BALLPARK HISTORY

Ballparks are full of history. They each have thier own distinct features, The bricks and ivy in Wrigley, monument park and the mystique of Yankee stadium, the warehouse at Camden, the green monster at Fenway, and more, but when you go to a park its more than to see the game, its to take in the environment. As much as I dislike it, part of going to Turner is listening to the fans do that tommohawk chant. I also enjoy seeing the statues or plaques of players who have contributed to all that history.

Each ballpark also gives you a different perspective of the game. What might be a HR at one park is just a fly ball in another. The site lines, angles and views of a game vary from park to park, even if your sitting in the same general area. Also the in game extras , like the mascot races, or singing the stretch at Wrigley, Sweet Caroline at Fenway, or the 7th inning God Bless America at Yankee stadium.

Another great thing about parks is visiting the local bar near the stadium. Harry Carays and Murphy's in Chicago, Pickles in Baltimore, Hockeytown Cafe in Detroit, Hooters in Anaheim, Rock Bottom Brewery in Denver (and Cinci), Harpoon Brewery in Boston, and Billys sports bar in the Bronx.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Wrigley Field, 1986-2008

#1
Wrigley field
This, being a cub fan, is obviously my favorite park. No matter how many times I go, each time is special. The Bricks & Ivy on a summer day, the Scoreboard, the rooftops, and Wrigleyville, these things all make it the best. Of course, you haven't lived until you have sung "take me out to the ballgame" at Wrigley. I dont live in Chicago, so I dont go to a ton of games. I have been there a few times. These pics are from 08.
When I got to the game on wednesday, I was surprised top see Jim Edmonds warming up. It had been rumored, but being on the road, I didnt hear about it. That was a pretty special team (despite the playoff flop) and I got to see them 7 times that year because they played a 3 and 2 game set in Atlanta as well.


The statue of Mr.Cub was not there on my prior trips. I spent a while just checking out the statue. I know alot of his history, but would have loved to see him play live.


This is the Harry Caray statue. It has been criticized for the freaky fan thing at his feet, and after seeing it, I know why. I understand what it is and its wierd, I can imagine what people that dont know about him think.


Went to my first game at Wrigley in July 86'. That day there was a carryover of the prior days game that was postponed due to darkness (pre lights at Wrigley), so I got to see that one wrap up as well as the regular game. There was a certain right fielder for the opposing team (expos) that we would sign as a free agent that off season. Andre Dawson. It was also the rookie year for Jamie Moyer, who was pitching for the cubs that day, who is still pitching in 2010. That was my first game at a big league stadium, although we used to go to alot of spring training games, growing up in south FL. Thats not why I became a CUBS fan, my whole family is from Chicago, but it did help secure my love, and pain and suffering, for years to come.




You think my wife was cold? So much for waiting for the end of May to get a warm day at Wrigley. The night before was nice, even though it rained late in the game. It was about 35 with the wind blowing in from left on this day, which can be chilly if your sitting down the 1st base line. BRRRR!


There are alot of great bars in Wrigleyville, but I chose to go to Harry Caray's. Was not disappointed. I will hit some others on another trip.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Wrigley Video



This was from the first game of 2 that I went to in 08'. It was a night game and was just about dusk here. We sat on the third base line for this game. I took this from my seat so I can remember my view. Although, the camera doesn't really give the true perspective. The Cubs were hot and seats were not easy to come by. That was also Soriano bobblehead night, which I got. Pretty cool.

My wife asked me where "that play" happened. She was talking about the Bartman play. We didn't go over to the seat, but I pointed out the general area to her.