Apo AY-teenf

Early in the morning of April 18, 1989, Aaron (The Baron) Hill made his grand entrance into the world. His early morning arrival was after a very long day of labor and forever changed me from some ordinary guy to a dad.

We didn't know in advance if our baby was to be a boy or girl and had picked Caitlyn as a girl's name and Aaron for a boy.

I remember that on the evening of his birthday, some friends came to visit at the hospital. During their visit, Chris walked with them to the nursery to look at the other babies leaving me alone in the room with my newborn boy. I flip on the TV and found the Blues and Blackhawks in game one of their post-season series. Turning my boy towards the TV I said, "Buddy, this is hockey!"

And so it began.

The Blues ended up losing that game (and the series) as they often would over the 27 years since then.
Perhaps this year will be different as they currently hold a 2-1 lead in this year's post-season series with the Blackhawks.

Fortunately, the years have been kind to the St. Louis baseball team and a little more harsh towards Chicago's National League franchise. (That tide may be turning, as well)

Tonight, we will be with Aaron and Jenny for the first of this season's match-ups between the Cardinals and Cubs. Pre-season expectations are that the Cubs will dominate baseball and the Cards will struggle to make their usual strong showing in the National League Central.
Because of the rivalry, head to head match-ups are always a coin toss. It just depends on who has the best day. Regardless of today's outcome, I plan on enjoying the game (it's my Christmas present!), the company, and a ballpark dog with grilled onions, 'kraut and mustard (maybe two)!

Yeah, it's a tough life!

John <><