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.

Friday, August 17, 2012

Rebuild mode.

With the Cubs trading off players and calling up youngsters, I still keep up with whats going on, but I am starting to focus on the division and wildcard races. I am happy to see that they have called up the youngsters and have some exciting things happening in the minors with some prospects as well. There is a lot of debate on what the Cubs will do in the off season, but I don't think anyone has a clue. Theo and co. have been quiet, which I think is great, and that's why there is no idea on what will happen. I bet that's just what they want.

 I have never rooted for the Braves before, but wouldn't mind seeing them win it all. I have come to respect the player that Chipper Jones is, and would be nice to see him go out on top. Plus, I can go to a few playoff games. I am pumped to see the new Wildcard format, and see how it impacts the races and the Division series. There are a lot of teams still lined up for the playoffs with that in place and it could be real interesting down the stretch.

So we had another perfect game this year. There have only been 23 in all of MLB history, 3 this year alone. That makes six since 2009. Why so many? I don't know, and it doesn't bother me, it is still a feat that is special in baseball. A perfect game is still a no hitter. The difference in a no-no and perfection is just someone getting on by walk or error, so a lot of no hitters could have been perfect with just a small break. There have been 6 no hit games this year, and the modern record is 7, back in 1990, and 1991. Of those 14 no-no's in 90&91, only 1 was perfect. Either way, congrats Felix. Now I just need someone to do one at a game I am at.


So I read an article the other day about the Rays. I just happened to run across it somewhere on the net, but do not have a link. It was about the possible relocation of them. Saying that there is no market for them anywhere else. Well I disagree. I think an area that people have overlooked is Charlotte. It was the fastest growing ares in the U.S. until the economy took a dive and is still towards the top. Its neighbor, Raleigh, is top 5 right now. My point is that the Carolina's are great minor league cities and could draw from multiple areas. With the closest team north of there being about 5 hours away, and the Braves 4 hours south, it shouldn't be a problem building fans. The NFL has been pretty successful in Charlotte, and the area is set up well for it. If the Rays cannot find a solution for the problem in Tampa, I say move them to Charlotte .