Baseball has been a huge part of my life since I was a little kid. Whether I am playing it or watching it, I always enjoy it. On Sept. 27, I went to Toronto with a friend to watch the Yankees take on the Blue Jays. 

This was my first time ever going to Canada as well, so I was really excited to see what it would be like, as well as cross the border. The border part was easy and took less than three minutes to complete. The Canadian scenery was not what I expected. It felt way more open; on the highway, I could see Toronto and other cities in the distance. 

The highway was surrounded by a lot of hills and fields, as well as a lot of factories and large electrical equipment. What I saw of Toronto was really nice, and for some reason it reminded me of Chicago aesthetically. 

I have been to a ton of stadiums in my life, going on baseball stadium road trips with my dad starting back in 2016. The Rogers Centre was the 16th Major League Baseball stadium I have ever been to, and it did not disappoint. Ahead of the 2023 season, the Blue Jays made some renovations to their concourse and outfield wall. I had seen the changes online and on TV when watching games, but seeing the updates in person took it to another level. 

Whenever I go to a baseball game, it reinstills the love I have for the sport. When a game ends, I always want to throw a ball around with friends. This is why I am so glad that I have been able to continue playing baseball in college, with the club baseball team here at SUNY Oswego. After my senior season in high school was canceled due to COVID-19, I wanted to find a way to continue playing. At first I had a couple tryouts with the Division III team, but after those were unsuccessful, I was led to the club baseball team. Since I joined in fall 2021, I have seen the club grow from around 17 people to 35 people, with tons more having tried out. 

My love for the sport has not wavered; even when I have been told I am not good enough, I am always working hard to improve myself and my abilities. Baseball has helped me create a weekly gym routine, which has helped me get stronger and stay healthier. I know that after I graduate, I will continue to keep my routine, and I have baseball to thank for that.

I hope I am able to continue playing baseball once I graduate in May. It will be difficult to fit into my schedule once I get a job, but if I really want to keep playing, I will find a way.

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