A 4th of July weekend trip to Colorado. I was planning to attend games in Colorado Springs and Denver. But the Colorado Springs plans did not pan out, so it would be just games in Denver.
After spending the previous couple days in the Springs, I drove up to Denver, mainly for a ballpark at Coors Field. After riding the shuttle bus on the 16th Street Mall to the end of the line, it had rained really hard. After dealing with a postponed game in St. Louis, I worried about the same thing happening here.
After waiting under cover, I decided to walk to the ballpark, getting soaked in the process. The rain did stop, which was great news for me. When I entered the ballpark, I noticed the tarp on the field. I get to see it removed, and the game would be delayed by 30 minutes.
I sat in the upper deck, which was still wet. A fan next to me, offered me his towel, to wipe the seat. And I had to go up to the Purple Row, which are seats a mile high above sea level. The only seats that are purple, while the others are all green. From there, I could see the mountains, but were not really easy to see.
The Colorado Rockies took on the Arizona Diamondbacks, with the Rockies having been on a roll. They would start things off with a Clint Barmes home run, giving the Rox 1-0 lead. The Rockies would go up 4-0, until the Diamondbacks slowly chipped away, making it 4-3. But in the 8th inning, the D-Backs explode for 6 runs, taking a 9-4 lead. The Rockies scored 3 more in the bottom half. The D-Backs answered back by scoring 2 more, putting the game away. The Diamondbacks defeat the Rockies, 11-7. A high scoring game that I expected at Coors Field.
After the game were 4th of July fireworks, which are always great to watch in a ballpark.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Saturday, August 1, 2009
June 20, 2009 (Philadelphia)
An interleague matchup between the Phillies and the Baltimore Orioles. The Phils have to win at least one more in this homestead. I mean, they can’t be this bad at home, to a point where they could get swept by one of the worst teams in baseball.
Well, it turns out, the Phillies took a 1-0 lead on a Greg Dobbs home run. But that is all they could muster. The Orioles scored 2 runs, and that is all they needed, as they beat the Phils 2-1. Cole Hamels pitched a great game, but he was the hard-luck loser in the game.
I got to see a manager ejection and get a free bucket hat. But still, the Phils did indeed, get swept by the O’s. Maybe the upcoming road trip will be their remedy.
Well, it turns out, the Phillies took a 1-0 lead on a Greg Dobbs home run. But that is all they could muster. The Orioles scored 2 runs, and that is all they needed, as they beat the Phils 2-1. Cole Hamels pitched a great game, but he was the hard-luck loser in the game.
I got to see a manager ejection and get a free bucket hat. But still, the Phils did indeed, get swept by the O’s. Maybe the upcoming road trip will be their remedy.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
June 12, 2009 (Allentown)
I drive up to Allentown to attend the Lehigh Valley IronPigs game, the AAA affiliate of the Phillies. They are playing the Charlotte Knights at Coco-Cola Park.
Now I'll admit, I don't really know anything about minor league baseball, other than that they may have up and coming players who could be in the major leagues one day. But I often hear positive things about it, like more intimate setting and a lot of promotions of things, since this caters more to families.
I arrive early, and do notice a lot of ads on the left field side. For only $10, I was able to sit behind home plate, and sat near some people who have season tickets, as we talked between innings. Fireworks normally go off, coming out of the huge Coco-Cola bottle at the scoreboard, whenever the home team hits a home run. But I would witness it puffing out just smoke, which was kind of funny to see.
The Knights and IronPigs each traded a couple runs, making it 2-2, and that would make the game go extra innings. The IronPigs scored in the bottom of the 10th, and they win the game, 3-2. The postgame fireworks were okay, but definitely were not at the major league level.
The worst part of the experience, is the parking lot after the game. It took me what seemed like forever, to get out of the lot. A long line of cars, bearly making an inch each hour. I did manage to catch the end of the Phillies game on the radio, to help bypass the time, but the reception was not good.
Overall, it was a good experience, to see firsthand a minor league game. Hopefully, this will be the first of many to go to, in the years to come.
Now I'll admit, I don't really know anything about minor league baseball, other than that they may have up and coming players who could be in the major leagues one day. But I often hear positive things about it, like more intimate setting and a lot of promotions of things, since this caters more to families.
I arrive early, and do notice a lot of ads on the left field side. For only $10, I was able to sit behind home plate, and sat near some people who have season tickets, as we talked between innings. Fireworks normally go off, coming out of the huge Coco-Cola bottle at the scoreboard, whenever the home team hits a home run. But I would witness it puffing out just smoke, which was kind of funny to see.
The Knights and IronPigs each traded a couple runs, making it 2-2, and that would make the game go extra innings. The IronPigs scored in the bottom of the 10th, and they win the game, 3-2. The postgame fireworks were okay, but definitely were not at the major league level.
The worst part of the experience, is the parking lot after the game. It took me what seemed like forever, to get out of the lot. A long line of cars, bearly making an inch each hour. I did manage to catch the end of the Phillies game on the radio, to help bypass the time, but the reception was not good.
Overall, it was a good experience, to see firsthand a minor league game. Hopefully, this will be the first of many to go to, in the years to come.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
May 25, 2009 (Philadelphia)
Hot dogs and baseball, 2 things go well together! At least to me, anyway. Which is one of the main reasons why I went to Dollar Dog Night on Memorial Day.
The Phillies took on the Florida Marlins, and the result was not good, even with Jamie Moyer starting, who has had great numbers against the Fish. Ryan Howard starts things off with a 2-run homer in the 1st, giving the Phils a 2-0 lead. But Wes Helms, who was a bust while in Philly, would hit a 3-run homer, giving the Marlins a 3-2 lead. The Phils couldn't really get anything going, and part of the reason is due to base-running blunders. Howard would hit another home run, but it was not enough.
The Phils lose the game 5-3.
The Phillies took on the Florida Marlins, and the result was not good, even with Jamie Moyer starting, who has had great numbers against the Fish. Ryan Howard starts things off with a 2-run homer in the 1st, giving the Phils a 2-0 lead. But Wes Helms, who was a bust while in Philly, would hit a 3-run homer, giving the Marlins a 3-2 lead. The Phils couldn't really get anything going, and part of the reason is due to base-running blunders. Howard would hit another home run, but it was not enough.
The Phils lose the game 5-3.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
May 17, 2009 (St. Louis)
At the last minute, I decided to take another game. And prematurely bought a ticket over the phone. Premature, because I still have ticket for the makeup game.
When going to the box office, I thought I could get a refund, but told that there are no refunds throughout MLB. Their reason, is that they don't control the weather. I know that screwed the Brewers fans visiting, as one of them was arguing with the ticket person. And I just threw away $52. So I was upgraded to the Redbird Club, which is on the 2nd level, and had an indoor concession stand and lounge.
It was a good seat, as I saw the Brewers quickly take a 4-0 lead in the 1st inning, with all the runs scored on a bases-loaded hit by JJ Hardy and Jason Kendall. It stayed that until the Cardinals finally got something going in the bottom of the 6th, scoring 2 runs to cut the deficit in half.
But the next inning, Prince Fielder hits a 3-run homer to put the Brewers up 7-2, and they score 1 more run to put icing on the cake, as the Brewers beat the Cardinals, 8-2.
I've been told there are fireworks after every Cardinal victory. I would not know for sure, because they lost the 2 games I was there. This would be the first place where I would not see the home team win.
When going to the box office, I thought I could get a refund, but told that there are no refunds throughout MLB. Their reason, is that they don't control the weather. I know that screwed the Brewers fans visiting, as one of them was arguing with the ticket person. And I just threw away $52. So I was upgraded to the Redbird Club, which is on the 2nd level, and had an indoor concession stand and lounge.
It was a good seat, as I saw the Brewers quickly take a 4-0 lead in the 1st inning, with all the runs scored on a bases-loaded hit by JJ Hardy and Jason Kendall. It stayed that until the Cardinals finally got something going in the bottom of the 6th, scoring 2 runs to cut the deficit in half.
But the next inning, Prince Fielder hits a 3-run homer to put the Brewers up 7-2, and they score 1 more run to put icing on the cake, as the Brewers beat the Cardinals, 8-2.
I've been told there are fireworks after every Cardinal victory. I would not know for sure, because they lost the 2 games I was there. This would be the first place where I would not see the home team win.
Monday, June 22, 2009
May 16, 2009 (St. Louis)
This time, it was a gorgeous day, so no worries about a rainout. I stood in line for First Pitch, which was already long by the time I got there. I got a voucher, then when paying at the ticket window, got another voucher. But I would definitely be at the game. First Pitch is a random drawing of 2 tickets, anywhere in the stadium.
When I returned shortly before the game, I got my tickets and ended up with standing room. Not good, since I've been standing for the most of the day so far. My feet are hurting so much. I first went to the 3rd base side, then to the 1st base side, so I can stand in the shade. But my feet were in too much pain, so I sat in an empty seat by the 3rd inning. I did notice a bunch of seats being empty throughout the game. No one seemed to notice or care.
The Cardinals faced the Brewers, and it turned out to be a pitchers' duel. The Brewers managed only 2 hits in the entire game, but one of them was a Corey Hart solo home run, which turned out to be just enough. Meanwhile, the Cardinals couldn't get anything going against their former teammate, Jeff Suppan, and ended up being shut out 1-0.
First time I have witnessed a shutout.
When I returned shortly before the game, I got my tickets and ended up with standing room. Not good, since I've been standing for the most of the day so far. My feet are hurting so much. I first went to the 3rd base side, then to the 1st base side, so I can stand in the shade. But my feet were in too much pain, so I sat in an empty seat by the 3rd inning. I did notice a bunch of seats being empty throughout the game. No one seemed to notice or care.
The Cardinals faced the Brewers, and it turned out to be a pitchers' duel. The Brewers managed only 2 hits in the entire game, but one of them was a Corey Hart solo home run, which turned out to be just enough. Meanwhile, the Cardinals couldn't get anything going against their former teammate, Jeff Suppan, and ended up being shut out 1-0.
First time I have witnessed a shutout.
Monday, June 15, 2009
May 15, 2009 (St. Louis)
I would spend this weekend in St. Louis, as my quest to visit all MLB stadium resumes in 2009. This season would be more focused on the National League this time.
Earlier in the day, I did get to visit the Missouri History Museum. There were sections that focused on the World Fair in 1904 and the history of St. Louis, from the beginning to the present day. But the part that really caught my interest, is the baseball stuff. There were old footage of past World Series that the Cardinals were in, including the 1944 World Series, which was the only one held in one stadium only. The St. Louis Browns and Cardinals shared a home for some time, before the Browns moved to Baltimore and became the Orioles. Plus some old seats, turnstile, and other things from the old Busch Stadium (or Busch II).
I arrived at (new) Busch Stadium, for the start of a 3-game series between the St. Louis Cardinals and Milwaukee Brewers. This would be a battle for the NL Central. Yeah, I know it's too early to bring division races, but nobody wants to fall behind too quickly. The arrival from the MetroLink train takes me to the Stan Musial statue, standing in front of the entrance.
And at the corner, in front of the gift shop, are statues of great Cardinal players, like Bob Gibson and Ozzie Smith. I went inside the stadium, and it was t-shirt giveaway night. I could always use another t-shirt. :)
The view is great, seeing the Arch and downtown St. Louis. There are the retired numbers on the left field wall, as well as on the scoreboard. And 2 sets of manual out-of-town scores, one for each league, in the concourse. Although I did notice it was games from the week before. There is a computerized out-of-town scoreboard, next to the main one.
I walked around the concourse, and don't like the fact that I can't see the game from it. I would sit along the 3rd base side, underneath the level. The sky did not look too good, but I hoped they could get a game in.
The Cardinals got off to a good start, taking a 2-0 lead in the 2nd inning, as Colby Ramsum hit a 2-run homer. Fireworks go off everytime a Cardinal hits a home run. Unfortunately, that would be the last I would see, because the rain came down hard, and at the lightning, there was a rain delay. After waiting about 90 minutes, it was postponed.
Being an out-of-towner, I was not sure of the rainout policy, and wondered if there was any other alternative to using it for the makeup game. An usher told me that I could get a refund, but that would end up being wrong. And I mean wrong, big time! More on that on another day.
Not happy the game was rained out, I hoped for better luck the next day. And I hoped for better seats with First Pitch.
Earlier in the day, I did get to visit the Missouri History Museum. There were sections that focused on the World Fair in 1904 and the history of St. Louis, from the beginning to the present day. But the part that really caught my interest, is the baseball stuff. There were old footage of past World Series that the Cardinals were in, including the 1944 World Series, which was the only one held in one stadium only. The St. Louis Browns and Cardinals shared a home for some time, before the Browns moved to Baltimore and became the Orioles. Plus some old seats, turnstile, and other things from the old Busch Stadium (or Busch II).
I arrived at (new) Busch Stadium, for the start of a 3-game series between the St. Louis Cardinals and Milwaukee Brewers. This would be a battle for the NL Central. Yeah, I know it's too early to bring division races, but nobody wants to fall behind too quickly. The arrival from the MetroLink train takes me to the Stan Musial statue, standing in front of the entrance.
And at the corner, in front of the gift shop, are statues of great Cardinal players, like Bob Gibson and Ozzie Smith. I went inside the stadium, and it was t-shirt giveaway night. I could always use another t-shirt. :)
The view is great, seeing the Arch and downtown St. Louis. There are the retired numbers on the left field wall, as well as on the scoreboard. And 2 sets of manual out-of-town scores, one for each league, in the concourse. Although I did notice it was games from the week before. There is a computerized out-of-town scoreboard, next to the main one.
I walked around the concourse, and don't like the fact that I can't see the game from it. I would sit along the 3rd base side, underneath the level. The sky did not look too good, but I hoped they could get a game in.
The Cardinals got off to a good start, taking a 2-0 lead in the 2nd inning, as Colby Ramsum hit a 2-run homer. Fireworks go off everytime a Cardinal hits a home run. Unfortunately, that would be the last I would see, because the rain came down hard, and at the lightning, there was a rain delay. After waiting about 90 minutes, it was postponed.
Being an out-of-towner, I was not sure of the rainout policy, and wondered if there was any other alternative to using it for the makeup game. An usher told me that I could get a refund, but that would end up being wrong. And I mean wrong, big time! More on that on another day.
Not happy the game was rained out, I hoped for better luck the next day. And I hoped for better seats with First Pitch.
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