I have a confession to make--I am a diehard baseball fan.  I played fast pitch softball all of my childhood; my dad is in a Texas Rangers season ticket group, and I am his favorite sidekick (I always remember to bring peanuts and bubble gum!); I even watch games on television no matter which teams are playing. 

So you can imagine how excited I was to be selected as a winner in the Play Ball with Nolan Ryan contest last summer!  From the moment we arrived in Albany, I could tell this certainly was going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

We had the opportunity for one-on-one time with Nolan to have items autographed and to have our pictures taken with him and our Teams at Doubleday Field in Cooperstown, New York. 

We then got warmed up for our game between The All-Stars (Southwest Employees Team) and The Flyers (Southwest Customers Team).  Although I can’t say that I hit one out of the park, it was magical to stand at home plate as Nolan took the mound and started his windup and to hear the crack of the bat (that’s right—no strikeouts for me!) 

After a nail biter of a contest, we finished up the day by having a special dinner with Nolan and his wife and taking a private tour of the Hall of Fame Museum.  I know I was one of many in the group who truly didn’t want the night (or weekend) to end. 

Do you have plans the last weekend in August?  If so, put them on hold, and enter this year’s contest.  I promise you won’t regret your decision.  And, by the way, save room in your suitcase for me!