Saturday, June 18, 2016

7th Inning Shoes

I have loved baseball and softball my whole life. I started playing fast pitch softball when I was 8 years old. I still remember my first pair of cleats. Well, not cleats exactly...they were "turf shoes," covered with hundreds of little black rubber nubs on the bottom. Without question they made me a better, faster ballplayer. I was sure of it, and you would never have been able to convince my stubborn, red-headed 8 year old self differently. Shoes matter.
They also mattered when I was a batgirl for the Indiana Hoosiers' baseball team during my sophomore and junior years of college. Inexplicably, coach Morgan chose to provide us with Converse cheerleading shoes for the role. While cute, the cream and crimson tennies were not well-suited for the purpose, and during my very first outing I slipped on home plate and fell on my tuckas, which wasn't embarrassing at all (she said sarcastically). Without question my lack of grace was caused by the shoes. I was sure of it, and you would never have been able to convince my stubborn, red-headed 19 year old self differently. Shoes matter.
When I discovered these baseball-stitched sandals last Fall, they had my name all over them. Well, from a literal perspective they had my monogram all over them once I customized them Red's Shoe Diaires' style, but you know what I mean. Though ridiculously tall, they are actually one of the most comfortable pair of sandals I've ever owned.
This Summer, they made their first appearance at opening day of the Redondo Beach Sunset League in California. where six time MLB all-star Nomar Garciaparra was on hand to kick off the Pony League season for a few hundred excited 5 to 10 year old kids (two of my cousins amongst them). They've continued their Season at IU baseball games in three different stadiums; more than a few innings of high school ball; and some Indianapolis Indians games at Victory Field. 
I think they deserve a major league debut in their rookie year, too, so I'm scouting for some late Summer Cubbies tix. Without question these shoes and my popcorn purse make me a better baseball fan. I'm sure of it, and you will never have been able to convince my stubborn, red-headed 29 year old self (cough, cough) differently! Shoes matter.
Fashion is what you buy; Style is what you do with it!




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