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, April 18, 2013

PNC Park, 2013

#23

PNC Park

This was the first of three games on our road trip, which also included a stop at the Hall of Fame. 
We weren't sure what kind of weather to expect being in the northeast in the middle of April. Well
this day ended up being beautiful. With the exception of some clouds, it was around 83 degrees 
and great baseball weather. 

PNC Park
Roberto Clemente

We parked in the downtown area across the river and went to Primanti Brothers for a sandwich before
the game. Also had to try the local beer, Iron City, which was pretty good. Plus walking over the
Clemente bridge before the game is part of the experience. 

PNC Park
Willie Stargell

Here are the statues at PNC Park. There are some more inside the park that are from the Negro team league. They are really cool too. These here are of the Pirates greats. 

PNC Park
Honus Wagner

PNC Park
Bill Mazeroski

This park has an absolutely beautiful skyline and backdrop. The city would be enough, but the bridges just add more to the view. Still being early season they are still cutting the grass fancy. some parks go away from this as the season moves on. 


The scoreboard here is pretty basic, but nice. I think what makes it pop is the light towers. They are sweet. 
They definitely add to the character of this park. 
There doesn't seem to be a bad seat in this place. Some real nice stadiums still have quirky blind spots, and as we walked around we didn't seem to see any.




I did really like the scoreboard in right field. It has a little of an old school look to it. I would love to sit in those seats between the bleachers and the scores. 


Now on to the game. Well it just happened to workout that the Braves were in town during this game. Figures I live near Turner and I have to watch these guys on the road. I guess its all timing. Anyway, I was a Pirate fan that night. The Braves ended up winning 6-4. There were 6 home runs hit in the game. 
I was glad to hear that the Bucs took the next 3 of the 4 game set. 

A picture of A Simmons being tagged out during a steal attempt. 

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