ROOT, ROOT FOR THE ASTROS

Thanks to a “Fun Flight” on Southwest Airlines, I arrive at Houston Hobby airport about 45 minutes before the first pitch is scheduled to be thrown at Minute Maid Park in downtown Houston. Although this is a tight schedule, I will still complete one of my ongoing missions to visit every Major League Baseball Park in the country.

Following the signs for “Ground Transportation”, I find the local bus stop and wait for Bus No. 88 to arrive. Preparing to put $2.00 in the fare meter, I am asked by the bus driver, “Don't you have a quarter?” I respond “No” and unexpectedly get a discount. Instead of paying the $1.25 bus fare or $26 for a taxi, I am headed to downtown Houston for a buck.

Arriving in downtown, I exit Bus No.88 near Stop One. From here it is about a ten block walk to the stadium, less than twenty minutes. Starving after a long day of work and travel, my prayers are answered by a neon sign across an empty parking lot.

My introduction to downtown Houston is complete with a slice of pizza loaded with pepperoni, sausage and vegetables from Franks Pizza. With just the right amount of grease, it is delicious.

From a few blocks away I can hear the excitement of the game already underway inside the stadium. A quick stop at the Left Field Ticket Booth and for US$5.00 I have just bought myself entertainment for the next two to three hours.

Minute Maid Park is a modern stadium with a retractable dome that comes in pretty handy especially during the months of July and August when it is “Texas Hot”. Tonight it is open as it is a beautiful and cool evening to watch balls and strikes under the lights. Although the stadium is practically empty the crowd is still enthusiastic even if the majority of them are Cubs fans. This is not good for the Astros who are struggling with the bats. However, there are still a few hometown favorites that get their share of applause and appreciation from the Astro fans.

Not a sport to watch for everyone but one of the things I like about baseball is the pace at which it moves. With no time limit, excitement in the game usually comes in short burst. A double play, strike out or home-run always energizes the crowd then it may be minutes or not until the next inning or two that something exciting happens. In the meantime, you can enjoy great “Tums Qualified” stadium food, a sip or two of a cold drink or the distinctive solicitation of one of the many hard working stadium vendors.

“Popcorn, here, Popcorn!” “Ice Cold, Beer!”

If the game itself is not entertaining enough for you then the other stadium offerings like “The Kiss Cam” or “Air Guitar” will be sure to bring laughter or the fainest of smiles. Time for the “The 7th Inning Stretch” and the Astros can really use the motivation as they are still trailing the Cubs. I guess they have had their share of:

“It's 1,2, 3 Strikes, You're Out!”

Or maybe they are just showing the Cubs some Texas hospitality by letting them win.

I get my share of Texas hospitality at the Fan Accommodation booth where I am given a “First Time Visitor” certificate. This brings a smile to my face and I feel like a five year old kid, “Deep In The Heart Of Texas”.

Maybe a hat and boots are next. Thanks, Astros!

Video: http://youtu.be/dMnEszZDyPMos

I can't possibly compete with your stories, but I do have a number of anecdotes to tell, also related to our quest to visit all the ballparks (they've torn down and replaced so many since we started that we now have to backtrack!). Be back later....

Agree - there is noting like baseball. Have been a Yankees fan my whole life.

Was taken to the games by my dad starting when I was 5 and got to see the Yankee greats of the 60s. (Company seats for salesmen to use - but on weekends other employees could get them for their families). They would send me down front - knowing a cute little girl with a blond pony tail would find it easier to get a program autographed.

To the days of the winning teams of the 70's (yes, I was there - sitting in the top deck - when Reggie hit the 3 homers).

To the clubs of the 90's and 2000's - with their incredible history. (Now we don't have time to go often - but make a point of sitting on the field - I want to see as much as I can - and prefer the waitress service.)

I'm surprised every year that they don't win the world series.

But I come by it honestly. My grandfather took my grandmother there shortly after their marriage (1920). She told me her memory - that Babe Ruth ran very daintily for such a big man - and did hit a homer on the day she was there.

And my father played, as a teenager, for a local team - also called the Yankees - and followed everything they did in the late 30's, 40's and 50's - so he clearly remembers from DiMaggio and Berra on.

Sad that they're not doing so well this year - partly a lot of injuries and some players aging (ARod but it seems not the magical Jeter).

I have only been to 3 baseball parks that I can recall. I'm not a big baseball fan. That said, nothing beats the excitement of a game at Wrigley Field in Chicago. I know, the Cubs can't seem to do very well.... (thanks to the billygoat)... Face it, the Cubs probably have more fans than any team anywhere. Everybody loves rooting for the underdog.

Hated the Damn Yankees (the most championships money could buy) - but always loved the Dodgers - affectionately called "Da Bums" by their long suffering fans - and out here on the left coast - we liked them even more after they moved West in '58.

And oh - the stories about the old ballparks: Ebbets Field in Brooklyn (Abe Stark's sign in Right Field - Hit sign - win suit) - and who was the gal who rang the cowbell? - to the fabled Polo Grounds where the Giants played - and also where great old Army team (football) was upset by Notre Dame - and the incomparable sports writer - Grantland Rice - wrote about the Four Horsemen and the Apocalypse - to the other classic fields that were small and more intimate - and sadly are no longer with us.

I have at least been fortunate enough to get to Friendly Fenway - and another bastion of the old parks - Chicago's Wrigley Field.


From the Notre Dame webpage and I don't think they mind sharing it:

The Four Horsemen

It was 77 years ago that a dramatic nickname coined by a poetic sportswriter and the quick-thinking actions of a clever student publicity aide transformed the Notre Dame backfield of Stuhldreher, Crowley, Miller and Layden into the most fabled quartet in college football history.


Quarterback Harry Stuhldreher, left halfback Jim Crowley, right halfback Don Miller and fullback Elmer Layden had run rampant through Irish opponents' defenses since coach Knute Rockne devised the lineup in 1922 during their sophomore season. But the foursome needed some help from Grantland Rice, a sportswriter for the New York Herald-Tribune, to achieve football immortality. After Notre Dame's 13-7 victory over Army on October 18, 1924, Rice penned the most famous passage in the history of sports journalism.


"Outlined against a blue, gray October sky the Four Horsemen rode again.

"In dramatic lore they are known as famine, pestilence, destruction and death. These are only aliases. Their real names are: Stuhldreher, Miller, Crowley and Layden. They formed the crest of the South Bend cyclone before which another fighting Army team was swept over the precipice at the Polo Grounds this afternoon as 55,000 spectators peered down upon the bewildering panorama spread out upon the green plain below."


George Strickler, then Rockne's student publicity aide and later sports editor of the Chicago Tribune, made sure the name stuck. After the team arrived back in South Bend, he posed the four players, dressed in their uniforms, on the backs of four horses from a livery stable in town. The wire services picked up the now-famous photo, and the legendary status of the Four Horsemen was insured.


"At the time, I didn't realize the impact it would have," Crowley said later. "But the thing just kind of mushroomed. After the splurge in the press, the sports fans of the nation got interested in us along with other sportswriters. Our record helped, too. If we'd lost a couple, I don't think we would have been remembered."


After that win over Army, Notre Dame's third straight victory of the young season, the Irish were rarely threatened the rest of the year. A 27-10 win over Stanford in the 1925 Rose Bowl gave Rockne and Notre Dame the national championship and a perfect 10-0 record.


As it usually is with legends, the Four Horsemen earned their spot in gridiron history. Although none of the four stood taller than six feet and none of the four weighed more than 162 pounds, the Four Horsemen might comprise the greatest backfield ever. As a unit, Stuhldreher, Crowley, Miller and Layden played 30 games and only lost to one team, Nebraska, twice.


Stuhldreher, a 5-7, 151-pounder from Massillon, Ohio, was a self-assured leader who not only could throw accurately but also returned punts and proved a solid blocker. He emerged as the starting signalcaller four games into his sophomore season in 1922. He was often labeled cocky, feisty and ambitious, but his field generalship was unmatched.


Crowley, who came to Notre Dame in 1921 from Green Bay, Wis., stood 5-11 and weighed 162 pounds. Known as "Sleepy Jim" for his drowsy-eyed appearance, Crowley outmaneuvered many a defender with his clever, shifty ballcarrying.


Miller, a native of Defiance, Ohio, followed his three brothers to Notre Dame. At 5-11, 160 pounds, Miller proved to be the team's breakaway threat. According to Rockne, Miller was the greatest open-field runner he ever coached.


Layden, the fastest of the quartet, became the Irish defensive star with his timely interceptions and also handled the punting chores. The 6-0, 162-pounder from Davenport, Iowa, boasted 10-second speed in the 100-yard dash.


After graduation, the lives of the Four Horsemen took similar paths. All began coaching careers with three of the four occupying top positions.


Layden coached at his alma mater for seven years and compiled a 47-13-3 record. He also served as athletic director at Notre Dame. After a business career in Chicago, Layden died in 1973 at the age of 70.


Crowley coached Vince Lombardi at Fordham before entering business in Cleveland. He died in 1986 at the age of 83.


Stuhldreher, who died in 1965 at the age of 63, became athletic director and football coach at Wisconsin.


Miller left coaching after four years at Georgia Tech and began practicing law in Cleveland. He was appointed U.S. District Attorney for Northern Ohio by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Miller died in 1979 at the age of 77.


All four players eventually were elected to the College Football Hall of Fame.

Some of my anecdotes:

Detroit (old) - we had dinner at some iconic bar where they set up tables in the parking lot (I wonder what happened to that bar when the new stadium opened). It was fireworks night. I've been to many fireworks nights - in San Francisco, they set them off in the bay, in Anaheim, they set them off in the parking lot behind the stadium. Not Detroit. In Detroit, they wheeled them onto the field and shot them off from a contraption that looked like a giant wheelbarrow. The fireworks went every which way, even hitting the scoreboard - it looked like the scene from "The Natural".

San Diego (been to old and new, but this is about new) - if you just want to wander around and see the stadium, you can buy a ticket for $5.00 - no seat, but you can walk all around.

Yankees (old) - before our first baseball trip (probably 1994 or so), my husband wrote to each of the box offices, told them we were coming from California, and asked if we could get good tickets directly from them (this was per-Internet). Most of them came through - with the Yanks being the best. Our seats were in Row 5 behind home plate. Unfortunately, it started pouring in the 4th inning and the game was called. We ended up giving our rain check tickets to friends in NY.

A's - I moved to California in early 1973. That year, we bought walk-up tickets to the World Series - bleacher seats for $5.00 (I think). Against the Mets with Willie Mays!

Stadia we've visited: San Diego (old and new), Anaheim, Dodgers, Oakland, San Francisco (new and old), Seattle (old), Arizona, Houston (new), Milwaukee (old), Comiskey (new), Wrigley, the Jake, Detroit (old), Shea, Yankee (old), Veterans, Camden Yards, Fenway, Kauffman, st. Louis (old), Atlanta (new) and Washington (new). We've also been to spring training in AZ. 3 or 4 times ( and are going again in 2013).

Wow SF7. You and your hubby have been very fortunate. Again, very impressive the number of parks you have been to.

I always wanted to get to the classic old park in Pittsburgh - (Crosby?) - where my law school buddy used to watch the great Roberto Clemente dig the ball out of the Ivy in right field and throw runners out at 3rd base, home, etc. He used to compliment the new guy - big Dave Parker - when Dave would show off his own strong arm, - Wowee - I used to be able to throw like that.

SF have you been to the new Yankee Stadium? It looks like no? I really enjoyed it. There is a neat museum.... You do have a great list!
My husband is a huge fan and makes his business trips often around baseball schedules.
I have not been to as many parks as he has but have been to: San Diego (old and new - love the new one of our favorites!) Anaheim, dodger, Yankee (new) Seattle (old) Rangers... next on my list is Fenway and Wrigley - hoping to get to Fenway next season.
Cool thread!

A couple of cool stories (well for us!)

We were at a Anaheim game and Frank Robinson was sitting close to us - he was not signing any balls and my husband was beside himself... finally I said "Do you want a ball signed?" I might have been 27 at best... not sure if we were even married yet - and I got up and went to him - he smiled and signed the ball.

We went to the Angels spring training with our boys when they were fairly young - it was an amazing experience - My husband's company had a box and we all got to hang out with the players - have some amazing photos - had a big dinner with them - it was the year Mo Vaughn was there - Tim Salmon, Darin Erstad - it was a blast.

We went to a Padre game in the new stadium and it was the "almost no - hitter" went 8 innings... sucha bummer but what an exciting night -

We love baseball!

Love the topic. As a kid growing up in Ontario, Canada, hockey was definitely considered the sport to be passionate about but that wasn't the case in our household.
My dad was a baseball nut. Our family vacations were centered around baseball games and related side trips.
He took us to Fenway, Old Tiger Stadium, Veterans in Philly, Municipal in Cleveland, spring training in Florida, The Big O and Skydome countless times and multiple trips to Cooperstown.
I have incredibly fond memories of all of these excursions.
When the Expos left Montreal in 2004 and the steroids era reached it's pinnacle, my interest in baseball waned considerably to the point where I didn't watch it for a number of years.
I couldn't stay away forever however so in 2010, with a renewed interest in the game, My wife and I traveled to Progressive field in Cleveland for a game and I subsequently caught the bug again.
Since that Cleveland trip, We've been to PNC in Pittsburgh, Camden Yards, Comerica in Detroit and a couple of AAA games in Pawtucket and Syracuse.
Anyway, can't get enough of the ballpark. Thanks for the thread.

<<<and a couple of AAA games in Pawtucket and Syracuse>>>

I forgot about the games we went to in Bend Oregon - the Bend Bandits, I think in the Northern League (or maybe it was Independent). Best memories of those games -- the kids all went ON the field to do the "YMCA" thing, and when they picked a couple of fans to move to the "best seat in the house", the new seat was a sofa on top of the dugout!

vanderglenn, my interest in baseball also waned at one point -- I was a huge Mets fan growing up, then lost interest in the late 70s and early 80s (probably because the Giants (I moved to California in the early 70s) sucked!). Reignited interest when my son was little and we've all been huge Giants fans since the late 80s. Took him to his first game when he was 3 (and petrified by the cannons they were shooting off). Both son and daughter and tremendous fans. (But we're also huge hockey fans -- Sharks are our team. I wish they'd get the darn deal done so the season can start on time!)

sf7307

Will have to do some back tracking myself...

Tried to go to "The New Yankee Stadium" during a "Subway Series" and just did not feel like coughing up $95 for a ticket.

Watched the game in "Billy Martin's" bar where I think I paid about $8 a bottle for a few beers instead

Also, have to go to "The New Cardinals" stadium. Looking forward to the revisits as technology allows for some great keepsakes that the mind sometimes forget

nytraveler,

I am envious

Always loved "The Yankees" and the organization approach to winning. Although hated by many, I think they have done the most for baseball as an institution.

Have sat a few times in the bleachers in "The Bronx" but have not been fortunate to go to the new stadium, yet.

simpsonc510,

We have got to get you out to a few more parks.

I think you would be great doing "The Wave" or "The 7th Innning Stretch"

lol.... I probably would get in on the wave.

sf7307

I have to get out to AT&T park before long. It looks beautiful and that's just from television. San Francisco in general, actually.
Agree about the NHL as well. It makes for a long, cold winter up here without hockey. Doesn't look good though.

It's not looking good for the NHL. My season ticket holders' group hasn't even bothered conducting our game selection lottery yet. Bah humbug!

Do visit San Francisco and AT&T Park. It's my favorite of the "new" parks I've visited, although I haven't been to PNC yet, which has a great reputation.

It's true that Steinbrenner was so successful because he operated the Yankees as a business, rather than a midieval fiefdom. So many people hate the Yankees because they spend money to try to win. They should hate the other owners who are too cheap (or stupid) to figure out how to spend to win. What is the purpose of a losing team? And if the owners don;t have the money to play they shouldn't be in the game (like poker). You can't complain if someone else is a better player, makes smarter bets, or bigger bets when they have a good hand - and they win a lot.

And, in any case, no matter how expensive the player - they can be hurt. No matter how expensive the team they can lose. One of the reasons the Yankees win so much is that it is expected. Losing is not accepted.

What is fascinating to me is watching some of the management - who seem to be operating in some alternative universe. Not saying new ideas are bad. Not saying it's bad to take chances. But - if you don;t take the game seriously - you can't expect to win.

<<<You can't complain if someone else is a better player, makes smarter bets, or bigger bets when they have a good hand - and they win a lot>>>

Conversely, as a fan of their biggest rival, you (and by that I mean I)can be pleased as punch when "someone else" (aka The Dodgers) spends a ton more money and makes the trades-of-the-year, and still loses!!!! I have no expectations that the Giants will do great in the playoffs this year, but the first step is always, always, eliminating the Dodgers.

Yeah the whole "Buying a team" criticism directed at the Yankees is silly. There are no guarantees that who you buy will perform as advertised. It takes expert judgement and encyclopedic baseball knowledge to purchase the right free agents or make the right trade.
Financial freedom certainly helps and infinite money will provide infinite mulligans in the event of ill-fated decisions by the GM (whose name happens to be Cashman) but ultimately, putting together a perennial contender is no easy task.
I'll use another NYC based club as an example of how the free agent philosophy can steer you wrong. The Rangers under Glen Sather have tried for years to buy their clubs with very limited success until recent years that is.

Total arrogant Yankee bullpucly. They always have had more money - even more so lately because of their TV market/channel - and Steinbrenner in particular helped ruin baseball(the mega player contracts for example) - for the average/everyday fans who can no longer afford to even go to the peanut sections to watch games.

I had season tix years ago in SF (and friends did for the A's) and down here in San Diego - and the prices for the new stadium seats is pure lunacy, even though I am fortunate enough to go if I so choose.

Rarely go much these days (plus the Madres are sad) and even the Park at the Park tickets that SF7 noted for $5 - were $9 last weekend.

BTW - one tiny thing about the new park in SF. You can walk around and watch through the ground level windows in right field, but I still bought a ticket anyway to see the game.

Loved the old 'Stick though. For night games, would take the ski parka (goosedown with a hood) and a thermos of Irish Coffee (they let you bring things in way back when before trying to squeeze ever $ from the fans) and was as warm as toast.

BTW - for ye old time fans. It was Crosby field in Cincy right? and Forbes field in Pittsburgh.

My mom grew up in St. Louis - and she loved going to Ladies Day - usually Thursdy afternoon games,
when they let the Ladies in for free.

They used to dress up in hat and gloves, go shop in the morning and then go to the game. Life was a whole lot simplier back then, eh?

Tom, you can still bring in food ans drink to AT&T, just no glass bottles.

sf7. Glad to hear that. That's also part of the problem for the erstwhile family of 4 wanting to go to a ballgame. By the time they pay for the exorbitant paring, sky high tickets - and finally get in the game, the "average" family can't afford the also very high prices for ballpark food and drink, when everything taken together is on average - well over $100 nowadays.

The Madres front office made a big deal a couple of years ago - after many season ticket holders complained - of lowering the price of an American Beer (Miller Lite, Coors, etc) to $5 - and yes, they did that - for a DRAFT beer (do you know how much profit there is in a draft beer? - HUGE!!!!!) - at about ONE outlet in the Park. Yahooooooo.

Everywhere else - it's $8 or more.

Just ridiculous - as one can't even find a hot dog for under $6 - much less a cheap bag of peanuts, or even inexpensive soft drinks for the kids.

The best deal at Petco in SD is to be had at ole Crafty Lefty - Cy Young winner - Randy Jones' BBQ - beyond center field (by the Park at the Park) - where his ginormous 10 oz ballpark dog can suffice for two - but it's now about $8.50 or so - up from once what was $5.50 as I recall.

Oh sure - the "friendly front office" added an all you can eat section - regular size hot dogs, peanuts, popcorn and soft drinks/bottled water - for $29 ABOVE the ticket price. Such a deal, eh?

No kidding about the price of food - it's crazy high at AT&T too. We don't bring food - often going after work, or just don't think about it - but lots of time we see people with peanuts from Costco, sandwiches from Safeway etc.

sf7307,

I miss "The Fireworks" in the old Tiger Stadium. For me, it was like being in a war zone.

I was always surprised that it got approval from The Fire Dept.

nytraveler,

Love the Yankee, Poker connection.

I think we might be two of a kind and I am always working on trying to get a full house

BTW - for ye old time fans. It was Crosby field in Cincy right?

No, it was CROSLEY field.

Tomsd,

Second your high prices beef... I remember when one of baseball's greatest ambassador, Tommy Lasorda use to boast that you could bring a family of four to a Dodgers game for twenty bucks.

Now at some parks it cost twenty bucks just to park the family car

I am a big fan of bring your own "peanuts" wherever you can although some parks like KC Royals have some great food at reasonable prices.

<<<Now at some parks it cost twenty bucks just to park the family car>>>

You know how they have "dynamic ticket pricing" now -- where the more popular games cost more? Well, around here, the same goes for parking lots -- we've seen prices from $10 (Astros mid-week in May)to $50 (Dodgers in September). Fortunately for us, I work about 1-1/4 miles from the park, so we park in our regular space and walk.

Funny this thread should come up at this particular time. Thanks, dmbtraveler.

I haven't been to a ball game in years. Maybe it's because when I was very, very young I got turned off by a boyfriend who was a walking baseball encyclopedia. Our "dates" consisted of him reaming off all kinds of baseball statistics - that is, if our date wasn't in a ballpark where he could yell his head off. We finally broke up after I fell asleep during one of his expansive baseball-numerelogy accounts.

Since then I've been to games on and off, but every time memories of A. would come up. I never think of him at any other time. Great guy, wonderful sense of humor, flaming red hair.

Funny the topic should come up at this time because, after about a couple of years of absence, I've been to both the Coliseum and AT&T ball parks over this last weekend. Friday night was the A's vs Orioles game, we had seats very close to home plate and it was fascinating watching the batters come up - each one seems to have a different ritual before stepping up to the plate. It was a fast-paced game, despite the low scoring - As won 3-2. There were a lot of men left on base. Since we were almost directly behind home plate, every time a foul ball (and there were many) would arch up our way, some guy behind us would yell "Heads up!" and some lady in front of us would scream "I've got it! I've got it!" Fun game!

Saturday night was Opera In The Ballpark night at AT&T Park in San Francisco. I'm always amazed at how packed the stadium is, with the outfield grassy area also completely occupied. Attendance was at least 30,000 (management estimate) and most of them were young people, not "cotton tops" as is the usual opera crowd. We were fortunate to find seating right outside the Virgin Atlantic Lounge, again, almost over the home plate and the giant screenboard was right at eye level. Great opera, Rigoletto, and great fans. It was freezing, but no one left.

As for the cost of food and drinks, yes, sky high. One small cup of hot chocolate to ward off the cold was $4.25 - three cups was my max. Any more would have landed me in the poorhouse.

LOL Easy. Glad you are getting back to being a real baseball aficionado. Knew a couple guys growing up who were baseball "encyclopedias" as you put it - but don't think they were spouting all the time as your former bf was.

As for the cost of food and drinks at public events - while on a Biz trip to the Big Apple, will always remember a last minute visit to the Met - to see Aida, and that was the first time this visiting Russian couple sang.

The Met had built just a magnificent set and their performance was outstanding (wish I could recall their names - he had this "haunting" Baritone voice - just amazing - and she was also very good), and it only cost moi $12 for a standing room ticket (it was otherwise sold out) - but I spent $12 for coffee: $4 for before the performance, and also during the two intermissions - so I could stay wide awake - as it had been a hectic week on the road before that.

Not bad - all things considered - eh?

And DMB: Just loved Tommy - "I bleed Dodger Blue" - Lasorda - a true Ambassador for baseball if there ever was one.

I think I remember his comments about Chavez Ravine being family friendly - and also affordable.

Before a Padre game about 15 years ago - if you were a season ticket holder - they promised some of us (as a perk) to be able to go down on the ball field for batting practice.

Well, I waited until the last home series against my beloved Dodgers - and wore "dress" blue shorts - with a blue blazer/sport coat and light blue sport shirt - but I don't think Tommy was impressed.

He was still nice enough when I told him how much I liked him and the Dodgers - and had been a fan since before they moved West - and I also had a nice chat with Reggie Smith - (the then hitting coach) who was very modest - and claimed whatever he did was due to the fact he could turn around on the pitchers (switch hit).

Tommy promised to leave a signed pic for me - at the team hotel in Mission Valley - for my Uncle - (who was a major league catching prospect before WWII hit and then he went in the Army).

But when I showed up a couple days later at the Hotel - I think one of the guys at the front desk had palmed it for himself as they said they remembered Lasorda leaving something but they couldn't find it.

When Tommy comes to AT&T, he sits in our section.

PATRIOTIC, TEXAS RANGERS

I arrive at my hotel, the Baymont Inn at Six Flags with about 10 minutes to spare before the last Arlington Trolley makes it's stop there. The Trolley provides a free service from area hotels to Rangers Ballpark which is about a mile away. With no hassles to worry about parking, this is a nice option for seeing a Rangers game or watching that other team that thinks it is “America's Team”.

Dropped off across the street from the main ticket booth area, $8 later and I can check another ballpark of the list to visit. Standing in an area along the third base side of the field, there is an unmistakeable warm and positive energy in the home of The Defending American League Champions.

This is not my first time being in Dallas on the anniversary of 9-11 and in a few minutes I have bittersweet memories of previously being here. As we observe a moment of silence for the victims of that tragic day, you can almost hear a pin drop in the stadium filled with thousands.

“The Colors Of The United States Of America” is presented by members of the US Coast Guard and “The Star Spangled Banner” is solemnly echoed across the ballpark as a huge flag is unfolded down on the field. Like others, I have a sense that Texans are proud to be Americans and show the uttermost respect for those that serve our country. In this regard, I share their thoughts and feelings.

The AL Defending Champions are introduced and it is not long before the fans are cheering on their favorites.

“Let's Go Rangers, Let's Go Rangers”

The Cleveland Indians are facing two opponents tonight and unfortunately for them, one of the opponents has a powerful friend with the right moves in their corner. As I am standing watching the excitement, I get a jolt as none other than “The King” brushes pass me. Elvis is a Rangers fan. Soon Elvis and his entourage are into a “Whoop There It Is” dance and now I know the Indians are really in trouble.

I know you have heard many things are “BIG” in TEXAS and you can have my word that at least when it comes to corn dogs that is certainly true. In fact, I am told by one fan, “It darn took almost twenty minutes to make this thing”.

One of the nice things for me in visiting ballparks is collecting baseball hats when they are not too expensive. An interesting opportunity presents itself for me to do so when I participate in a Rangers charity donation spin the wheel contest. I know you would not believe me if I told you, but I won me two hats. Now that's almost the nicest thing anyone has done for me at a ballpark.

“Cotton Candy, Cotton Candy Here”. No Cheese On It,.. Just Sweets For Your Sweet, I am told as I interact and video tape one of the stadium workers performing an entertaining routine.

“Cotton Candy, Cotton Candy Here”.

Somewhere in all of this excitement and entertainment a baseball game is going on. A little CSI deduction from the crowd's reaction and you do not even need to look at the scoreboard, you know the Rangers are winning. Night has fallen over the ballpark and I discovered another interesting thing about Texas. The stars are also “BIG” and bright deep in the heart of Texas.

Into the sixth inning the game takes an exciting twist that has the fans booing. A few minutes later our attention is drawn to the fact that the previous play is under review. This gives all the baseball “experts” including myself the chance to display and voice our expert opinions about the matter.

Finally, the decision comes down and a short burst of fireworks explodes above center field. What was initially ruled a double is overturned into a Rangers Home Run. However, this is not the best part of the decision. This occurred during a “Promotional Inning” and now all the fans in the ballpark are going to get a “Free Crunchy Taco” from Taco Bueno.

As if to join in the celebration soon a few Texas Legends are racing around the field. Dave Crockett, Jim Bowie and Sam Houston can really move.

I am not sure if this is a regular part of Rangers tradition and it would not surprise me if it was. Once again, I feel honored that I am here as a tribute is made to the men and women of our Armed Services at home and around the world. Regardless of your religious belief or political persuasion, I imagine it would be difficult to not be touched in some way by this tribute and the singing of “God Bless America”.

It's “The 7th Inning Stretch” and the crowd is just as excited about the game as they were in the 1st inning. As if the 34,765 fans needed anymore encouragement or bonding, soon we are all singing about “Minnnie The Moocher”.

Hidehidehidehi, Hodehodehodeho, Hedehedehedehe.

The Indians make a run for it in the last innings but after a few of their pitchers are given “The Texas Boot”, the Rangers finish them off 6-4.

I guess they finally figured it out, “Don't Mess With Texas”.


Video:http://youtu.be/oA3S5JPzAec

sf7307,

Still have to visit AT&T... Can this "Dodger Fan" use your parking space

easytraveler,

I imagine you are still very young

I don't think it will happen this year but I am hoping to visit the A's and Gaints like you did. Maybe throw in a side trip to Napa while I am out there.

Sounds like a parka and thermo full with a hot beverage would be in order or lots of cash.

Tomsd,

I think Lasorda is a guy that would left you the picture. I have always been impressed with his character as a spokesman for baseball and from hearing him interviewed numerous times on KABC-790.. "Dodger Talk"

Your stories bring back good memories and make me almost homesick for the city I love, LA

DMBTraveler: I imagine you are still very young

Not only are you a baseball fan, but you're also a gentleman! Can't get any better than that!

If you do come out this way, see if you can call together a Bay Area Fodorite get together (GTG). Just post in the US Forum and ask if anyone is interested. We might be able to have a baseball GTG and/or a tailgate party or both!

Yes, bring parka, wool scarf and maybe even gloves. I'll supply the blanket.

BTW, loved your post about your visiting the Texas Rangers. Things shore are big in Texas, aren't they?

Great stories - and thanks for starting this thread DMB:

In the Rugby Club at our ole law school - UC Hatings - back in the mid 70's through the 80's - we had two of the Giants GM/Feeney lads (Stoney and Scooter I believe were their names) - and they would arrange for the club to take over the VIP box way up high at Candlestick (the Giants weren't drawing that well back then) - and somehow we would get a keg of beer in there - and sing Rugby songs non-stop during Giant games that were going on way below us -- and nobody heard our ruckus.

Great way to stay warm when the fog used to roll into the Stick.

easytraveler,

Love your idea

Will probably be next season and would like to come out there when the A's and Gaints are in town.

Do you follow football? 49ers or Raiders .. Or Bucs (Then I Know You Are A True Fan)?

Think "The Raider Fans" have the best tailgate parties. We have enjoyed a few games out there and it may be time to pay "The Raider Nation" another visit.

Tomsd,

Wow, what great baseball stories you have. I am so glad you have shared them with us.

Shared like a true sports fan and lover of the game

Hey - loved all the stories on here. I used to be a Raider Season ticket holder - back in the mid-late 70's - when a long time friend/teammate of mine played for them, and met a bunch of the guys. Just about as crazy of a bunch as you could ever find. DL Otis - from Mars - Sistrunk, The "Mad Stork" - OLB Ted Hendricks, They call me Assassain - S Jack Tatum, uber crazy - BIG - DE John Matuzk, OLB Phil - The Italian Stallion - Villapiano, Ringleader supremo - QB -Kenny "Snake" Stabler, and the list goes on...................

Remember in a playoff game against the hated Steelers (and for you older fans - you do know that the winner of the Raiders/Steelers playoffs games each time went on to win a Super Bowl (70's through the mid 80's) - Snake was talking trash across the line with the likes of DT "Mean Joe" Green.

All pros - G Gene Upshaw and T Art Shell were imploring Snake to knock it off - lest he really tick off Mean Joe.

DMB Traveler:

I'll be looking forward to next year then!

I used to follow football, especially during the Joe Montana and Steve Young days for the 49ers, but they really have fallen off the radar for me.

All those names that TomSD mentions for the Raiders - yah! followed them all and those "Raider Nation" with all that paint and black getup, made it look like Halloween! The RAiders were really something else - with all the bad boys coming together to form a superb team. Stabler was unbelievable. Loved John Madden - one of the greatest coaches.

We're very fortunate here. Great weather, great teams -

Since we've veered off the baseball track (which is okay since it's DMB's thread and he's participating ), I'll tell one football anecdote which has nothing to do with a stadium -- when the 49ers won the Steve Young superbowl in 1995, two other moms and I took our kids (5 of them altogether) out of school to go to the parade in San Francisco. My kids are 25 and 28 now and still remember that day (and how cool I am for doing it ).

Tomsd,

Guess who "The Raiders" are playing for their home opener?

Again, love your sport stories

easytraveler,

Ditto

Wish I had started this thread earlier Then maybe we could have pulled it off this year.

Think the 49'ers are back! Raiders ???????

sf7307,

It is always great to do things with yours kids that they can look back on with fond memories.

Cool parents like you do that kind of stuff

Oops. Was fishing Thursdy (caught some nice Yellowtail about 35 miles off the coast) - and then the Trojan Club of SD had a big luncheon yesterday/Fri with Sam "Bam" Cunningham, who according to an Asst Alabama Football Coach - did more in the Trojans big win back there in 1970 to further the cause of Integration in 'Bama in 60 minutes of a football game than Dr. Martin Luther King did in 20 years. http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs080/1101703621719/archive/1106638712036.html

But my main comment was that after the Raiders finally their first SB in '76/77 - I went to the post SB rally in downtown Oakland - and Big John - "The Tooz" - Matuzak was bringing down the house by just making faces. As you may recall - he stared in a Caveman movie - with Ringo Starr, etc - and there was no dialogue - but Big John didn't need to say much, did he. Double http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Matuszak

Sadly, fast living and roids took their toll on even his huge body - and may he RIP.

Tomsd,

Can you FedX me some "Yellowtail"

Interestingly, trying to get a boat going here so I can do the same thing except we also have dolphin and grouper here.

Yes, those were great "Raider Nation" days.

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS TAKE NL WEST!!!!!

easytraveler

Congratulations!!!!!

Now that $4.25 Cup Of Joe was worth it

Test

Thank you, DMBTraveler!

Good luck to your team, too!

This year's MLB baseball playoff picture already looks very interesting, and I think a number of teams could wind up in the "World Serious". Really - it's as wide open as I have seen it in a while.

On the National League side - you have the young/super potential Washington Nationals (years ago they were the Senators - who haven't been to the playoffs since the 30's), the also young Cincy Reds - who have a very good pitching staff - w/ one of our best (former) Padre pitchers Matt Latos - (whom the cheapskate Madre owners/front office traded to Cincy),
and don't forget the pitching rich and now hitting very well SF Giants, nor the Atlanta Braves - who hope they can properly send Chipper Jones into retirement.

On the AL side - the Damn Yankees and the Baltimore Orioles are still battling it out to win their division, while Tampa Bay can also not be counted out, and the Chicago White Sox (with another former Padre Ace who was traded away for financial reasons - Jake Peavy) - and the Detroit Tigers hope to make some noise - and we all know the Texas Rangers have been in the thick of it the past few years, and I am hoping the LA Angels can also squeak into the Fall Classic, especially since the LA LA land Dodgers - are probably blowing their late season chances.

BLUE JAYS, BLUE JAYS, LET'S PLAY BALL

My trip to Rogers Center, home of the Toronto Blue Jays is sort of a secret mission. My first visit to Canada was many moons ago as a teenager and surprisingly one of my souvenir gifts was a “very cool” Toronto Blue Jays T-Shirt.

Today, after all those years this is the first time I am going to see the Blue Jays play. I always thought it was a cool if not strange idea to have professional baseball teams in the land of ice hockey.

Yes, I know there is only one team there now. However, the Washington Nationals were once the Montreal Expos.

Parking at the TTC Islington Station for a flat rate of $2 after 6pm, I board an almost empty subway headed downtown. However, two passengers in another car catch my eye. They are Blue Jays fans. Asking for directions from them, my plans to navigate to Rogers Center just got a lot easier. Making a subway change at St. George, I follow them through Union Station until I know I am headed in the right direction.

Next, it is time to find tickets which becomes easy with scalpers operating right in front of the stadium and local security cops. For $15, I am ten rows behind home plate in Sec-500. I can almost sense my nose beginning to drip.

My first impression of baseball north of the border is an almost stiff but proper one. Arriving at my seating section, I am made to wait until the next batter comes to the plate. A nice touch not to block the view of others that might not want to miss the action on the field.

What I do find missing in the stadium is, “ “Popcorn, here, Popcorn!”, or “Ice Cold Beer, Get Your Ice Cold Beer Here!”. Maybe it is the proper thing for the stadium vendors to do but I prefer the way it is done south of the border.

As the game wears on it does not look like my secret mission will be accomplished as the Yankees are struggling at the plate. Furthermore, the Orioles are playing great fall baseball and it looks like the division championship is going to go right down to the wire. Although I am a Yankees fan in the AL, it is nice to see Baltimore and a few other teams playing so well.

Being here I do get to see a few of my favorites play like Jeter and Escobar whose gear I bought cheap when he was traded a few seasons ago from the Braves.

Although earlier attempts at “The Wave” are weak, a Blue Jays home run gets the crowd energized. We manage to get a decent wave going late into the game. Not bad for a stadium that is only about one third full if that.

The 7th inning comes and Toronto adds it's own touch to the tradition. “Blue Jays, Blue Jays, Let's Play Ball... OK, OK.” Then it is “Take Me Out To The Ball Game”, Canadian style with just as much fun.

The Yankees fail to put a run across the plate and lose the series opener to the Blue Jays 6-0. Hopefully a minor setback for the Yankees on the way to the Fall Classic.

Video:http://youtu.be/XTZekiBuzfY

I still love your thread/blog - even if ye are a Damn Yankee fan.

BTW - went to a very good/traditional Italian restuarant here in SD last week - (see http://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/baci-in-san-diego-still-primo.cfm ) and on the wall they had pics of Frank Sinatra and of course - my favorite manager - Tommy - I bleed Dodger Blue - Lasorda.

Hope you get to some more parks and write great reports.

Tomsd,

Thanks for making me hungry. Was hoping to see that picture on the link. Frank and Tommy are also two of my favorite guys. One a zest for life and another for baseball.

Yankees are not there yet but an exciting finish to the season.

I know it maybe confusing to some but I am pin-stripped on the East Coast and bleed blue on the West Coast. Sort of a thing that happens when you love the game

Still have more parks to post from previous seasons. Hope to complete my tour of all the parks next year with a trip to the Giants and A's.

easytraveler,

And all "Giants" forgot to post this earlier

CONGRATULATIONS ON ALL OF YOUR POSTSEASON WINS

I wish I had been at game 6 of the World Series when the Cardinals came back against all odds. It has to be one of the most exciting world series game ever. And there have been many.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/nationals/2011-world-series-game-6-st-louis-cardinals-beat-texas-rangers-force-game-7-on-david-freese-homer-in-11th/2011/10/27/gIQAisAAOM_story.html

We did go to opening day at Busch Stadium in St. Louis that following spring (April 2012). All living Hall of Famers were there including: Stan Musial, Red Schoendienst, Bob Gibson, Lou Brock, Ozzie Smith, Bruce Sutter and former manager Whitey Herzog.