I spend the early part of the day, first at the construction site, where the new ballpark for the Minnesota Twins is being built. Then to the Mall of America, which was built on the site of the defunct Metropolitan Stadium, the old home of the Twins and Vikings. There is a plaque that marks the spot of home plate, and the stadium chair which marked the spot of Harmon Killebrew's 520-foot home run.
Later, I went to the Metrodome, which would be my first baseball game in a dome. It felt a bit weird watching a game indoors, but still had that feel of the cookie-cutter stadiums, reminding me of the old Veterans Stadium in Philly. This was the 3rd and final stop of my Midwest road trip. It turns out that I would visit 3 ballparks within the same division, AL Central.
Some things to look out for, like the Twins Hall of Fame around the stadium, and the pictures of players whose numbers have been retired by the team. And the countdown has already started for games left in the Metrodome, although it's still 2 years away.
The Minnesota Twins played the Cleveland Indians. The Twins have been a major surprise, winning despite losing 2 key players, while the Tribe a major disappointment in the AL Central. The Twins just completely dominated the game, and would cruise to a 12-3 win over the Indians. A foul ball was hit one row behind me, which was the closest it has ever been to me.
After the game, I went to the river, and watched the fireworks. A great way to close out the road trip. But I plan to visit at least 1 more ballpark this season.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
June 30, 2008 (Chicago)
I was in Chicago, to see my sister, and visit a couple ballparks.
First, I would tour Wrigley Field, getting a chance to see both dressing rooms and sit in the Cubs dugout and press boxes. And get some background history on the ballpark, and how it used to be home of the Chicago Bears. Overall, I thought it was an interesting tour. But I feel like I would get a better feel if I could go to an actual game, but the Cubs are on the road, so I'll make a return visit in the future.
Note: I only count it as a ballpark visit, if I attended the actual game. So when asked which ballparks I've been to, Wrigley Field is not included on that list. Yes, I am that picky!
Later, I would go to Comiskey Park (I know it's called US Cellular Field, but I hate that name). Outside, there is the Champion Plaza, celebrating the memory of the 2005 Championship, which was the White Sox first since the Black Sox scandal.
I went inside, and see that each level requires separate admission. I was on the lower level, and got a very good seat. I walked around the stadium, and see the statues of White Sox in the concourse in the outfield. And the scoreboard has fireworks that go off everytime a White Sox player hits a home run, and if they win the game. Yes, even in the daytime, which I never saw before.
The Chicago White Sox took on the Cleveland Indians. The White Sox got off to a quick start, jumping out to a 8-1 lead after 3 innings. I get to see 2 former Phillies play, in Jim Thome and Gavin Floyd. And it seems like a change of scenery has helped Gavin Floyd, who is have a great year. The Tribe slowly chipped away, and had a rally going in the 9th inning, but fell short, as the White Sox won 9-7. Jim Thome hit a home run, and Nick Swisher hit 2 (including a grand slam), which means I get to see the fireworks 4 times. :)
Overall, I had fun at this place, and not nearly as bad as I thought. People usually think of Wrigley Field when coming to Chicago, but I think Comiskey is worth the visit. And a cheaper alternative, since Cubs tickets are a little hard to come by. The huge flipside is that there is nothing to do after the game, except hop on the El train and go somewhere else.
First, I would tour Wrigley Field, getting a chance to see both dressing rooms and sit in the Cubs dugout and press boxes. And get some background history on the ballpark, and how it used to be home of the Chicago Bears. Overall, I thought it was an interesting tour. But I feel like I would get a better feel if I could go to an actual game, but the Cubs are on the road, so I'll make a return visit in the future.
Note: I only count it as a ballpark visit, if I attended the actual game. So when asked which ballparks I've been to, Wrigley Field is not included on that list. Yes, I am that picky!
Later, I would go to Comiskey Park (I know it's called US Cellular Field, but I hate that name). Outside, there is the Champion Plaza, celebrating the memory of the 2005 Championship, which was the White Sox first since the Black Sox scandal.
I went inside, and see that each level requires separate admission. I was on the lower level, and got a very good seat. I walked around the stadium, and see the statues of White Sox in the concourse in the outfield. And the scoreboard has fireworks that go off everytime a White Sox player hits a home run, and if they win the game. Yes, even in the daytime, which I never saw before.
The Chicago White Sox took on the Cleveland Indians. The White Sox got off to a quick start, jumping out to a 8-1 lead after 3 innings. I get to see 2 former Phillies play, in Jim Thome and Gavin Floyd. And it seems like a change of scenery has helped Gavin Floyd, who is have a great year. The Tribe slowly chipped away, and had a rally going in the 9th inning, but fell short, as the White Sox won 9-7. Jim Thome hit a home run, and Nick Swisher hit 2 (including a grand slam), which means I get to see the fireworks 4 times. :)
Overall, I had fun at this place, and not nearly as bad as I thought. People usually think of Wrigley Field when coming to Chicago, but I think Comiskey is worth the visit. And a cheaper alternative, since Cubs tickets are a little hard to come by. The huge flipside is that there is nothing to do after the game, except hop on the El train and go somewhere else.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
June 28, 2008 (Detroit)
During the day, I would tour around Detroit, which was not easy, because it was raining hard. I could not visit Dearborn, since I was relying on public transportation in the Motor City. I know, that doesn't sound right, but I'm just very cheap.
I would visit the Detroit Historical Museum, which was a city history museum. One of the things on display are some Tiger Stadium artifacts, which included the sign, seats, and turnstile.
I would also get to see Tiger Stadium itself, and it looked horribly neglected. I wish I could go inside, but it was fenced off, but there are people still coming to see the place, and taking pictures of it. There were bulldozers just outside the stadium, so they are ready to tear the place down. Just looking at the old ticket windows and concession stands - very depressing to see.
From the old ballpark to the current one, the second game between the Detroit Tigers and Colorado Rockies. The Tigers would be up 5-2, going into the 9th inning. That was when the Rockies came back and took a 6-5 lead, with closer Todd Jones coughing up the lead. Needless to say, he was booed after taken out of the game. But the Tigers prevailed, scoring 2 runs in the bottom half, on a Miguel Cabrera walk-off double, winning 7-6. After the game, was fireworks, which is always great to see.
I would see the statues of Tiger players whose numbers have been retired, on my way out. Overall, I enjoyed my time at Comerica Park. I think it is a nice ballpark, with a museum on the team's history, and some attractions that will surely entertain the families. Hopefully, I will make a return visit.
Next day, I leave for Chicago, and get to see my sister.
I would visit the Detroit Historical Museum, which was a city history museum. One of the things on display are some Tiger Stadium artifacts, which included the sign, seats, and turnstile.
I would also get to see Tiger Stadium itself, and it looked horribly neglected. I wish I could go inside, but it was fenced off, but there are people still coming to see the place, and taking pictures of it. There were bulldozers just outside the stadium, so they are ready to tear the place down. Just looking at the old ticket windows and concession stands - very depressing to see.
From the old ballpark to the current one, the second game between the Detroit Tigers and Colorado Rockies. The Tigers would be up 5-2, going into the 9th inning. That was when the Rockies came back and took a 6-5 lead, with closer Todd Jones coughing up the lead. Needless to say, he was booed after taken out of the game. But the Tigers prevailed, scoring 2 runs in the bottom half, on a Miguel Cabrera walk-off double, winning 7-6. After the game, was fireworks, which is always great to see.
I would see the statues of Tiger players whose numbers have been retired, on my way out. Overall, I enjoyed my time at Comerica Park. I think it is a nice ballpark, with a museum on the team's history, and some attractions that will surely entertain the families. Hopefully, I will make a return visit.
Next day, I leave for Chicago, and get to see my sister.
Monday, September 22, 2008
June 27, 2008 (Detroit)
The start of the Midwest Road Trip, taking me to 3 different stadiums. The first stop is Comerica Park in Detroit.
I got there late, because of a late arrival flight, and the long bus ride from the airport to downtown. After checking in at a hotel only a block away, I got to the ballpark, but the game was already in the 2nd inning.
Tigers everywhere. This ballpark has a lot of tiger statues, including one guarding one of the gates. And a merry-go-round of tigers instead of horses, and showcasing a different decade of team history throughout the concourse.
A interleague matchup between the Detroit Tigers and Colorado Rockies. When Tigers starter Eddie Bonine did not allow a hit going into the 5th inning, I started to think no-hitter. But he gave up in that inning, but the Tigers won the game 7-1. A tiger roar can be heard everytime athe Tigers scored. We were treated with fireworks after the game, which I enjoyed.
I decided to take in another game in its entirety, and hope to see more of the ballpark then.
I got there late, because of a late arrival flight, and the long bus ride from the airport to downtown. After checking in at a hotel only a block away, I got to the ballpark, but the game was already in the 2nd inning.
Tigers everywhere. This ballpark has a lot of tiger statues, including one guarding one of the gates. And a merry-go-round of tigers instead of horses, and showcasing a different decade of team history throughout the concourse.
A interleague matchup between the Detroit Tigers and Colorado Rockies. When Tigers starter Eddie Bonine did not allow a hit going into the 5th inning, I started to think no-hitter. But he gave up in that inning, but the Tigers won the game 7-1. A tiger roar can be heard everytime athe Tigers scored. We were treated with fireworks after the game, which I enjoyed.
I decided to take in another game in its entirety, and hope to see more of the ballpark then.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
June 7, 2008 (New York)
My first and only visit to "The House that Ruth Built", on a hot and humid day during the heat wave that has hit the Northeast US. Yes, I finally got to visit Yankee Stadium. And this after considering going many times before that, but never happened until its final season. Better late than never.
I did not like the fact that I had to pay money to check my backpack in a bowling alley, since bags were not allowed in the stadium. Plus I would not get a chance to see Monument Park, which closed 45 minutes before game time.
But the game itself was very entertaining. A high scoring affair, that went back and forth between the Yankees and Royals. Johnny Damon went 6-for-6 in the game, including the game winning hit in the bottom of the 9th, as the Yankees came back to win the game, 12-11.
I did not like the fact that I had to pay money to check my backpack in a bowling alley, since bags were not allowed in the stadium. Plus I would not get a chance to see Monument Park, which closed 45 minutes before game time.
But the game itself was very entertaining. A high scoring affair, that went back and forth between the Yankees and Royals. Johnny Damon went 6-for-6 in the game, including the game winning hit in the bottom of the 9th, as the Yankees came back to win the game, 12-11.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
May 26, 2008 (Philadelphia)
My 1st visit to Citizens Bank Park in 3 years, and 2nd overall. I figure, since I'm planning to visit all these stadiums in other places, why not the home stadium. Well, I am in for a treat this Memorial Day, as the Philadelphia Phillies took on the Colorado Rockies, and it's Dollar Dog Night.
The Rockies jumped out in front first, but it was all Phillies, hitting home runs and scoring all these runs, it got ridiculous. I left the game in the 8th inning, and the Phils destroy the Rockies, 20-5.
I'll try to keep these entries as short as possible. I have a bad habit of being too detailed.
The Rockies jumped out in front first, but it was all Phillies, hitting home runs and scoring all these runs, it got ridiculous. I left the game in the 8th inning, and the Phils destroy the Rockies, 20-5.
I'll try to keep these entries as short as possible. I have a bad habit of being too detailed.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
May 16, 2008 (Baltimore)
I took a day trip from DC to Baltimore, to visit Oriole Park in Camden Yards. As it's the one that started the retro ballparks in MLB, it would also start off my baseball quest to visit every ballpark.
This was my first ever visit to Baltimore, and the only reason for me to visit this city, is for baseball. Nearby is the Babe Ruth Birthplace, which I did get to visit. I also would visit the Sports Legend Museum, but had to skim through it, not realizing how much stuff is actually in it. I will definitely have to make a return visit.
I went to a stand, where I bought 3 hot dogs for $5, which was not a bad deal in itself, and I'm sure better than inside the ballpark. And the great thing is that I could bring the food and drink inside the stadium.
It was a chilly night, and probably the first time I went to a baseball game in this type of weather. I walked along Eutaw Street and looked around until the starting lineups were announced. I did not give myself enough time, as I did not want to miss any part of the game. It kind of stinks that I could not see the game from the concourse.
I sat behind home plate underneath the deck. I would end talking with someone next to me, who was also from Philly.
The Baltimore Orioles were playing the Washington Nationals in the opener of the Beltway Series. Seeing a lot of empty seats, just shows that this isn't much of a rivalry, and never will be. It's no Yankees-Mets or Cubs-White Sox. The Nationals jumped to a 2-0 lead, but the Orioles came back, and eventually won the game 5-3. Ironic that I would be watching the Nats in a road game, considering that I was in DC for a weekend trip.
There was fireworks afterwards, but I would miss it, because of the last bus would leave 20 minutes after the last out. Or I thought. Turns out the bus driver just stood outside, talking. So I missed the fireworks for no reason, and was really upset. So was another girl, who went outside to complain to the driver, but to no avail. The bus would eventually leave, but that was almost 45 minutes after the game, and the fireworks had already ended.
So for those that come from DC to catch a game at Camden Yards and the fireworks after that, have a Plan B to get back to DC, in case the last bus does leave 20 minutes after the last out. I think fireworks and baseball go well together.
I would not get to visit Nationals Park, and will have to make a return trip to DC, to see a game there, and possibly the DC United soccer team to see RFK Stadium.
But overall, it was a great experience, and a nice way to start summer for me.
This was my first ever visit to Baltimore, and the only reason for me to visit this city, is for baseball. Nearby is the Babe Ruth Birthplace, which I did get to visit. I also would visit the Sports Legend Museum, but had to skim through it, not realizing how much stuff is actually in it. I will definitely have to make a return visit.
I went to a stand, where I bought 3 hot dogs for $5, which was not a bad deal in itself, and I'm sure better than inside the ballpark. And the great thing is that I could bring the food and drink inside the stadium.
It was a chilly night, and probably the first time I went to a baseball game in this type of weather. I walked along Eutaw Street and looked around until the starting lineups were announced. I did not give myself enough time, as I did not want to miss any part of the game. It kind of stinks that I could not see the game from the concourse.
I sat behind home plate underneath the deck. I would end talking with someone next to me, who was also from Philly.
The Baltimore Orioles were playing the Washington Nationals in the opener of the Beltway Series. Seeing a lot of empty seats, just shows that this isn't much of a rivalry, and never will be. It's no Yankees-Mets or Cubs-White Sox. The Nationals jumped to a 2-0 lead, but the Orioles came back, and eventually won the game 5-3. Ironic that I would be watching the Nats in a road game, considering that I was in DC for a weekend trip.
There was fireworks afterwards, but I would miss it, because of the last bus would leave 20 minutes after the last out. Or I thought. Turns out the bus driver just stood outside, talking. So I missed the fireworks for no reason, and was really upset. So was another girl, who went outside to complain to the driver, but to no avail. The bus would eventually leave, but that was almost 45 minutes after the game, and the fireworks had already ended.
So for those that come from DC to catch a game at Camden Yards and the fireworks after that, have a Plan B to get back to DC, in case the last bus does leave 20 minutes after the last out. I think fireworks and baseball go well together.
I would not get to visit Nationals Park, and will have to make a return trip to DC, to see a game there, and possibly the DC United soccer team to see RFK Stadium.
But overall, it was a great experience, and a nice way to start summer for me.
Monday, September 15, 2008
How it started
For starters, I was born and raised in Philadelphia, and currently live there. And you guessed it, I grew up rooting for the Phillies, as well as the Eagles, Flyers and 76ers.
It all started when talking with a friend on a road trip in 2007, when we talked about all the baseball stadiums we have seen or visited. At the time, I would be content just seeing the exterior and/or touring the place, and only went to a game at Fenway Park. When learning that Yankee Stadium would close its doors after the 2008 season, I wanted to make one visit there. Then it hit me, and I decided to try to visit all 30 ballparks within my lifetime, starting in 2008.
Since the regular season is almost over, and I just started this blog, I will be recapping all the games that I've attended. It won't necessarily be reviews (I'm lousy at that), but just my experience and the actual game recap itself.
It all started when talking with a friend on a road trip in 2007, when we talked about all the baseball stadiums we have seen or visited. At the time, I would be content just seeing the exterior and/or touring the place, and only went to a game at Fenway Park. When learning that Yankee Stadium would close its doors after the 2008 season, I wanted to make one visit there. Then it hit me, and I decided to try to visit all 30 ballparks within my lifetime, starting in 2008.
Since the regular season is almost over, and I just started this blog, I will be recapping all the games that I've attended. It won't necessarily be reviews (I'm lousy at that), but just my experience and the actual game recap itself.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
First entry - intro
Hello, my name is Walter. I will be using this blog for my visits to various ballparks in Major League Baseball, and maybe a few other things along the way. I got the idea of blogging my visits from Sean's MLB Road Trip, which you can find some useful information on www.mlbroadtrip.com, if you decide to go on a quest to visit every baseball stadium. Also, it's fun to read as well.
I'll be figuring out the kinks on this site along the way.
I'll be figuring out the kinks on this site along the way.
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