“B.J., We have tickets right behind the Pesky Pole,” said Grandpa

“Do we have to sit behind something that is going to be a pest?” asked BJ

Grandpa laughed, “No the pole’s not a pest, it is named after a famous Red Sox player, who had a few hits that went into the stands near the pole.”

“Grandpa, what do you like about baseball?” asked BJ.

“Well first because of its long history. It is a game that I remember my Dad playing, that I played and one that I watched your dad play and maybe you will play in the near future. It is the only game that I know about, where the defense holds the ball. Finally, more that any other sport, it has a place for all types of athletes, tall ones, short ones, thin ones or heavy players can become stars.” answered Grandpa.

“One other thing about the game, BJ, is the different games that can be played within the game,” added Grandpa.

“What do you mean,” asked BJ.

“Well see the man at the plate with a bat?” asked Grandpa

“Yes,” replied BJ.

“Well, he is called the batter. He has to figure out what kind of pitch the pitcher is going to throw, so he can hit the ball. At the same time, the pitcher needs to figure out which pitch he will throw to make the batter miss the ball.” said Grandpa.“

“Does the batter have to swing at every pitch?” asked BJ

“No, but if the pitcher throws the ball in a certain area the batter will get a strike. If he gets three strikes he is out.” answered Grandpa.

“So the batter has to figure out which pitch to swing at? What happens if the ball is not in that certain area Grandpa?” asked BJ.

“If the pitcher misses four times it allows the batter to go to first base. It is called a walk.,” answered Grandpa

“So while the batter and the pitcher are playing the pitching game what are the other players doing?” asked BJ

Grandpa laughed and said, “They are getting ready to play the ball in case the batter hits it. See the player close to us? He is called the right fielder and see how he is moving closer to the Pesky Pole?’ asked Grandpa.

“Yes, I see him moving. Why is he doing that?” asked BJ.

“Well the batter is left handed and he just moved his feet, the right fielder knows what the pitcher is going to throw so he is positioning himself where he thinks the batter might hit the ball. See the other outfielders have all moved closer to us. They think the batter might hit the ball into right field,” answered Grandpa.

“Grandpa, where do the players stay when they’re not on the field?” asked BJ.

“They sit in that area just behind the baseline. They call it a dugout.” replied Grandpa.

“What is that man doing in the dugout waving to the players?” BJ. asked.

“That man is the manager and he is telling the players in the field where he wants them to play.” answered Grandpa.

“What else does he do?” asked BJ

“Well, he decides who is playing, the batting order, and if there any changes he is the one that decides when to make them,” answered Grandpa.

“He is the boss then?” said BJ

“I guess you can say that!” said Grandpa

“Grandpa! Is that green thing down on the sidelines the ‘GREEN’ Monster!” asked BJ

“No!” chuckled Grandpa. “People call that big green wall in left field the Green Monster. That green thing on the sidelines is the team mascot. He is called Wally the Bean Bag Buddy.”

“Grandpa, why do they call the wall a monster?” asked BJ

Well if you are a pitcher, the wall feels like it is pressing down on you and a lot of high fly balls, that would be an out in another baseball park, end up as a home run. If you are a batter, a line drive hit that would be a home run in another park could end up as a single. The monster can turn outs into home runs and home runs into singles.” answered Grandpa.

“So there is nothing to really be scared of?” asked BJ.

“No” laughed Grandpa. “Unless you are a rookie.”

“Look Grandpa! All the players are running into that dugout. Is the game over?” asked BJ.

“No, BJ, the pitcher struck out the batter and that was the third out. After three outs, the teams switch place. See the Yankees are now coming out to the field. It is time for the Red Sox to bat. They do that nine times, more if the game is tied after the ninth time,” said Grandpa.

“Grandpa! That batter just hit the ball and it is coming right at us. Can you catch it!” yelled BJ.

“I’ll try!” said Grandpa. “Look! BJ I got it! Here, now you have a souvenir of your trip to Fenway.”

“Was that a home run!” asked BJ

“No it was a foul ball. It just missed the Pesky Pole,” answered Grandpa.

“Look! BJ, the runner just stole second base.” said Grandpa.

“No he did not it is still there,” replied BJ.

Grandpa laughed, “No, BJ a runner can advance a base by stealing it. That means he got there without the help of a hit, walk, or an error and before the catcher could throw him out.”

“Grandpa, I am hungry. What is there to eat?” asked BJ.

‘”Well the best ball franks in the world are served right here at Fenway. I’ll get two from that vender and some soft drinks,” said Grandpa

“Ball franks? Don’t you mean hotdogs?” said BJ

“No” replied Grandpa, “Ball franks are much better tasting than any old hotdog. Here try it.”

“Your right! Grandpa, this is delicious!” said BJ.

“Well BJ, the game is almost over. What did you think of your first baseball game?” asked Grandpa.

‘It was great Grandpa, I learned that the Green Monster does not scare kids, the Pesky pole is not a pest, that a player can steal but not take anything and that ball franks are great when eaten while watching the Red Sox defeat the Yankees.” said BJ.