Before I go too far let me put several disclaimers out there:

I’m an Eagles fan. I’ve had some really bad thoughts about Eli Manning in the past but since it was Father’s day I gave the dude a pass.

I’m a Nationals fan but Pampers provided free tickets for me and my niece and nephew to attend this game so I was rooting for the Mets lol.

There were some really moving Father’s day tributes during the game from the soldiers that were deployed to their dads who were in attendance.   And just in case a pic surfaces from these presentations, my allergies were bothering me at the same time.

Now back to business. This past weekend I was invited by Pampers (Ronnie and I are members of the “Pampers Baby Board” social media team) to celebrate Father’s Day in New York at their “Play Pen to Bull Pen” event. They had a special day planned on Sunday that included a meet and greet/press conference with Eli Manning (NY Giants QB and Father of one) at the NY Mets vs. Cincinnati Reds game.

It was really a best-case scenario. Ronnie and the kids were out of town and wouldn’t be returning until late Sunday evening.   So it was shaping up to be a low-key Father’s day. Instead, I was able to scoop my niece and nephew, take them on their first trip to the big apple and give them the time of their lives.

After an amazing day of getting out and about in the city, the kids and I met other members of the team Sunday morning to head to the game. We were bused to CitiField Stadium (home of the Mets) and had the opportunity to participate in a press conference with Eli Manning. You can check out my question in the YouTube video below.

We were then given a great swag bag full of Mets gear and goodies and our tickets to the game. Besides an overall good time at the ballpark, the best part of the day had to be a series of heartfelt tributes that took place on the big outfield monitor. Soldiers who were deployed overseas had taped messages that were played for their fathers that were in attendance. These tributes were great and even broke some of the dads down! There were also vignettes from the players who reflected on their fathers and the impact that they had on their lives.

Overall it was a very moving tribute to Dads. From Eli’s opening pitch with his daughter in hand to the time we left it was a day that showed great appreciation and thought and I really appreciated that.

 

I’m happy to let you know that Pampers is continuing the celebration of dads beyond Father’s Day. Beginning today June 20th, families can log on to the Pampers Facebook page and visit the “Most Valuable Dad” tab for a chance to win exciting prizes for dads and their little sluggers. For more information, visit www.Pampers.com or www.Facebook.com/Pampers.

One more disclaimer: Pampers covered all travel costs to New York and admission to the game. I did not receive financial compensation for this post. All thoughts and ideas are my own.