Playoff Tickets?

PMK: Seattle, WA—APR 07 2015

Mariners 4 > Angels 1. Dear Gina, my ultimate adventure has begun. Opening Day in SEA. Spent the past weekend hiking along the coast. Different kind of air from home. Got to the city through the drizzle today. M’s got the W. How much good luck will I bring visiting every MLB team? 1 dwn, 29 to go. Out of room, srry fr th scrbblng.

All my love—Javier

PMK: Oakland, CA—APR 10 2015

Rangers 10 > Athletics 1. Hope you received my last postcard. Made the drive down the coast this week in good time with the RAV4. Stopped through Portland. Scrumptious seafood. Honey garlic shrimp = sensational. As for baseball, TEX put up a rout in the Coliseum. Still root for the A’s after all that Moneyball stuff surfaced.

—Javier

PMK: San Francisco, CA—APR 14 2015

Rockies 2 > Giants 0. Wish the Bay wasn’t so expensive. Spent the entire weekend trying to get a picture of the Golden Gate Bridge. Too much fog, but still feels amazing outside. Caught SF’s home opener. Didn’t look too sharp after their WS win last season. Spoiled myself with a Dungeness crab sndwich ovrlkng McCovey Cove.

—J

PMK: Los Angeles, CA—APR 20 2015

Dodgers 6 > Rockies 3. Lots to do around LA. You’d love The Getty. Gina, I always thought you’d be a Hollywood star with your magical singing voice, with or without a crowd—hope you never stopped. Sat night in Chavez Ravine = electric. First of 2 LA games. Mike Trout on LAA could be th nxt M. Mantle. I’ll catch ‘em Mon when th’r bck n twn.

—Javier

PMK: Los Angeles, CA—APR 21 2015

Athletics 6 > Angels 3. Brought visitors’ luck on a Mon night. Spent most of the game mesmerized by the water feature out in left-center. Incredible stadium. Hall-of-fame-bound Pujols had 2 hits for LAA. Easier to cheer for him in a Card’s uni. Plan to be back home in Mizz end of June for the last leg of the trip. Down to SD tomorrow!

Love—Javier

PMK: San Diego, CA—APR 27 2015

Dodgers 3 > Padres 0. Weather couldn’t be more perfect around here. Went to the first game of the SD vs. LAD series. Opted for RF seats for a better view of a priceless sunset. Twice now that I’ve attended a Dodgers win. Will be a lengthy drive to AZ this weekend. Hope all is well in your world, Gina. Miss you and love you lots.

So long, California—Javier

PMK: Phoenix, AZ—APR 28 2015

Rockies 5 > D’Backs 4. Might be a curse for the home teams at this rate. Chase Field was a bit empty, but at least the souvenir nacho helmet looks fantastic. Caught the series opener again, so I can reach the Grand Canyon early this week. Need to stall before I make it to Denver. COL on a road trip through next Wed.

—J

PMK: Denver, CO—MAY 07 2015

D’Backs 13 > Rockies 7 + D’Backs 5 > Rockies 1. Over a week without a baseball game…withdrawals, for sure, but made up for it with the doubleheader at Coors. Grand Canyon on the way here was nothing but REMARKABLE—tiny, tiny creatures are we. Long day tomorrow headed toward Arlington. Plan to stargaze in western TX!

Wish me luck—Javier

PMK: Arlington, TX—MAY 12 2015

Rangers 8 > Royals 2. Been looking forward to this game since I mapped out this entire tour. First time bumping into my (our) beloved Royals. Too bad TEX flattened them today. Some leftover pink gear around the stadium from Mother’s Day yesterday. Your mother and I are incredibly proud of you, Gina. Please remember that, always.

All my (our) love—Javier

PMK: Houston, TX—MAY 13 2015

Giants 8 > Astros 1. You know “Sky Full of Stars” by Coldplay? They played that song at Minute Maid Park between innings. Forgot to mention that stargazing last weekend was a treat. Clearest night skies of my lifetime. 1st time catching a complete game on this trip. Giants’ starter dominated. Long haul to Tampa b4 th Rays leave twn.

Such a heavenly view—Javier

PMK: Tampa Bay, FL—MAY 15 2015

Rays 6 > Yankees 1. The RAV4 = flawless vehicle. In other news, a ballgame inside a dome felt sacrilegious. Still enjoyed the 1B side vantage point. Spent the 7th inning stretch by the 10,000 gal sting ray tank out in right-center. Inspired me to get this wildlife mosaic postcard. Plan to lie on the beach tomorrow. Next game = Sat Miami.

No shirt, no shoes, no problem—J

PMK: Miami, FL—MAY 18 2015

Braves 5 > Marlins 3. They got fish tanks here too! (Behind home plate.) You’ve seen pictures of the ‘Homer’ sculpture they built past LF? Stanton crushed a solo HR and the thing spun, flashed, and blasted up water. Grand slam in the 2nd inning kept the visitors on top. Will be in ATL by the time you get this. Braves following me, ha!

—Javier

PMK: Atlanta, GA—MAY 20 2015

Rays 5 > Braves 3. Turner Field. ATL rookie Mike Foltynevich (sp?) hit 98 mph on the radar. Think the fastest pitch I ever faced in my days was ~85. Headed toward DC for the Nats’ series opener on Fri. Will be my first trip to the Capitol since dropping you off at GW for college. Grateful you stayed dedicated in school + excelled. PROUD.

—Javier

PMK: Washington, DC—MAY 26 2015

Nationals 2 > Phillies 1. Patriotism on full display for Memorial Day. Teared up taking the Metro downtown, but easy for baseball to lift my spirits. This city makes me desperate to see you again. Will be in NY this weekend if you want to connect. Understand if not, just can’t help myself from still trying. Same number, if you ever want to talk.

All my love—Javier

PMK: Baltimore, MD—MAY 27 2015

Orioles 4 > Astros 3. Memorial Day 2015. Crazy short afternoon contest at Camden Yards. A pair of 2-run homers for the O’s. Remember your first MLB game? Took you to see the Orioles vs. Royals back home. You called them the “Oreos” + the “Rules.” Left after the 5th, carrying you over my shoulder. Cotton cndy + frzn lmonde = sgar crsh.

“Go Rules!”—Javier

PMK: Philadelphia, PA—JUN 01 2015

Rockies 4 > Phillies 1. Sweet summertime. Phillies’ bats dried up with only 2 hits the entire game. More entertaining to watch my cheesesteak steaming while downing an ice-cold Yuengling. Officially past halfway—NY next on the trek. Will stay in/around the city 5/30–6/5. Maybe I’ll have heard from you by the time you read this.

Until then (?)—Javier

PMK: Flushing, NY—JUN 01 2015

Mets 4 > Marlins 3. Day game Sun in Queens. Been checking my phone, if you tried to send a message or anything? Don’t want to miss another chapter of your life, Gina. Anyway, hard to believe Bartolo Colón is still pitching in the big leagues since he debuted when you were in 1st grade. They’re calling him ‘Big Sexy.’ Professional goofballs!

Best wishes—Javier

PMK: Bronx, NY—JUN 08 2015

Yankees 8 > Angels 7. Can see why you moved to this grand city. Fri night game against LAA came with late-inning drama. NYY held on for a one-run win. Kind of wish I had witnessed the ‘old’ Yankee Stadium. Still, the passion for baseball here matches yours. Glad you fell in love with this sport like I did. Close by in BOS this wkend.

Love—Javier

PMK: Boston, MA—JUN 08 2015

Red Sox 4 > Athletics 2. Sat afternoon in Fenway = superb. BOS is below .500 so far this season, but the crowds here are as feverish as ever, especially atop the Green Monster. Elite history in this iconic park. One of my trip highlights, for sure. Over to our neighbor, Canada, for a Blue Jays game on Mon. 3 days to sightsee before I’m bck in th States.

—J

PMK: Buffalo, NY—JUN 12 2015

Blue Jays 11 > Marlins 3. Another weird ‘dome’ game. 6–0 1st inning home team lead, and they never looked back. Will hike at this national park east of town tomorrow, if my knee feels okay. Ready to tour Niagara Falls in 2 days. Not sure exactly how the international post works (if you’ll ever get this one.) Off to see DET on Fri.

—Javier M. Ramos

PMK: Detroit, MI—JUN 15 2015

Tigers 4 > Indians 0. Might’ve been the shortest game time of the 22 (+/-) I’ve sat through thus far. A David Price complete game and a Miguel Cabrera 3-run homer were spectacular to watch (even if it’s for division rivals). Had to buy a souvenir hat in honor of your 1st T-ball team. Still got a portrait of you in a mini navy Tigers hat on my dash.

All smiles—J

PMK: Pittsburgh, PA—JUN 15 2015

Pirates 1 > Phillies 0 (F/11). 1st extra-inning game I’ve lucked into. “Bonus baseball,” they call it. And a walk-off to boot, all with 2 outs! Mighty crowd for a Sun in PIT. Always enjoy cheering for the small market. Need to stop and get the RAV4 tuned for the next haul. Anyway, hope you’re well, Gina. Have a great week.

“You can raise the Jolly Roger!”—Javier

PMK: Cleveland, OH—JUN 18 2015

Cubs 17 > Indians 0. Sheesh! ‘Run-rule’ alert! Heard “Run-Around” by Blues Traveler on the drive into town, and that’s all the Cubs did today. Also, 3 shutouts in a row…Would’ve never expected that on my bingo board. Got a couple days to reach CHI, since I insist on a day game in Wrigley (a week from Thurs is my best chance.)

—J

PMK: Chicago, IL—JUN 22 2015

White Sox 3 > Rangers 2. Of all the innings I’ve seen so far, these were some of the most uneventful. Nonetheless, any Sat with baseball is a victory. So is a Chicago-style hot dog, by the way. Extra relish = PERFECTION. Maybe these guys are saving the show for Father’s Day tomorrow. Will keep my emotions to myself. Wrigley Field next.

Thinking of you—Javier

PMK: Chicago, IL—JUN 25 2015

Dodgers 4 > Cubs 0. Overcast and packed. Are all these fans retired, too? Shame the Cubbies didn’t save any runs from last time I saw them. Anyway, your brother called this past Sun. Said he talks to you every week or two, and was planning a visit in Sep before his 1st job starts. Glad you two have stayed connected as adults.

Blessed—Javier

PMK: Milwaukee, WI—JUN 29 2015

Brewers 10 > Twins 4. Bernie must’ve had fun spiraling down the yellow slide 3 times in the opening innings. Reminds me of the playground we frequented as a young family back home. Maybe you mailed a letter to me recently? Should be at the house around 7/7 to check. Sorry if all these postcards have bothered you. 4 cities remain.

STL bound—Javier

PMK: St. Louis, MO—JUN 30 2015

Cardinals 4 > Cubs 1. Last game of this series on Sun night prime time with the Gateway Arch towering in the outfield horizon. Back in ‘85, I convinced your mother to have a summer wedding so I wouldn’t miss the postseason stretch. Still can’t believe the Royals recovered and claimed the original I-70 Series. Headed to Mt. Rushmore nxt b4 MIN gme.

—Javier

PMK: Minnesota, MN—JUL 07 2015

Twins 4 > Orioles 2 (F/10). Walk-off HR! Just when the night lulled, Brian Dozier sent a rocket to the LF seats. Teammates rained coolers and bubblegum as he jumped on home plate. Dog-tired, but will find relief at home for a few days. Will check for any mail from you. Are you safe + cool in the Big Apple? Thoughts of u kep me cmpny—and wrried.

—Javier

PMK: Kansas City, MO—JUL 08 2015

Royals 9 > Rays 7. Kauffman’s outfield fountains restore my spirits. Adore this roster we’ve assembled right now. Grand tour nears its end. Guess I never asked for ‘permission’ to send you all these postcards. Just thought you might appreciate this MLB pilgrimage. Wind up with 30 keepsakes to commemorate it. All-Star festivities in Cincy = last stop.

Royals win!—J

PMK: Cincinnati, OH—JUL 20 2015

Reds 6 > Indians 1. Great American Ballpark, indeed. Hometown hero, Todd Frazier, clutched the HR Derby. 7 (7!!) Royals represented in the All-Star game (AL won, 6–3.) Could be KC’s year—would you join me for playoff tickets? Could fly you out. If not, you’re still my angel. Always cheering for you, Gina. Lifetime achievement = COMPLETE.

All my love + best—Javier