For all the action on the field though, for me, the most exciting moments were the day before during the players press day. I still get like a kid around ballplayers – maybe it’s because like 99% of all little boys, that’s what I wanted to be when I grew up. 

My daughter, who was working on a TIME for Kids story and I wandered the events, soaking it all up, getting player quotes and enjoying the atmosphere. The lo and behold, Claire scored perhaps her biggest sports-related interview ever – a one on one with St. Louis Cardinal Albert Pujols. 

The superstar slugger gave thoughtful, gracious answers to each of Claire’s questions, taking time on a day when he could not have had too much to spare. 

Of all the great moments we saw the last several days – this was one for the books.