70s, to having a Cincinnati Reds chaplain as a neighbor today, baseball has “followed me” and I am grateful for it.

I love what baseball represents, what it stands for, how it brings people together, and the memories and traditions it has helped create. If you’ll indulge me, I’d like to share the reasons why I love baseball.

Becoming Mrs. Tekulve


October 25, 1986—the day I married Buddy Tekulve. “Tekulve? Wasn’t there a pitcher in the 70s who had that last name?” Yes, there was, Kent Tekulve...and yes, Buddy is a distant cousin.

Let’s get back to October 25.

When we arrived at our hotel room that night, what was the first thing we did? Well, not what you’d expect newlyweds to do! We were so hungry! We ordered room service and watched the Mets and Red Sox duke it out in game six of the World Series. As Buddy and I sat on the edge of the bed, we devoured our club sandwiches and Cherry Cokes and witnessed Bill Buckner’s “between the legs” error! What a game! The Mets rallied for three more runs and won, 6-5, forcing game 7—which they won and ultimately the World Series.

Most couples celebrate their anniversary dining at a fine restaurant. For us, sharing a meal of club sandwiches and Cherry Cokes…and watching the World Series…has become a beloved anniversary tradition. And, I wouldn’t want to spend it any other way.

Children, Changes, and Making Friends

Columbus, Indiana is our hometown, and when our children were young, we watched the Indianapolis Indians’ play at Victory Field, which opened in 1996. We loved taking the kids there, daughter Katie, and son, T.J. Their favorite memory is meeting the San Diego Chicken.  I’ll never forget their faces as he hugged them and signed their plush San Diego Chickens…which they still have at ages 27 and 24.

Buddy’s work took him to Georgetown, Indiana and we moved to southern Indiana in 2000. His employer had seats at Slugger Field, another new baseball park! We enjoyed countless games with the kids, watching Jake the Diamond Dog and catching fly balls and T-shirts. We became friends with our attendant/usher Steve, who greeted us with a smile and handshake every time. When the kids brought friends with them, he would ask if it was their first time there. Somehow, he always managed to get a ball for them.

Buddy changed jobs in 2008 and we lost the seats between third and home. We continued to go to Bats’ games, by ourselves more and more as the kids grew older. Buddy always walked to section 120 to see if Steve was there, to say hello and shake his hand. When we were at a Bats game in April, Buddy asked our usher if he knew Steve. (We hadn’t seen him in a while.) When he told us Steve had passed away, it broke our hearts. He was dear to us—not because of what he did for us at Slugger Field. Steve was a smiling face and a friendly handshake that made a family far from home feel “at home.” He was (and is) a cherished part of our lives.

Older but Still Young-at-Heart

I miss having the kids at home; taking vacations together, going to Bats’ games as a family. But, it’s also nice to be a couple again! Our favorite vacations have included major league baseball games.  In 2014, we spent a much-needed weekend getaway in Cincinnati and watched the Reds at The Great American Ballpark. 

In 2016, I attended a conference in San Diego. “Fly out with me! We can go to Petco Park and watch the All-Star game!” was my suggestion. We went, had a blast, and even got our picture on the jumbo screen! (above)

We have a new vacation goal: to visit as many major league baseball parks as we can.

In 2015, we moved from the country to be closer to our workplaces.  One day, I was working in the yard, wearing a Cincinnati Reds T-shirt. I heard, “Hi, neighbor! You’re a Reds fan!” in a thick Hispanic accent. “I’m a chaplain for the Reds,” he went on to explain. 

Jose and Carol are wonderful neighbors. We discovered we have a lot in common: similar beliefs, values, and…baseball.  I admire what Jose does and is to so many players and their families!  He’s a minister, but he also administers to them.  He shares his home with countless Hispanic players and their families, giving them a place to stay as they try out for the Bats or are being called up to the Reds.  It’s an amazing thing to witness.

What’s in a Name?

A month ago, Buddy and I attended a show at Derby Dinner Playhouse. Though I don’t mind sharing a table with other guests, I usually like having it all to ourselves. As we were seated, I noticed the table was reserved for two more. I wasn’t in the best of moods and had hoped I wouldn’t have to make small-talk with anyone.

After getting our drinks, an elderly couple approached us, and the lady said in a soft voice, “Hello! I guess we’re sharing the evening with you two!” I presented my best smile and continued to sip my water.

As dinner progressed, my shield began to disappear. What a sweet couple! Wetta (Lowetta) Jenkins shared she and Charlie had been married for almost 56 years. She lovingly spoke of her children and grandchildren, but mostly doted on Charlie. She shared how he used to be the local radio sports announcer, but he'd lost his voice to Parkinson's Disease. When Charlie did speak, it was very quiet and strained. A few minutes into our conversation, Charlie looked at Buddy and asked, "What did you say your last name was?" "Tekulve," Buddy replied. "Like the pitcher, Kent Tekulve?" Charlie smiled back. Despite his strained vocals, it was as if Charlie was 10 years old again, talking about his favorite baseball player.

I'll never forget the night Buddy and I shared dinner and show...and heart-warming conversation with the lovely Lowetta and Charlie Jenkins. A name is just a name, but when it embodies greatness, it opens doors, can leave a lasting impression, and creates a bond that lasts far beyond an evening, a career, or a lifetime.

So, Why Do I love Baseball?

Baseball is intertwined in my life story. From my last name and wedding anniversary, cherished memories and vacations, to welcoming attendants, neighbors, and chance encounters, baseball is more to me than following a player or a team. It’s even more than a beautiful ballpark. It’s the people, how it joins them together, regardless of age, race, religion, culture, or economic status. 

I love baseball for what it stands for: family, hope, friendship, and opportunity.

That…is why I love baseball.