Go Sox

When I was pregnant with my first child, I decided I wanted to name him Jacob. My husband was not that enthusiastic about the name "Jacob".

To convince him, I told him to close his eyes and use his imagination as I said (in my best Bawston accent), "Now pitching for the Boston Red Sox, Jake Pahhmah."

He was instantly sold.

Flash forward nine years, and we come to the Parks & Rec '06 baseball season. John coaches Jake's team. At the coaches meeting, when he found out we'd be the Minnesota Twins, he pulled the sports director aside and asked if it was too late to switch that to the Red Sox. No problem, Coach Palmer, we can do that.

Jake wanted to pitch. This made me nervous, especially after the first practice, when Jake struggled on the mound and verbally beat himself up on the ride home ("I'm the worst pitcher ever!"). But he stuck it out and has done a solid job. He's only hit one batter (fantastic for this level!), racked up a few strikeouts, and stuck out at least one very very long inning full of walks. I'm so proud of him

Below, for your entertainment, "Now pitching for the Red Sox, Jake Palmer"...