Sofia Coquis is not your average baseball fan. Friday will mark her 30th Major League ballpark visit in the U.S. -- more than most people see in their lifetime -- and she's only seven months old.
After getting laid off earlier this year, her parents, Robert Coquis and Judy Pino decided to spend time as a family by heading on a cross-country road trip to visit all the major baseball parks -- one of Robert's childhood dreams. The D.C. family began their journey in May.
Along the way, they went to home games for the Cleveland Indians, Chicago Cubs, Kansas City Royals, Houston Astros, Arizona Diamondbacks, Los Angeles Dodgers and many others.
Tuesday was their 29th stop, at Philly's Citizens Bank Park, where they watched the Phillies beat the Astros. Their 30th and final game will be Oct. 2 at Baltimore's Camden Yards. When their journey ends, they will have traveled more than 14,000 miles in the name of baseball.
"We believe that families should find time to spend together doing something that they enjoy. For us, it's baseball," says Judy. "Sofia has done great at the games. There is a lot going on to keep her entertained."
Not only was she entertained, but along the way baby Sofia learned to sit on her own, eat solid foods, wave goodbye and is now quite the cheerleader at games.
Throughout the trip, the family has collected items donated by MLB teams and fans to auction off on Oct. 28 at the first game of the World Series. They also collected monetary donations -- all in an effort to help make a difference in the lives of others. All the proceeds will go to a charity that benefits girls youth sports and education .
U.S. & World
For more information about the auction, the family and their trip, visit their Web site -- 30 Ballparks and a Baby.
