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Take Me Out To The Ballpark

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Take Me Out To The Ballpark

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Old Sep 14th, 2012, 02:18 PM
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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.
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Old Sep 14th, 2012, 02:23 PM
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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?
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Old Sep 14th, 2012, 07:21 PM
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Tom, you can still bring in food ans drink to AT&T, just no glass bottles.
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Old Sep 15th, 2012, 02:20 AM
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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?
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Old Sep 15th, 2012, 09:30 AM
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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.
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Old Sep 17th, 2012, 07:46 AM
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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.
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Old Sep 17th, 2012, 07:53 AM
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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
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Old Sep 17th, 2012, 08:04 AM
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BTW - for ye old time fans. It was Crosby field in Cincy right?

No, it was CROSLEY field.
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Old Sep 17th, 2012, 08:43 AM
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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.
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Old Sep 17th, 2012, 09:59 AM
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>>

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.
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Old Sep 17th, 2012, 10:27 AM
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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.
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Old Sep 17th, 2012, 10:51 AM
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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?
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Old Sep 17th, 2012, 11:03 AM
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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.
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Old Sep 17th, 2012, 11:19 AM
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When Tommy comes to AT&T, he sits in our section.
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Old Sep 17th, 2012, 03:47 PM
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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
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Old Sep 17th, 2012, 04:49 PM
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sf7307,

Still have to visit AT&T... Can this "Dodger Fan" use your parking space
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Old Sep 17th, 2012, 05:44 PM
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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.
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Old Sep 17th, 2012, 05:49 PM
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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
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Old Sep 17th, 2012, 07:37 PM
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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?
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Old Sep 17th, 2012, 09:17 PM
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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.
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