Raya + 18th Avenue Park

I was out front pulling weeds from the sidewalk in front of the house (yep, you read that right) the other day when I saw that my charming neighbor Robbie was watching her friendly, young daughters, Raya and Rebecca, riding their bicycles on the sidewalk nearby. The girls and I started talking, and as things usually do in my life (imagine that!), the conversation came around to baseball. I mentioned that I am a blogger who occasionally interviews people about their baseball activities and interest in the game. Raya’s eyes opened wider upon hearing this, and she asked if I would interview her. Never one to miss a story, I reached for my ever present digital voice recorder and we began our interview. 

I was glad that we shared some time together for several reasons. First, I discovered that just two houses down the block lives another kindred spirit. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, at the young age of 7, Raya has baseball fever. Trust me, I can tell. Second, I got a chance to see her baseball cards, which she inherited from her Dad, Leo. Third, I was able to treat Raya to a 2012 Buster Posey mini card, a 2011 Tim Lincecum chase card and a 2012 Brian Wilson card, all of which she immediately added to her collection. Last, but certainly not least, 18th Avenue Park was born.

We started off with Raya telling me what she knew about baseball. She immediately identified the four bases, first, second, third and home. She knew that when a batter hits a home run that he gets to circle the bases to score a run. She knew where the pitcher stood and that the mound was elevated from the rest of the field. While peppering Raya with questions I got the thought to draw up a baseball stadium to illustrate some of the answers, which is how 18th Avenue Park came into being.

Here we see Robbie, with Raya on the left and Rebecca on the right. At some point before I took this picture Raya excused herself to change into her Buster Posey t-shirt. Once she really looked the part, we got down to brass tacks. I asked her how many games she’s seen, and she said about twenty games on TV, and about eight games at the ballpark. One game in particular stood out. It was at AT&T Park on one of those rare occasions when the New York Mets defeated the San Francisco Giants.

Raya said that her favorite player was Buster Posey. She knew he was a catcher, but she wasn’t completely clear about what he does during a game. We drew up 18th Avenue Park right there, with Raya identifying the bases and writing the various positions of the players. I then got down in what for me now passes for a squat, and started to show her how the catcher calls the type of pitch he wants the pitcher to throw, and the location he wants it thrown to. Raya knew there were different types of pitches, including fastballs, curves and change ups. Even better, she knew that catchers learn each hitters strengths and weaknesses, and that in concert with the pitcher, uses this knowledge to keep these hitters off balance, and hopefully get them out.

So here’s 18th Avenue Park. Be sure to click the image for a larger view of the park. Its dimensions are geared for younger players, like Raya. It has Boston’s Fenway Park overtones with its Citgo sign and its own version of the “Green Monster,” in this case, the “Cookie Monster.” When balls hit it, everyone in the ball park gets free milk and cookies. The outfield fences are deep for this age group, but Raya, I think you’ve got a shot this deep in you, if not now, then down the line. Keep swinging, Raya. This post is for you!

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