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.

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Prepping for trip.

I am gathering info for the trip to California. A few things I have learned (and some I have heard for years). DON'T eat the Dodger dog. I like to try the local favorite, but I will pass on this one. If the Traveling Baseball Babes wont finish one, it must be bad. DO eat the garlic fries at AT&T. They are worth it.
The A's stadium is a dump, which is why they are trying to move, but its still a ballpark, so I will hit it. Besides, I have an excuse to go out again in a few years when the new park finally happens. I just wonder if it can take over last on my list under Joe Robbie. That would be pretty bad.
Angels stadium seems pretty nice, but my joy there will be seeing Albert wearing a different red. I wish he was wearing blue pinstripes, but this works for me.
Petco seems like a nice park to me, and the warehouse makes me think Camden a bit, but I rank Camden pretty high, so we'll see. The building was there before the park and they built around it and added the bleachers etc. I wouldn't mind sitting in it or on its roof.
All in all, it will be a fun trip, and I am looking forward to it.