Angels in Outfield but Not Parking Lot, Stands

I gleefully drove to Edison Field to see the Angels, only to discover that all of the handicapped parking places had been filled up. I need such a spot because of polio I suffered back in 1954. Post-polio syndrome has further complicated my life, and now I walk only with the assistance of crutches. Spaces close to the stadium existed, but they were filled with tailgaters who didn’t want to move, even when I shared with them the story of my limitations. They told me they were “saving” this parking place for a friend. In fact, all my words to them got me was a vicious tongue lashing with adjectives I’ve instructed my children never to use. I asked the Anaheim police for help, but they indicated to me that there was nothing they could do, and nothing is what they did.

After a laborious walk to my seat to watch what I was sure would be the greatest ballgame ever played, I discovered that I was sitting in front of four boys (they are not yet sufficiently mature to be called men) in their early 20s who seemed to only know the same adjective that my “friends” in the parking lot knew. After six innings of this language, I finally turned around and asked them to stop swearing. Neighboring fans chimed in also, asking the boys to find other words to express their chagrin. We were all summarily sworn at.

For decades, I have literally prayed for ballplayers like the current Angels. It’s a shame the day was spoiled by folks who thought a whole lot more about themselves than any player on this Angel team ever has.

I’m a fan of those who play like angels on the baseball field and everywhere else,

The Rev. Thomas J. Rogers

Senior pastor,

Abiding Savior

Lutheran Church, Lake Forest