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.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Shea Stadium, 2001

#5

I was last there on Oct 3 2001 after 911. My tickets were for an earlier date, but of course the season was delayed due to that day. I remember the game because the Mets had been eliminated from playoff contention the day before and had nothing but scrubs playing. They were all wearing the NYPD and NYFD hats. The stadium was old and dated and needed to be replaced. Looking forward to visiting Citi Field. The Mets won 3-0 over the Pirates. I saw the Mets twice at Yankee stadium during subway series games as well.


I really did not like the outside of the stadium. It had the feel of a football stadium from outside. The stadium once your inside and watching the game was pretty good, but it was ugly and old. I think the Homerun Apple was a cool feature at Shea, but alot of other fans dont like it (or make fun of it), especially Yankee fans.


The stadium is out in the middle of nowhere, as much as that is possible in NYC. It is right next to the U.S. Open courts in Flushing Meadows. Not much else out there though.

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