Sunday, September 25, 2016

Descanza en paz, Jose.

I just wanted to say some words on the tragic loss that happened this morning. I just found out about it so I haven't truly wrapped by brain around it yet, but this is a horrible tragedy. Condolences to Jose's family and girlfriend whose pregnancy was just announced on Instagram last week.

Jose was the most exciting pitcher in baseball and one of the most exciting sports figures and people around. Jose's family has lost a son, father, and Cubans everywhere have lost a role model and the human race today is a little poorer without his joy, enthusiasm, and personality for the game and for life.

Sunday, May 22, 2016

28 down, 2 to go. (Globe Life Park in Arlington)

At least for now, 2 to go! The numbering is getting a little confusing with the new Atlanta(ish) ballpark opening next year, and the just-announced new Rangers ballpark. I went to the old Rangers ballpark a few weeks ago, to wrap up my Arizona-Texas trip. It was a pretty neat experience, I'll let the pictures tell the story. I went at a nice time of year so I didn't have to battle the heat that brought on the idea of the new retractable roof ballpark in the first place. Of course by 2021 or so when that's finished, we'll be playing in climate controlled pods and taking the hyperloop to games, provided it's not 150 degrees out.

Just Minnesota and Oakland to go! I used to worry about what I would do when this journey is complete. But between Atlanta, Texas, and possible new ballparks in Tampa and Oakland if they ever get their act together, I can tell that there will always be new and exciting things to do in this great country of ours.


Sunday, May 15, 2016

27 down, 3 to go. (Minute Maid Park)

Deep in the heart of Texas!

The retractable roof was open on my visit to Houston, and the weather was beautiful. The park seems small on the outside but is spacious on the inside. The train did get moving once, but the home team went down to defeat. I guess those oranges will never arrive at their destination...




Saturday, May 14, 2016

26 down, 4 to go. (Chase Field)

Hello all!

Back and better than ever. Not too long ago I took a trip through Arizona and Texas to catch some games. Phoenix is a good place to see a game, the Diamondbacks were playing the Cubs though and there were more Cubs fans than D-Backs fans. I didn't splurge on the $30 D-Bat, the gargantuan corn dog, because I value my aorta and my wallet, but I would be lying if I said I wasn't tempted. Personal note of advice as well, if you go hiking in Arizona, wear sunscreen.





Sunday, August 9, 2015

25 down, 5 to go. (Wrigley Field)

Back again! I'm not sure if this will be it for this year or not, I may try to make a quick jaunt somewhere over Labor Day. If not, either way, only 5 to go...it has gone so fast. I still have a little ways to go but the end is definitely in sight. I'm not sure how to feel or how to react now that I'm getting so close. I use travel as a way to give my mind something to look forward to, something to plan for, a purpose. I think I'll celebrate for sure, but also panic a bit. I love going to National Parks and just exploring this great land of ours, so who knows, maybe in a couple of years this will transition to a general travel blog. Maybe I'll post about some National Parks and some European destinations that I've been to in the offseason. Either way, I have at least two years until this journey draws to a close, because of the new Atlanta ballpark opening in 2017.

Back to the focus of this post, which is the timeless and inimitable Wrigley Field. Someone made the comment before I went that the new scoreboard in left ruined the place, and this was my first time so I couldn't make the comparison directly, but it was awesome with the scoreboard. I think the scoreboard fits in nicely, and hey, we don't live in 1920 anymore. At Fenway no one gripes about the Monster seats anymore, and in a couple of years no one will care about the scoreboard anymore (except maybe the rooftop owners but that's all about money). It's a nice mix of the modern and historic, and it blends in nicely. While taking in a game here you think about all of the people who have streamed in the gates over the years to take in a Cubs game who hoped to see that W flag raised at the end of the game, more often that not left disappointed, but nevertheless came back again and again. That's fandom for you. On this day, July 4th, my beloved Marlins went down to defeat (as has happened often this season), but I thoroughly enjoyed the game and the fireworks nonetheless.

Back again soon! Take care all.









Sunday, August 2, 2015

24 down, 6 to go. (Great American Ball Park).

I checked this park out with a co-worker, so I got a little bit of the native stories which was cool. The smokestacks are a nice touch. This was another game that was repeatedly delayed due to rain, so props to the big man in the sky for getting the game in for me.
The Reds Hall of Fame is a can't miss, it's the best in the Major Leagues that I've been to so far. Only drawback to this park: it is located in Ohio. Couldn't help but get that one in as a Hurricanes fan :)
The All-Star Game had a great host also, you could tell the city was genuinely excited about hosting the game, they had a building lighting ceremony that we went to which was chintzy but cool. Also cool is the Roebling Bridge located just next to the park, and the Underground Railroad Museum near by.





Sunday, July 26, 2015

23 down, 7 to go. (Busch Stadium).

Well I failed miserably in my quest to post over the off-season, but here I am, back again by popular demand! *Crickets*

:) This summer I went on a really cool and relaxing Midwest ballpark tour. My first stop was St. Louis. I had never been, and I was surprised by what a cool, laid back city it was. I was worried about the weather forecasts the whole time I was there, and there were multiple delays with sideways rain, but they ultimately got the whole game in, because they knew I was there to watch, of course.

While you're in the ballpark, you really feel like you're in the middle of Cardinals nation. You're surrounded by red seats, Big Mac Land, and the Gateway Arch just down the road. This may be flyover land to a lot of people, but to these people, it's home. Just standing outside the park before the gates opened, you could look around and see the passion these people have for baseball. It is truly infectious and I'm glad I stopped by.