While print journalism has faded from existence, it ultimately was the sole reason why I became a baseball fan – more specifically an Oakland Athletics fan. Growing up, I wouldn’t describe myself as your typical average kid. In fact, I can recall countless mornings racing down the driveway to snag the sports section of the Contra Costa Times from its bag before anyone in my family had the opportunity to get their hands on it. Feeling a sense of pride as I perused over the column, what began as curiosity – quickly developed into something more.
It was August 17, 2002 when my brother and I attended our first major league baseball game.