I remember the first year I started following baseball — it was 1994: the year of the strike. The Padres were horrid, but Tony Gwynn helped fuel my love for baseball. I used to spend evenings watching as many games as I could, just to see Tony slap a ball through the infield. He was and always will be my favorite Padre.

Sep 12, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres center fielder Cameron Maybin (24) in the field during the sixth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

I attended my first game that year, when the Padres played the Mets. Naturally, the Padres got destroyed, but I remember the excitement I felt when Gwynn stepped to the plate in the first inning. Despite the loss, I had the time of my life.

The strike was a damaging blow for me, it felt like that great Christmas present that broke a few days after Santa placed it under my tree. I was devastated.

My love for baseball came back eventually, but because there wasn’t a lot of money, I did not attend many games. I was lucky if I got out to one a year. I was jealous of the kids at school who constantly attended games, yet could not name all 25 guys on the roster. I always vowed that if the day ever came, I would buy season tickets. I wanted to be there every night cheering on my beloved Padres. Maybe one day I would be there when the Padres win the World Series. Today, I became a season ticket holder for the first time.

I rarely make large purchases like this, but I have being doing a lot of things that are out of character for me lately.(I assure you this is a good thing). I took the tour, talked to the sales representative(she was amazing, by the way) and dropped some coin to support the team. Despite the team’s struggles, I am taking the next step to support the hometown nine.

At this moment in time, am I  entirely pleased with the state of the team? No, of course not. The team has not done a whole lot to improve, but I do like the direction the team is headed in. The Padres are clearly not a contender in 2013, but my love for baseball and the Padres runs much deeper.

I am looking forward to the summer nights with friends. The hot dogs, the beers, cokes and laughter that comes with the territory. The child-like excitement when I smell the grass and hear the crack of the bat. Padres baseball is simply a part of who I am and who I will be. Perhaps my first date with my wife will be at a Padres game. Then, I can start a tradition of taking my child to games.

I write for this site because I love the Padres so much. Wins and losses are important, but there is just something about attending a big-league game. It is a magical experience. I hope 2013 is the beginning of many wonderful memories. Go Padres!