Wedding... A day at the park... 8/3108 the A's lost, but I won

a day at the park Good Morning!... We have been invited here today to share with Mike and Erin, in a very important moment in their lives. Today they will become husband and wife, before all of you, under the eyes of God and in the holy church of baseball. Paul Richards, (A famous Orioles manager) once said… Baseball is made up of very few… big and dramatic moments, but rather it's a beautifully put together pattern of countless little subtleties that finally add up to the big moment, and you have to be well-versed in the game to truly appreciate them. The greatest things in life are often the little things and little moments that are truly the most memorable. In order to appreciate these moments, one must be fully present in their lives and the world around then to bear witness to all the events, small and large. Today is one of those special moments. Bob Feller (Pitcher for the Cleveland Indians, 1936) said "Every day is a new opportunity. You can build on yesterday's success and put its failures behind you and start over again. That's the way life is, with a new game every day, and that's the way baseball is." In marriage and life, you will face many challenges. What matters most, with each success or failure, it is an opportunity to grow and grow together as a team. Each day is a new opportunity to celebrate your love for each other and your commitment to this relationship. Life is often like baseball. Sometimes we get a hit and sometimes we strike out. And everyone once and a while, we do something extraordinary, like hitting a home run or catch the pop fly in right field to win the game. Mike and Erin are very fortunate because this is one of those extraordinary moments in life. Mike and Erin have been in the periphery of each other's lives for more than 12 years. 2 1/2 years ago, in a chance meeting at an old familiar hangout, they ran into each other and danced for hours and then ..:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Erin disappeared into the night. It would be six months al later before they ran into each other again. They have been inseparable ever since. Willie Mays ( the famous baseball player, just incase you were wondering who he was) once said… 'In order to excel, you must be completely dedicated to your chosen sport. You must also be prepared to work hard and be willing to accept criticism. Without 100 percent dedication, you won't be able to do this.' Today is about marriage, teamwork, dedication and commitment. Marriage and baseball have a lot more in common than one might think. This marriage will be a team of loving people and although there won't be any million dollar contracts…. Teamwork is essential to both marriage and baseball. There is a lot of on field chatter between the players to make sure the ball gets caught and the play is made. Like baseball, marriage needs to have constant communication. Each day, the players need to show up, work hard and be there for each other no matter whether they win or lose. Marriage requires the same level of commitment and dedication each and everyday. Marriage is not to be taken lightly, but thoughtfully and seriously, with deep consideration for its obligations and responsibilities. (Ask us to repeat after you) Do you Erin, take Mike, to be your lawfully wedded husband and teammate. To love and cherish, in sickness and in health, for rich or for poorer, no matter whether you win or lose? I say yes… Do you Mike, take Erin, to be your lawfully wedded wife and teammate. To love and cherish, in sickness and in health, for rich or for poorer, no matter whether you win or lose? Mike says yes…. EXCHANGE OF RINGS OR GIFTS (Ask Ashley for the rings) (Ask us to place and hold the ring on the ring finger and repeat these words…) Mike repeat after me… Erin repeat after me… "I give you this ring as a promise to show up, play hard , and be the best teammate of your life forever more." DECLARATION OF MARRIAGE By the power vested in me by the State of California, I now pronounce you husband and wife You may now kiss your wife. We KISS - Yucky! INTRODUCTION OF NEWLYWEDS May I present – Team O'Neal The BBQ area is upstairs and to the left. Please join us for lunch. Game starts at 1:05

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PEANUTS AND CRACKERJACKS AS FAVORS

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We hung a banner right after the ceremony

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The bouquet toss which made it onto Sportcenter... Baseball Tonight... and our local news each A's highlight that night led off with the bouquet toss

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So it was a great day of sunshine, nachos, beer and a hot dog

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I'm a very lucky boy... I love Oakland A's baseball and she likes sunshine, nachos, and beer... it works for us...