The Baby Race

St. Louis University Basketball has always been fun for our family. With no professional team in town since the Hawks left decades ago, the Billikens have provided us our fix for high level ball. The Fingerhuts have been to countless games, with my Dad holding season tickets for several years, not to mention my brother and sisters graduating from SLU (and my brother was the mascot for a while). One of the highlights of the season is the Baby Race. Once a year at halftime of a game in January, a row of tots lines up with their parents on either end, and they all crawl toward a finish line. The crowd really gets into it, and Michiyo and I have been thinking about this race since Hiroki was born last February. As always, all it took was a few phone calls and emails to the right people. I received this email right at Christmas:


Joe and Michiyo,

Congratulations! Your baby has been chosen to crawl in the 5th Annual Royal Banks of Missouri Great Baby Race! The Race will take place during halftime of the Billikens game on January 14. Game time is 7 PM.

You will be provided with two complimentary tickets and Hiroki will get in free of charge. Additional tickets will be available at a discounted price.

Check-in will be before the game at the main entrance and there will be a designated spot to meet before halftime.

We will contact you with more information in the near future.

Thanks and we look forward to seeing you at the game!

WE ARE IN!!!

And before anybody asks, yes, the training has begun in earnest. I don't know the layout, if there is a prize, or anything, but we are excited and Hiro's getting ready. Go to Youtube right now for a laugh. The race is on January 14th, and we'll keep everyone up to date. Feel free to leave an encouraging comment for Hiroki!