Game 2: August 30, 2013 Angels at Brewers

I must admit, it was a struggle getting to Miller Park, but well worth. It started with getting up at 3:30 AM to make a 6 AM flight to Chicago. Then I spent way too much time catching a few winks in my hotel before heading over to the rental car place. The line at Dollar was ridiculously long and it took forever to get a car.

And then there were massive thunderstorms, which made traffic look like Los Angeles.

Eventually, I got to Miller Park, arriving in the first inning.

I was fortunate enough to be able to buy Loge seats, which gets you to the Club Level food.

Don't those desserts look delicious?

My seat was a little high, but it provided a good view of the stadium. Miller Park does have that warehouse feel you get from domed stadiums, but overall I liked it. The people were seated around me were cool. At the ballpark, everyone is your friend.

I could go on and on about Jared Weaver beating up on the Brewers or the Angels blowing the game open, but what you really want to see is the sausage race.

Game Previews From the Trip

My trip starts tomorrow, so I'll do a preview:

Friday, August 30 - Los Angeles Angels at Milwaukee Brewers
This is a game that doesn't figure to draw many people, as both teams will struggle to win 75 games. The Angels have been playing better lately but they are just finishing a disappointing season. Jered Weaver faces Wily Peralta, two pitchers who typify what went wrong for both teams. Weaver isn't having a bad season, but after three consecutive top 5 Cy Young finishes, his ERA+ of 109 hasn't been good enough when you consider Joe Blanton and Tommy Hanson have been terrible. For the Brewers to contend, Peralta, a top 100 prospect, was going to have to post an ERA like the 2.48 he had last year in a cameo appearance. His WAR (wins above replacement) is -1.4, meaning you can find someone who can do better on a minor league roster. There may be some rain, but Miller Park has a retractable roof. I'm good.

Saturday, August 31 - Philadelphia Phillies at Chicago Cubs
Another game that has no playoff implications. It does mark new Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg's return to Chicago, for the team he had a Hall of Fame career. Chris Rusin faces Cliff Lee. Rusin has been impressive since he was added to the rotation and Lee is having a Cliff Lee season. So those are bright spots for both teams. The weather figures to be warm, but no rain.

Sunday, September 1 - Cleveland Indians at Detroit Tigers
Finally a battle of contenders. The Indians chances of winning this division don't hinge on this series, but they certainly could be greatly helped or hurt. Former Cy Young winner Justin Verlander faces Indian phenom Danny Salazar. That's a reflection of the two teams. The first place Tigers have the established star and the Indians are relying on an up and comer. There's a chance of thunderstorms. I'm packing an umbrella, but it'd suck to have the game rained out.

Monday, September 2 - Baltimore Orioles at Cleveland Indians
If the Indians don't win the division they'll be trying for the Wild Card. So are the Orioles. So both teams need this. Indians ace Justin Masterson goes up against Bud Norris. The Indians were 9-4 in their last 13 before dropping two this week to Atlanta, while the Orioles have been treading water. There's also a chance of rain for this game. Yuck.

Tuesday, September 3 - St. Louis Cardinals at Cincinnati Reds
The Cardinals recently recaptured first place and the Reds want it. Both teams figure to make the playoffs regardless, but if you can avoid that Wild Card game, you want to do it. Joe Kelly goes up against Mat Latos in another premium match-up. It figures to be cooler but there's no chance of rain.

Game 1: August 25, 2013 Red Sox at Dodgers

I've already been to 11 stadiums, including Dodger Stadium, but if I attend a stadium for the first time subsequent to starting this blog, I'll give a new review. It'll be a challenge to hit the remaining 19 stadiums, without having to repeat the 11 I've been to. I don't know when, or if, I'll complete this challenge. It's relatively easy to hit several in the Midwest at once. Besides the two New York stadiums, the rest of the stadiums are at least 250 miles from one another. I may be able to knock a couple out driving, but not many.

I went to Dodger stadium last night, mostly because my cousin is a big Red Sox fan and I wanted to do something nice for him. So I bought two tickets in the bleachers. Less than 90 minutes before game time, and less than 15 before we planned on leaving, he texted me he wouldn't make it. Seriously? We were going for him. His excuse was lame.

I took a new way to get to the stadium, getting off the 10 Freeway and going through Downtown LA, thus avoiding the 110 parking lot freeway. It was a great move for a Sunday. So I got there a little early and parking was a breeze.

Then I was faced with the question, beer or no beer. Here was the selection:

Not only was the selection lame, but they were charging $12.50 for a beer. Nope. No beer. I went to my seat, where I sat in front of these people.

There were a bunch of Red Sox fans, who were all very nice, and who had a good time. In fact, the fans were very nice to each other, regardless of the team they rooted for. There weren't any boorish drunks and there were only a couple of fans making off color comments about Jacoby Ellsbury's wife. I'm not sure that's boorish, although Ellsbury wasn't rattled. He made a great diving catch. In fact, the Red Sox weren't rattled at all, hitting three home runs that went to left field, if not near me. They won 8-1.

Food selection in the Left Field pavilion concessions was very limited, but I saw someone with french fries, a major weakness of mine. They weren't for sale at the concession stand, but I was told I could go to a different level. Just see one of the Dodger concierges. I did, but she was giving a "pass" to someone looking for a veggie burger and told me that she couldn't let me go to the Field level. Could I come back in 20 minutes? Twenty minutes? It was the 7th inning. By the time I got my food and got back to my seat, we're talking 35-40 minutes. The game could be over. Disappointed, I bought a beef dog, one of about three choices for someone who doesn't eat pork.

Yeah. It was about as tasty as it looked.

Overall, the view was good, the fans were nice, and the game was a good one. I even made it out of the parking quickly for once. I enjoy Dodger stadium. I just don't plan on enjoying the food or beer.

Stadium Review: AT&T Park

I was up in San Francisco a few years ago and the place was a mad house. I'm sure there were no more fans than there are in many other parks, but there was a great energy coming from these fans. I sat in the bleachers and had a good view of the game. I can't give a great review of the food, but I remember I enjoyed it. The ballpark is in China Basin and you can walk there. That's a big plus in my book. My big problem was that I wanted to go to 21st Amendment Brewery after the game and the place was overrun with people. I couldn't get in. Fortunately, after another 10 minute walk I made it to Thirsty Bear and all was good in the world.

Where I'm Sitting

I'll let you know where I'm sitting at each game, so if you want to join me, you can. I've added a new game onto my journey, as detailed below.

Sunday, August 25 - Boston Red Sox at Los Angeles Dodgers, Section 313PL, Row D
My cousin is a big Red Sox fan. So I thought I'd take him as a late birthday gift. We're seated in the Left Field Pavilion. I've been going to Dodger games for years, but have never sat out there. I wonder if this'll be the best way to watch Yasiel Puig miss the cut off man?

Friday, August 30 - Los Angeles Angels at Milwaukee Brewers, Section 331, Row 3
I'm on my own for this one, so please come by and say hello. It's almost directly behind home plate in a "Club Infield Box." I doubt that means much, because a lot of their seats are called boxes.

Saturday, August 31 - Philadelphia Phillies at Chicago Cubs, Bleachers
I'm on my own again and this time I'll be in the bleachers. Yes, the famous bleachers! I've never actually sat in them, but I'm really looking forward to it. I assume that's open seating. Any tips on sitting in them? Will I get killed if I wear a Phillies cap? Did I mention it's Anthony Rizzo Bobblehead Day? Excitement!

Sunday, September 1 - Cleveland Indians at Detroit Tigers, Upper Box Infield 332, Row 4
The Tigers are doing their best to make this a non-race and the Indians recent mediocre play hasn't helped. I'm being joined by my friend from Philly Brendan, who has never been to Comerica either. The seats are a little high but on the third base line, which I like. I have my 1980s Thomas Magnum Detroit Tigers cap in a closet somewhere. I may wear it. Be warned.

Monday, September 2 - Baltimore Orioles at Cleveland Indians, Infield Lower Box 254, Row E
Brendan will also be going to this one too and hopefully both teams will still be alive for a Wild Card, as they're both on the outside looking in right now. The seats are much lower than Comerica and it looks like they're right in front of the suites. It's 1973-78 Primary Logo T-Shirt Giveaway. I don't know what that means, but I'm sure I'll want it.

Tuesday, September 3 - St. Louis Cardinals at Cincinnati Reds
My friends from Cincinnati, Mike and Janet, will be taking me to this game. They're getting the tickets from some super secret inside source, so I don't know where they'll be.

Saturday, September 7 - Colorado Rockies at San Diego Padres, Field Box 117, Row 30
I gave blood last month in Los Angeles and one thing that entitles me to is discount San Diego Padre tickets. Yeah, that makes sense. Just what people in LA want. But I wanted the tickets. So I bought what they were offering and ended up down the right field line. My philosophy on tickets is that I don't care how high the ticket is as long as I'm between the bases. Tickets down the line like this usually don't face the mound. So you have to twist all game to watch the action. Maybe because the Padres are out of it, we can move closer. I'm planning on taking my friend Bill. Where do you park?

So there you have it. Seven games. Seven ballparks. Thirteen teams. Join me. Give me advice on parking or concessions or whatever.

Stadium Review: Nationals Park

I went to games at Nationals Park twice in the last five years, one a day game, and one at night. The stadium was a delight. First, the location is terrific. It's an easy Metro ride from most anywhere in DC or Virginia, but I probably could've walked from my hotel the first time I went. I've heard parking is limited but when public transit is this good, who needs a car?

When I went, tickets were easy to come by, although I think they were much tougher in 2012 when the team was good. We sat down close to the field on the first base line both times and site lines were great. Home plate is usually in the southwest corner of the stadium so that the sun won't get in the players' eyes for afternoon ames. I think it's in the northeast corner here, probably to give fans the best view. Great for the fans. Tough for the players.

The stadium features Dogfish Head and Flying Dog Breweries, both of which make very good beer.

The crowds were decent but the fans didn't get as excited as they do in other cities. Maybe it's because they hadn't yet had a winning season.

Stadium Review: U.S. Cellular Field, Coors Field, and Oriole Park

I've got to admit that I went to U.S. Cellular Field about 20 years ago, Coors Field about 18 years ago, and Oriole Park about 16 or 17 years ago. I don't remember a ton about any of them. I sat in the upper deck and I was pretty far from the field and it was dizzying. My understanding is that they've renovated since then. Coors was a lot of fun because we sat in the lower deck close to the field and it was intimate. I do remember that the stadium was located in the Lower Downtown neighborhood and it was fun to leave the ballpark and be in the middle of some good nightlife. Oriole Park definitely felt intimate and their incorporation of the warehouse into the stadium was clever and innovative, something others have copied.

Stadium Review: O.co Coliseum

I've never heard of O.co Coliseum either. When I went for a football game the stadium in Oakland was known as Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum. When I went for baseball it was McAfee Coliseum. Well, now it's O.co Coliseum. That's apparently Overstock.com's marketing name. I have no idea how to pronounce it. "Oh dot see oh?" That's about the most interesting thing I can say about it.

It's pretty much Angel Stadium pre-renovation. It's configured for football, which means that the seats aren't close to the field, and they don't all face the infield. It's enormous and usually mostly empty. When I went, they had tarps over much of the upper deck. That didn't make it feel more intimate. I could go on about the stadium, but just assume it receives low marks in just about everything. Avoid it and Athletics, run!!! Go anywhere. I've never been but I'll bet your AAA stadium in Sacramento is better.

Stadium Review: Angel Stadium of Anaheim

Angel Stadium is the 4th oldest current stadium. I first went there when they shared the building with the Rams. Like all dual purpose stadiums, it really sucked for baseball. They've since renovated the stadium, more than once, and the stadium experience has improved. The sight lines are okay and I find the outfield rocks unique and aesthetically pleasing. Beyond the stadium is the 57 Freeway. I know some might not like looking at a Freeway but you can check the traffic!

It has some of the big concrete slab negatives that Dodger Stadium has and the concession stands do feel like an afterthought. They do have Corona Beach and Budweiser Patio and local microbrews Bootlegger’s Brewery in Fullerton and Hangar 24 in Redlands. The concession stands are also open to outside the stadium, something that gives them a bit of a wide open feel.

Stadium Review: Dodger Stadium

Dodger Stadium is 51 this year and it shows. Don't get me wrong. Going to a game here is a fun experience. It's rarely too hot or too cold, the sight lines are good, and you feel close to the action. Since you're there for the game, that's enough for it to be a good experience for most people.

They've done upgrades and makeovers throughout the stadium over the years but that doesn't change that inside it feels like a big dank concrete slab. The concession stands are limited in selection and there aren't many. I know there's allure to the Dodger Dog, but I don't eat pork. Aside from that, you'd better like Panda Express or Carl's Jr. If you search you can find Brooklyn Dodger Pizza on each level. There are water fountains, although they aren't always easy to find.

The beer selection is poor, although they've added some small stand alone beer stands. The problem is that they serve Gordon Biersch, a semi-passable beer, although not one that you'd hope to be the best they have.

The stadium is surrounded by three freeways, but it's also just off downtown, making it in one of the highest traffic areas in the city. On weeknights, it can take forever to get to a game. Taking public transportation to the game isn't really an option. The Dodgers have a shuttle that goes from Union Station, but then you have to be lucky enough to be near one of the city's few subway lines that goes there. And public transportation in LA doesn't move quickly.

So you drive. Well, the Dodgers have done a lot over the years to improve parking but parking can still be a nightmare. Other stadiums have lots spread out over city streets with each having an exit. All the lots are on the Dodgers' remote property and there are a limited number of exits. So each lot has to merge with other lots to reach an exit. After a playoff game in 2008 it took 50 minutes to get out of the parking lot.

I do enjoy watching a game at Dodger stadium, something I can't say for everywhere, but the overall fan experience isn't that good.

Stadium Review: Fenway Park

I went to Fenway Park back in 1988. Yes, 25 years ago. Since then I saw games at Veterans Stadium, Yankee Stadium, Shea Stadium, Dolphins Stadium, the Kingdome, Candlestick Park, and Jack Murphy Stadium. All those stadiums are defunct. In fact, since then 24 teams have opened new stadiums. Fenway is still standing, because it's just that nice a place to watch a game. You feel the history of all the games played there and it has an intimate feel. Of course, there's the Green Monster, the 37 foot fence that's only 310 feet from home plate at the foul poll. In order to fit into the lot, bounded by a city street, the fence had to be closer. So they built it higher in order to prevent cheap home runs and to prevent people on the street from watching the games. It is part of the charm of being here, something that can't be really replicated no matter how retro teams try to make their ballpark. Fenway was definitely a fun time, even if the concessions left something to be desired. I'm sure they've renovated those since.

Cardinals-Reds

I just firmed things up with my friend who is going to the game with me in Cincinnati. I've only been in Cincinnati a few times and have had fun there each time. The tickets will be courtesy of Fox Sports, so they promise to be good seats. I'm not sure what I'll be doing before the game, but Janet mentioned a few things that sound like fun. Of course I'll be giving the whole travelogue here.

The Midwest Trip in Detail

The idea to do a trip to see a baseball game a day in different cities has been in my head for a few years. It sounded like fun. I'd visit new ballparks, meet new people, and catch a lot of baseball. I mapped out a schedule where I could go to 30 games in 30 cities in 30 days, knowing that I could never take that kind of time off. And, of course, all that flying would be very expensive. Earlier this year, the airlines decided to have a sale. So I put the schedules into a spreadsheet and found a way I could see five games in five days, visit some friends, and do it over a holiday weekend. I'd add four new stadiums to those I'd seen.

Friday, August 30, 2013
I'm flying non-stop from LA to Chicago O'Hare. The fare was great and it wasn't a non-stop. At the time I wasn't sure if I wanted to see my beloved Phillies play that afternoon in Chicago or go to Milwaukee and see the Angels and Brewers. As the Phillies' fortunes have faded, and realizing it'd likely be my only opportunity to go to Miller Park, I decided to rent a car and drive to Milwaukee. It isn't far from Chicago and I'd actually be more likely to make this game than the Phillies-Cubs game. That game is an afternoon game and this one is an evening game. So making the Phillies game was going to be tight.

So I'll be driving to Milwaukee Friday afternoon. If you want to join me at the game, let me know. I have yet to buy my ticket. I looked for a hotel in Milwaukee and everything was either sold out or very expensive. WTF? I decided to look a little further south in the Racine area and found the same thing. I finally had to retreat to the other side of the Illinois border to find a 2 star hotel. Then I found that DoubleTree Chicago O'Hare Airport had a great rate, far below anything else I found, and it was 3.5 stars, 4.2 by Hotels.com guests. Okay, it'll be a bit of a drive late at night, but it'll be a better hotel.

Saturday, August 31, 2013
So I'll be in Chicago already. I don't know what I'm going to do during the day yet. Suggestions? The Phillies-Cubs games is at 3:05 PM. So I'm going there. If you want to join me, let me know. I suppose I'll have some Chicago deep dish pizza and a microbrew or two. Suggestions? If you live in Chicago, join me.

Sunday, September 1, 2013
I'll be hopping an early morning Southwest flight to Detroit for the finale of the Cleveland-Detroit series. These two teams are battling for first place in the AL Central. So it figures to be exciting. My friend Brendan, who I hope will guest post at some point, will join me for this game and the one on Monday. I'll probably buy tickets in the next few days, but you're welcome to join us for the game. I'm not trying to slight Detroit here, but we'll be driving to Cleveland right after the game. Okay, I am slighting Detroit a little bit, but the city is in bankruptcy. Yeesh. We'll hit Cleveland Sunday evening, but are staying at the Doubletree in Independence, Ohio. Suggestions for Sunday night?

Monday, September 2, 2013
The Orioles and Indians clash at Progressive Field on Labor Day, both competing for a playoff spot. The game isn't until 4 PM, so we have two choices here, Rock n Roll Hall of Fame or Pro Football Hall of Fame. Which one should we go for? After the game Brendan is headed back to Philly, but I'll be on the long drive to Cincinnati.

Tuesday, September 3, 2013
I'll be visiting my friends, the Grueters, and their adorable Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Ettie. Ettie, and his momma Janet, used to live in LA and I took care of Ettie. Okay, I'm a dog guy and have a soft spot for a cute dog. I haven't worked out the plans with them yet, but we'll go to the Cardinals and Reds, perhaps also competing for the division title, that night.

Upcoming Trip

Friday, August 30, 2013, LA Angels at Milwaukee, Miller Park, 7:10 PM
Saturday, August 31, 2013, Philadelphia at Chicago Cubs, Wrigley Field, 3:05 PM
Sunday, September 1, 2013 , Cleveland at Detroit, Comerica Park, 1:08 PM
Monday, September 2, 2013, Baltimore at Cleveland, Progressive Field, 4:05 PM
Tuesday, September 3, 2013, St. Louis at Cincinnati, Great American Ball Park, 7:10 PM
Saturday, September 7, 2013, Colorado at San Diego, Petco Park, 5:40 PM

I'll be adding five more stadiums to my list in the next month to give me 16. I'll give an overview later this week. Two things you'll notice are that I'm going to Wrigley Field, where I've already been, and there's a gap between the fifth and sixth games. Wrigley is the best stadium in baseball, so I couldn't pass up the opportunity to go there. I'll be coming back to LA after Cincinnati. So the San Diego excursion is an add on to hit another baseball stadium.

Start with 11 Stadiums

I'm a huge baseball fan, mostly following my beloved Phillies for the last 42 years. There were two World championships, some playoff berths, and a lot of losing. I live in Los Angeles now and enjoy the Dodgers and Dodger stadium. What I haven't done is visit all 30 stadiums. I'm not sure when I'll accomplish this goal, but it's a task I realize as a baseball fan I should take up. Baseball has had a lot of stadium turnover, so there are 9 stadiums I've been to that don't count.

Dolphins Stadium, Miami
Shea Stadium, New York
Veterans Stadium, Philadelphia
Olympic Stadium, Montreal
Old Yankee Stadium, New York
Memorial Stadium, Baltimore
Kingdome, Seattle
Candlestick Park, San Francisco
Jack Murphy Stadium, San Diego

There are two additional stadiums I've been in, but I haven't seen games at:

Chase Field, Arizona - I was in Phoenix on business and had lunch at the TGI Friday's at Chase Field. The Diamondbacks weren't playing that day but we got a nice view of the field.

Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg - I was there for the 2012 Republican National Convention.

I've been to 11 stadiums currently being used by Major League teams:

Angel Stadium, Anaheim
U.S. Cellular Field, Chicago
O.co Coliseum, Oakland
Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia
Nationals Park, Washington
Coors Field, Denver
Camden Yards, Baltimore
Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles
AT&T Park, San Francisco
Fenway Park, Boston
Wrigley Field, Chicago

I plan on adding five stadiums in the next month. I'll give you those in my next post.