Nostalgic Over Cracker Jack

"Take me out to the ball game,
Take me out with the crowd;
Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack,
I don't care if I never get back.
Let me root, root, root for the home team,
If they don't win, it's a shame.
For it's one, two, three strikes, you're out,
At the old ball game."

A few years ago I found myself sitting at a long table in Bunratty Castle, Ireland, enjoying a classic medieval feast.  Far more classier than the Tournament of Kings at Excalibur Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas.  Clearly more authentic as this was a real Castle built in the 15th century.  We were entertained with music and jests, eating under candle light.  Truly a wonderful night.

At some point a man was invited to the front of the room to sing.  He didn't want to sing, so, very cheekily, he decided to lead everyone in a rousing rendition of "Take Me Out to the Ball Game!"  The room was loud, full to the brim with two tour groups from America.  Ours from Utah and another from the East Coast.  New Jersey, I think.  We belted out the song, loudly punctuating "root, root, root!"  We were all surrounded by history in beautiful Ireland, and what got the room excited?  Baseball.  Nostalgia.  Classic Americana.  And in that song we mention Cracker Jack.

"Take Me Out to the Ballgame" was written in 1908.  Cracker Jack, the delicious American goodie filled with caramelized popcorn and peanuts, goes back to 1896.  But what I remember growing up were the toys.  The popcorn was fun and all, but I ate Cracker Jack for the prizes.

I have a distinct memory of visiting Angel Stadium in Anaheim as a kid.  No idea how many times I went, but my Grandpa A would get tickets for the game and once or twice, maybe more, gave them to my Mom.  The stadium was so big!  And we were at the top.  In my hands was a box of Cracker Jack.  

Toys in Cracker Jack boxes were always the best, the surprise fun, even though they were small.  At least once I got a ring!  And I remember enjoying the rub on tattoos when they were included.

I have fond memories of Baseball and Cracker Jack.  When I was a kid I remember seeing the Angel Stadium sign, the giant red A with a halo, and wanting to see a game as we drove by around town or visiting my Grandparents.  Angel Stadium is also just down the road from Disneyland.  It's just a happy little memory.

Now Cracker Jack doesn't have a toy.  Toys in Cracker Jack boxes started in 1912, but by 2016 the "toys" become digital codes for app games.  Not the same.

Still, I'll always remember those fun days in the sun watching baseball while eating Cracker Jack.  Such good times.