Eric's Field of Dreams--August 2005

Eric Jacobsen received the gift of Sammy Sosa's autograph given to him personally by Sosa, Wednesday afternoon at McAfee Coliseum in Oakland, California. The soon-to-be 9 year old travelled with his dad on a 48-hour late summer baseball quest. Hosted by Jim Byrnes, the father of MLB Star Eric Byrnes, Jacobsens were given access to the "tunnel" where Orioles sluggers made their way to the bus. Up close and personal encounters were had with Miguel Tejada, Javi Lopez, Sammy, favorite Eric Byrnes, Rafael Palmiero, and other stars.  EJ also ate several ballpark franks, and received a signed # 22 Byrnes Oakland A's jersey from the star's father's personal collection, and was generously handed a gold baseball card by ESPN's Roy Firestone! Included was a morning trip across the bay bridge, a drive past SBC park, through fisherman's wharf, the painted ladies & the trolley on the hill, the Presidio, and a ride both ways across a fog-shrouded Golden Gate Bridge to Sausolito and back.  After the games, we heard an Eric Byrnes interview on local AM Radio as we drove south to Woodside, paid a visit to Jim Byrnes' home in the redwoods, had dinner in Palo Alto, and attended a hit-laden CCR concert at Mountain Winery at the top of the mountain in Saratoga under a beautiful full August moon. The generosity and access provided by the Byrnes family were unprecedented as Eric & his dad were treated as 'family members' at the ballpark. As we headed out, Eric Byrnes shouted out, "See ya Eric!" How you say, "unforgettable"? We sit tonight, back home in Iowa, with that same full moon overhead, counting our blessings. Thanks Jim!