So, baseball is back.

The season could not have come at a better time — especially now, when we’re not going out much anywhere, due to the unemployment thing. One of our simple pleasures is putting our feet up and ending the day with the Cardinals on TV, win or lose.

Last weekend, my sister gave us tickets to see the Redbirds. We’re big fans, as we’ve watched many current Cardinals members play at AutoZone Park. This night was especially exciting, as Cardinal third baseman and 2011 World Series MVP David Freese was playing in Memphis on a rehab assignment.

Cardinal third baseman David Freese on deck

Yeah, these seats are good.

Freese at bat just before whacking an RBI double

So as we’re enjoying the game, I glance over to our right, in the area behind home plate. I notice two young guys with a clipboard, apparently keeping pitching statistics. I recognize one of them as Michael Wacha, top pitching prospect for the Cardinals. This guy will most likely be on the mound at Busch Stadium by the end of the season. I didn’t immediately recognize the other guy, but realized he was Tyler Lyons, also a pitcher.

Wacha (left) and Tyler Lyons signing autographs for us

They were very nice and seemed genuinely happy to be recognized. We chatted with them a bit, and wished Wacha good luck pitching on Sunday.

So, a beautiful night for baseball, a chance to see a Cardinal hit a double and two autographs to add to our collection.

We’re perfectly happy hanging out and eating at home and living a simpler life. But a gift like baseball tickets gave us a tremendous boost; a chance to enjoy a night out and feel normal for just a short while. We looked forward to it all week and relished it all evening.

Do you know someone going through a rough time? Think about a gift of something they really like to do.