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 13, 2010

Great American Ballpark, 2010

#12
Great american ballpark
Was here in August 2010, the 1st of a 3 game trip. The view coming up to the park wasn't great. It hides a little where it is at. I know that sounds crazy with a huge ballpark, but I guess if you have been there, you know what I mean. The main entrance is kind of bland, although there are some cool statues there(see below). Although once you get inside it is very nice. The site lines are great. The field is beautiful. The steamboat replica in right/center field is kind of the signature of the park, and it is impressive. Fireworks shoot out of the smokestacks when a Red hits a HR. The Reds were playing the Marlins and won 7-2.

Great american ballpark
Here you see a close up of the stacks. You can stand underneath them and watch the game, and there are misters and fans that blow on you. And a great view as well. Pretty convenient when you start to melt after the 1st inning on a hot day. This was HOT. 96 degrees and sunny. Our seats were 4 rows up from the field in left center, and I think they were the last two seats in the stadium to get shade relief;). These misters are in a couple places and very nice. We moved up to the third base line around the 7th inning here and I just missed a foul ball. It hit my hand but I couldn't get a grip on it. The guy behind me got it when it hit the ground, but gave it to his kid, which is what I would have done anyway. Maybe I need to invest in a glove so I dont break a finger?

Great american ballpark
The scoreboard here is pretty basic. Nice, but basic. It isn't overpowering and gets the job done. I had a great time chatting with the Reds fans, even though I was completely decked out in Cubs gear. Of course it helped that I let them know I hate the Cards!

Great american ballpark scoreboard
The statues in front of the stadium are below, and in order are Ted Kluszewski, Joe Nuxhall, Frank Robinson & Ernie Lombardi. These four Crosley Field stars are shown in the middle of a game, with Robinson hitting off of Nuxhall and Kluszewski on-deck. I know that Pete Rose can't be in the HOF but the park is on Pete Rose Way, and they don't have a statue of him?.

Great american ballpark statue

Great american ballpark statue

Great american ballpark statue

While we were waiting to go into the park, Shawn and I were discussing the 1990 reds. The "nasty boys" came up and all we could think of was Rob Dibble, and ??? Myers. We asked several fans and employees if they could name them, and nobody could come up with the 3rd. One lady got Randy Myers after we said the last name. At least we weren't the only ones that couldn't get it. The 3rd was Norm Charlton.

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