I was lucky enough to be one of the first kids to step onto the newly built Gillette Field when it opened. A few seasons later, during my final year of Little League, I noticed a beautiful blonde-haired girl walk by the stands. I soon learned she was two years older than me and was keeping the score for my game. I remember thinking, in that simple, hopeful way only a kid can, I’m going to marry that girl, even though I never believed I actually had a chance. About four years passed before our paths crossed again. I went to watch a family friend’s child play, and there she was still working at the field, this time cheering on her little brother’s team. That same feeling came rushing back. With a little help from friends, I found her number and finally worked up the courage to ask her out. That girl was McKenna Griffin, and saying yes to that first date changed my life. We dated for four and a half wonderful years, growing up together and building something real. On February 7th, I returned to the place where it all began home plate at Gillette Field and got down on one knee to ask the girl I’ve loved since I was a kid to marry me. She said yes. Now, on the beautiful day of October 24th, I get to marry my best friend and spend the rest of my life with the same girl I once admired from the stands as a little boy. What started as a childhood dream at a small-town ballpark has become the greatest blessing of my life.