Insatiable

Mary Lou and I had the pleasure of hosting our second grandson, Will, and his buddy, John Clark, for the weekend.  The goal was to attend all three baseball games between the Auburn Tigers and the Ole Miss Rebels.  We did all that and more.

The first game was on Friday evening.  We had the opportunity to watch the game from the new Hall of Fame Club at Plainsman Park.  Not only did we have wonderful seats on the first row, but there was a lot of food for the patrons. “Is this all free?” one of the boys asked. I guess in a way it was if you did not consider the price of those tickets.

By the third inning, I realized they had both eaten three hot dogs.  I briefly considered if they would actually eat nine hot dogs during the nine-inning game.   Thankfully, I did not have to worry as they soon began to sample some of the other food offerings.  

It was not like there was a multi-course menu with food offered in a logical order.  Instead, the boys made their way back into the clubhouse every inning or so, with no sign their appetite was diminishing.

The next visit was to the nacho bar, with chips, queso and chili, along with other toppings piled onto the plate.  On the side were numerous cucumbers which I thought was an odd combination.

The next round was simply cucumbers.  I tried without success to remember if I had ever eaten cucumbers in such a setting.  All I could think was that at least they were not eating another hot dog.

Around the sixth inning, they sat down with an ice cream sandwich, a more modest serving considering the triple scoop they could have gotten.  After all, it is “all free”.  

The multiple courses were mixed with Power Aid and other soft drink offerings.  I do not recall a bottle of water at their seats. What was I going to say?  After all, a grandparents job is to spoil their grandchildren, including their friends.

Over the next two games we sampled, or rather devoured, a variety of other treats. They ate sunflower seeds before spitting the husks into an empty bottle leading me to ask if the boys were dipping snuff. They did not know what I was talking about.

A box of gummy bears made the menu at one game. That led to a long discussion between us about what gummy bears were actually made of.  They seemed astounded that there were no gummy bears when I was growing up.  “What did you eat when you were young? they asked.  

“Peanuts”, I said, which led to the joint consumption of a big bag of salted unshelled peanuts.  I did not have the heart to tell them that salted peanuts in the shell did not exist either when I was their age.

Soft pretzels were the next course combined with frozen lemonade.  Perhaps these boys have a future career in culinary science.   Their food and beverage combinations were cutting edge.

Despite two tough initial losses, the boys stuck it out at the players exit, and each acquired ten signatures on their baseballs.  It was heart warming to see these college players, suffering through a disappointing season, take the time to interact with two star struck boys.  “What’s your name?”, “Do you play baseball?” and “What position do you play?” were just some of the questions the tired players graciously asked.  Somebody’s mama has taught them right.  I expect Coach Thompson is responsible for part of that gracious manner as well.

While baseball was the focus of the weekend, we ate at other places besides the ball park.  Lots of pancakes, bacon and Conecuh sausage filled them up on the first morning.  Eggs, bacon, sausage, cheese grits and biscuits kept them going on the second day.  “This was one of the best breakfasts I have ever had”, John Clark told me as he put his plate in the sink.  Made my day.

They managed to sit still during church before we headed for a pre-game meal at Taco Mama’s.  It was Cinco de Mayo, and the place was packed.  They loaded up again just prior to the game.  After all, they might not have enough food at the stadium.

Having grandkids visit is always a treat. Having them visit individually with a friend is an entirely different experience. We wore them out, which was part of goal.  Thankfully, it was just before we were worn out ourselves.

Will and John Clark, like most boys their age, both have insatiable appetites which I got to witness first hand.  I just wonder how they are so slim and full of energy.  Must be part of the wonder of being ten years old.

o0o

Dan Ponder can be reached at [email protected]