There were 22 home runs -- 10 in the final two games. No one had 22 in the bus pool, so they split the money among the 21s and 23s -- 10 people!
Attendance: 302,428.
Home teams 45 runs, visitors 40. Home teams won five of eight games.
Mileage: 2,750 for me, as I began the bus trip at U.S. Cellular Field and ended at O'Hare. Those who started in LaCrosse, Wis., were well over 3,000.
Thanks for reading.
Monday, June 18, 2007
FINAL RATINGS
I think you've got to consider stadiums in two groups, with the opening of Camden Yards the watershed. Everything changed when that one was built. And so we have two four-park groups:
FOSSIL DIVISION
1. Wrigley Field
2. Fenway Park
3. Yankee Stadium
4. U.S. Cellular Park
HIGH-TECH DIVISION
1. Comerica Park
2. PNC Park
3. Great American Ballpark
4. Citizens Bank Park
Any of the four new stadiums could make a case for No. 1. I'm going to go with the green-eyed tigers, the carousel and the center-field fountain (did I mention that at the time?)
FOSSIL DIVISION
1. Wrigley Field
2. Fenway Park
3. Yankee Stadium
4. U.S. Cellular Park
HIGH-TECH DIVISION
1. Comerica Park
2. PNC Park
3. Great American Ballpark
4. Citizens Bank Park
Any of the four new stadiums could make a case for No. 1. I'm going to go with the green-eyed tigers, the carousel and the center-field fountain (did I mention that at the time?)
ASSESSING WRIGLEY FIELD
Fenway Park is old, but this place is primitive. None of the ornaments seen at other parks, old and new, is here.
There's no video board.
There's very limited advertising, which is good. Fenway has sold out to advertisers, and the signs there look like bumper stickers on an old car. Wrigley is more pristine.
Unless you're scoring, you can't tell how many errors the competing teams have made. The only way you can tell how many hits they have is if your eyes are good enough to read a yellow strip low at the center of the scoreboard.
You need to have good eyes and arithmetic skills to tell the out-of-town scores, because though they do post them inning-by-inning, they don't total them. You can't even tell the Cubs score at a glance unless you look at the small scoreboards hanging from the upper deck down the baselines or in the stands behind the bases.
When I was in college here, the visiting team had to walk up steps from its dugout to its clubhouse and was visible, though wired in, to fans under the first-base stands. No more. Wonder when it changed?
Except for a very few modern twists, you could be watching a game during World War II. That's the charm of Wrigley.
I give it a B-plus.
There's no video board.
There's very limited advertising, which is good. Fenway has sold out to advertisers, and the signs there look like bumper stickers on an old car. Wrigley is more pristine.
Unless you're scoring, you can't tell how many errors the competing teams have made. The only way you can tell how many hits they have is if your eyes are good enough to read a yellow strip low at the center of the scoreboard.
You need to have good eyes and arithmetic skills to tell the out-of-town scores, because though they do post them inning-by-inning, they don't total them. You can't even tell the Cubs score at a glance unless you look at the small scoreboards hanging from the upper deck down the baselines or in the stands behind the bases.
When I was in college here, the visiting team had to walk up steps from its dugout to its clubhouse and was visible, though wired in, to fans under the first-base stands. No more. Wonder when it changed?
Except for a very few modern twists, you could be watching a game during World War II. That's the charm of Wrigley.
I give it a B-plus.
FINALLY I WON SOMETHING
Castle also came to our seats and offered autographed copies of his book on Harry Caray to those who could answer trivia questions. After leaking money for the past several days in our bus games, I was determined to come away with something. So I took a chance.
When he began, "In 1932, Babe Ruth ...," I called out, "It was Charlie Root!!" And so it was; that's the pitcher who threw the alleged called-shot home run at Wrigley Field. I got one book, then another for knowing that Sandy Koufax was the last pitcher to no-hit the Cubs, in 1965. He wasn't going to give me the second book until I said I wanted to give it to the grandson of my seatmate. Which I did.
When he began, "In 1932, Babe Ruth ...," I called out, "It was Charlie Root!!" And so it was; that's the pitcher who threw the alleged called-shot home run at Wrigley Field. I got one book, then another for knowing that Sandy Koufax was the last pitcher to no-hit the Cubs, in 1965. He wasn't going to give me the second book until I said I wanted to give it to the grandson of my seatmate. Which I did.
AT THE PARK
George Castle, a Chicago sportswriter, gave us a quick tour of the Waveland Avenue side outside Wrigley Field.
We saw the firehouse, the spot where a 600-foot Dave Kingman home run landed, and the persons who gather outside the left-field wall waiting for balls. Some of them have been doing this for 50 years. It was two hours before game time, and about five of them were standing in the street, looking up. Castle told us about one who has 6,000 balls.
One thing I didn't know, maybe you did. The people who watch games from the rooftops, that isn't really the cozy, neighborhoodsy thing I thought it was. It used to be. Now all those apartment houses have been renovated and are worth lots. Each one has 7-10 rows of bleachers on top. You pay to sit there -- more than a Wrigley ticket, but a party is included. So it's not like, "I live across from Wrigley, I watch all the Cubs games from my roof." It's a business.
We saw the firehouse, the spot where a 600-foot Dave Kingman home run landed, and the persons who gather outside the left-field wall waiting for balls. Some of them have been doing this for 50 years. It was two hours before game time, and about five of them were standing in the street, looking up. Castle told us about one who has 6,000 balls.
One thing I didn't know, maybe you did. The people who watch games from the rooftops, that isn't really the cozy, neighborhoodsy thing I thought it was. It used to be. Now all those apartment houses have been renovated and are worth lots. Each one has 7-10 rows of bleachers on top. You pay to sit there -- more than a Wrigley ticket, but a party is included. So it's not like, "I live across from Wrigley, I watch all the Cubs games from my roof." It's a business.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
ON TO CHICAGO
We have an early departure tomorrow, and I'll be home tomorrow night. It has been hectic.
I would have liked to havve said more about Cincinnati, but having to post those Pittsburgh items tonight instead of yesterday has cut into my time.
I would have liked to havve said more about Cincinnati, but having to post those Pittsburgh items tonight instead of yesterday has cut into my time.
NUMBERS
The seven interleague games end with NL 38, AL 29.
I had Sammy Sosa in the hits pool tonight. Size five. Thanks, Sammy.
Home runs: 17, five tonight. I went into the game thinking Sosa might hit his 600th and by the third inning I thought Griffey would instead. So the total has gone over the prop of 15 I set out last Saturday. I don't think that woman is going to win with 41, though.
Attendance: 261,464. What about my trip-opening projection of 300,000? Will I hit it on the nose? If we get 38,536 tomorrow in Chicago, yes.
I had Sammy Sosa in the hits pool tonight. Size five. Thanks, Sammy.
Home runs: 17, five tonight. I went into the game thinking Sosa might hit his 600th and by the third inning I thought Griffey would instead. So the total has gone over the prop of 15 I set out last Saturday. I don't think that woman is going to win with 41, though.
Attendance: 261,464. What about my trip-opening projection of 300,000? Will I hit it on the nose? If we get 38,536 tomorrow in Chicago, yes.
ASSESSING THE GAB
This one is much better than I was led to believe and will contend with the other new ones on the trip for the title of Best We Saw. It has some support on the bus as the No. 1 park.
It's a victim of geography. Because it opens onto the Ohio River, away from the Cincinnati skyline, it's an empty vista especially stark after we saw Pittsburgh. The solution to that would have been to build the park in Covington across the river. No? Heck, they put the airport there.
The riverboat-style structure in centerfield does little for me, though it's more attractive at night and is cool when the smokestacks spew fireworks for a Reds home run (five of them tonight). The scoreboard is inferior to Detroit, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.
Everything else is top-notch.
Forget the argument about whether Philadelphia or Boston has the best food selection. Cincinnati does, no contest.
Forget my praise for Philadelphia's historical elements. Cincinnati blows it away with its Reds Hall of Fame. They have a Pete Rose exhibit, the ball that was the last out in the 1919 World Series, the World Series trophies of 1975, 1976 and 1990, and more. The spin they have on the Black Sox Scandal, by the way, is a comparison making the case that the Reds were the better team anyway.
The concourses are open and the widest I've seen. The plaza area, with games for kids and a band playing tonight, is spacious. Detroit's was livelier, but that was a Sunday afternoon game.
I'll give this one an A-minus, meaning I've waffled my way to a four-way tie among the new ones. Doesn't mater, I'm revisiting them all in my mind now that I've seen all. We'll have rankings tomorrow.
It's a victim of geography. Because it opens onto the Ohio River, away from the Cincinnati skyline, it's an empty vista especially stark after we saw Pittsburgh. The solution to that would have been to build the park in Covington across the river. No? Heck, they put the airport there.
The riverboat-style structure in centerfield does little for me, though it's more attractive at night and is cool when the smokestacks spew fireworks for a Reds home run (five of them tonight). The scoreboard is inferior to Detroit, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.
Everything else is top-notch.
Forget the argument about whether Philadelphia or Boston has the best food selection. Cincinnati does, no contest.
Forget my praise for Philadelphia's historical elements. Cincinnati blows it away with its Reds Hall of Fame. They have a Pete Rose exhibit, the ball that was the last out in the 1919 World Series, the World Series trophies of 1975, 1976 and 1990, and more. The spin they have on the Black Sox Scandal, by the way, is a comparison making the case that the Reds were the better team anyway.
The concourses are open and the widest I've seen. The plaza area, with games for kids and a band playing tonight, is spacious. Detroit's was livelier, but that was a Sunday afternoon game.
I'll give this one an A-minus, meaning I've waffled my way to a four-way tie among the new ones. Doesn't mater, I'm revisiting them all in my mind now that I've seen all. We'll have rankings tomorrow.
MAKING A NAME
Don't be fooled into thinking the Great American Ballpark has no sponsor. It does. Great American is an insurance company.
They're not getting much bang for that name nationwide, though. I thought it was just a grandoise name for the park, much like I thought Great Western Forum represented L.A. Lakers' arrogance years ago. But that was a bank.
They're not getting much bang for that name nationwide, though. I thought it was just a grandoise name for the park, much like I thought Great Western Forum represented L.A. Lakers' arrogance years ago. But that was a bank.
AT THE GAB
The Great American Ballpark has an entry way with statues of past Reds in action poses, with the years mingled. Thus Joe Nuxhall of the 50s pitches to batter Frank Robinson of the 60s, with Ernie Lombardi of the 30s catching.
Part of the perimeter of this stadium is in the same spot as the outfield at demolished Riverfront Stadium was. The spot where Pete Rose's 4,192nd hit landed is part of a rose bed just below Great American Ballpark's terrace. A white rose amid red ones marks the spot, but I was told the white rose hasn't bloomed for this season yet.
Part of the perimeter of this stadium is in the same spot as the outfield at demolished Riverfront Stadium was. The spot where Pete Rose's 4,192nd hit landed is part of a rose bed just below Great American Ballpark's terrace. A white rose amid red ones marks the spot, but I was told the white rose hasn't bloomed for this season yet.
RECREATING THE PAST
En route to the ballpark we stopped at a replica of the Crosley Field outfield fence that stands in I believe Blue Ash, a Cincinnati neighborhood.
It has a recreation of the scoreboard at Crosley Field, where the Reds played 1912-1970 before moving to Riverfront Stadium. The numbers on the scoreboard are the same as they were on the June 1970 day when the Reds played their last game at Crosley Field.
We had a good time guessing identifying the numbers. Nos. 24 and 44 of the 1970 San Francisco Giants were easy, as was No. 14 of the Reds. Who was Cincinnati's No. 31 that year? He pitched that day. I guessed Gary Nolan, but I was told I was not correct.
It has a recreation of the scoreboard at Crosley Field, where the Reds played 1912-1970 before moving to Riverfront Stadium. The numbers on the scoreboard are the same as they were on the June 1970 day when the Reds played their last game at Crosley Field.
We had a good time guessing identifying the numbers. Nos. 24 and 44 of the 1970 San Francisco Giants were easy, as was No. 14 of the Reds. Who was Cincinnati's No. 31 that year? He pitched that day. I guessed Gary Nolan, but I was told I was not correct.
TOTALS
NL 30, AL 25
Home runs 12. First homerless game tonight. Found out they have a pool on the bus I missed out on by being late to the first game. One woman predicted 41 home runs in eight games. Wow.
Attendance: 224,051
Home runs 12. First homerless game tonight. Found out they have a pool on the bus I missed out on by being late to the first game. One woman predicted 41 home runs in eight games. Wow.
Attendance: 224,051
ON TO CINCINNATI
Another six hours on the bus before today’s game. I misjudged the time on the road; it’s way more than I expected.
People on the bus are interested in the Rangers because of Sosa being at 599.
People on the bus are interested in the Rangers because of Sosa being at 599.
SUMMING UP
I’m pushing to get a bus-wide vote on these parks once we’re done tomorrow at Wrigley Field. Some of us were chatting after the Pirates game, and it’s obvious all I’m doing here is gut reaction. You can’t really assess these places until after several visits.
The consensus at the middle of our bus is that Comerica Park is the slight favorite. But there are many variables to consider.
One guy downgrades Comerica because it’s in a slum. He also rates Yankee Stadium last because the food selection was the worst. He maintains that if you were a regular at U.S. Cellular Field, you’d realize it had the best food selection, which should factor in.
Most people I’ve spoken to said Philadelphia had the best food, because of the cheesesteak stands.
A downside to Pittsburgh is that the exit roads were the worst of the bunch. The streets were paralyzed after a game that was not well-attended. What must a packed house be like?
You can’t see it all. I know I’ve missed a lot. The guy I sat with last night complained that Philadelphia had nothing addressing the team’s history. In fact, that park had the best historical presentation of all. He just missed it.
The consensus at the middle of our bus is that Comerica Park is the slight favorite. But there are many variables to consider.
One guy downgrades Comerica because it’s in a slum. He also rates Yankee Stadium last because the food selection was the worst. He maintains that if you were a regular at U.S. Cellular Field, you’d realize it had the best food selection, which should factor in.
Most people I’ve spoken to said Philadelphia had the best food, because of the cheesesteak stands.
A downside to Pittsburgh is that the exit roads were the worst of the bunch. The streets were paralyzed after a game that was not well-attended. What must a packed house be like?
You can’t see it all. I know I’ve missed a lot. The guy I sat with last night complained that Philadelphia had nothing addressing the team’s history. In fact, that park had the best historical presentation of all. He just missed it.
ASSESSING PNC PARK
It’s the most picturesque of stadiums, but you knew that. The bridge and the skyline are as impressive in person as they are in pictures.
The limited seating adds to the park’s appeal. There are few rows of outfield seating, and the place has just two decks, which I believe is unique among the new wave of stadiums.
The bullpens are unique. Like in New York and Philadelphia, both are in the same spot, but while in those places they’re tiered, here it looks as if the two staffs could compete in a poker game during the early innings.
A flaw: the out-of-town scoreboard in right field. I obsess on those, don’t I? Like Philadelphia, this one gives you the score, the inning and the situations — outs, base runners — of out-of-town games. But not the pitchers!
The place is gorgeous after games also, with blue lights marking the ramp in left field.
The verdict on PNC Park: A-minus.
The limited seating adds to the park’s appeal. There are few rows of outfield seating, and the place has just two decks, which I believe is unique among the new wave of stadiums.
The bullpens are unique. Like in New York and Philadelphia, both are in the same spot, but while in those places they’re tiered, here it looks as if the two staffs could compete in a poker game during the early innings.
A flaw: the out-of-town scoreboard in right field. I obsess on those, don’t I? Like Philadelphia, this one gives you the score, the inning and the situations — outs, base runners — of out-of-town games. But not the pitchers!
The place is gorgeous after games also, with blue lights marking the ramp in left field.
The verdict on PNC Park: A-minus.
QUITE A PRODUCTION
The Pirates’ scoreboard is worth its own entry.
For the lineups and other text, they use condensed lettering that’s almost impossible to read. That’s a major minus for the park.
But their video person gets the points back for creativity. They use different graphics each inning to display the batter. One inning they showed each successive Pirate batter entering one of those photo booths and then displayed six pictures from that; the next inning they drew each batter on an Etch-A-Sketch; the next inning they had anagrams for each batter. And it went on and on.
And the video skits are insane. They began their dot race on the screen, with four slices of flavored dough apparently racing to invade Pittsburgh (please don’t ask, I have no idea). Then the figures dash onto the field to finish the race. One was sprinting for the finish line, but the Pirate Parrot tripped him, giving victory to another one. The experience was like watching the Keystone Kops while on hallucinogens.
They also had a video sketch that replicated the final episode of The Sopranos, with the Pirate Parrot as Tony. Various costumed mascots entered the diner — until the screen went black, and the whole stadium booed.
For the lineups and other text, they use condensed lettering that’s almost impossible to read. That’s a major minus for the park.
But their video person gets the points back for creativity. They use different graphics each inning to display the batter. One inning they showed each successive Pirate batter entering one of those photo booths and then displayed six pictures from that; the next inning they drew each batter on an Etch-A-Sketch; the next inning they had anagrams for each batter. And it went on and on.
And the video skits are insane. They began their dot race on the screen, with four slices of flavored dough apparently racing to invade Pittsburgh (please don’t ask, I have no idea). Then the figures dash onto the field to finish the race. One was sprinting for the finish line, but the Pirate Parrot tripped him, giving victory to another one. The experience was like watching the Keystone Kops while on hallucinogens.
They also had a video sketch that replicated the final episode of The Sopranos, with the Pirate Parrot as Tony. Various costumed mascots entered the diner — until the screen went black, and the whole stadium booed.
STATUESQUE
I saw four statues around PNC Park. Three are outside the walls — the famous 1955 statue of Honus Wagner and later ones of Roberto Clemente and Willie Stargell. These are impressive.
The fourth “statue” is inside the park. While the other three are full-body, action figures, this one, of Ralph Kiner, is just his hands gripping a bat.
That’s all. Right at the foot of an escalator, a pair of hands on a pedestal, holding a bat. Some civilization thousands of years from now will find that and think it’s like the Venus de Milo, a fragment of one of our great statues. But that’s all there ever was.
Pete Aldrich: What’s the story there? Did Kiner pose but get bored and leave after they’d finished his hands?
The fourth “statue” is inside the park. While the other three are full-body, action figures, this one, of Ralph Kiner, is just his hands gripping a bat.
That’s all. Right at the foot of an escalator, a pair of hands on a pedestal, holding a bat. Some civilization thousands of years from now will find that and think it’s like the Venus de Milo, a fragment of one of our great statues. But that’s all there ever was.
Pete Aldrich: What’s the story there? Did Kiner pose but get bored and leave after they’d finished his hands?
HITLESS WONDERS
The White Sox are the Washington Generals of this trip. They turn up everywhere and lose. They go down again tonight, 4-2, to the Pirates. That makes the tally 27 innings, four runs. Good riddance to them.
PICTURE THIS
I’ve been making a nuisance of myself asking strangers to take my camera and photograph me against some backdrop, and never more so than at this beautiful stadium, where I wanted myself posed against the bridge, the Allegheny River, the scoreboard and other sights.
People have been nice.
One saw me set the camera on a ledge and pathetically trying to push the button and jump in front of the lens. She quickly volunteered to photograph me with my back to the playing field.
People have been nice.
One saw me set the camera on a ledge and pathetically trying to push the button and jump in front of the lens. She quickly volunteered to photograph me with my back to the playing field.
MUST GO TO HIS FAM-A-LEE
While strolling around PNC Park I passed by an eatery named “Pops’ Potato Patch.”
Here’s my concern. I understand Greg Luzinski in Philadelphia and Boog Powell in Baltimore lending their presence to stadium food joints and making a few bucks from it. But since Willie Stargell is, not to put too fine a point on it, dead, who gets the naming rights fee for Pops’ Potato Patch?
I walked up to Pops’ Patch expecting to find many forms of potato, but the only variety turned out to be whether you chose to have chili on your fries.
Here’s my concern. I understand Greg Luzinski in Philadelphia and Boog Powell in Baltimore lending their presence to stadium food joints and making a few bucks from it. But since Willie Stargell is, not to put too fine a point on it, dead, who gets the naming rights fee for Pops’ Potato Patch?
I walked up to Pops’ Patch expecting to find many forms of potato, but the only variety turned out to be whether you chose to have chili on your fries.
GIFTS FROM ALL OVER
I’m sure everyone wants to know about the fabulous gifts I have received with paid admissions to all these stadiums.
There have been two. The Yankees gave out bucket hats, which would have helped me when I was hatless Sunday afternoon in Detroit. The Pirates tonight gave out commemorative plates of Bill Mazeroski.
Maz got into the Hall of Fame for his defense, but tonight I saw two fans drop their plates, which shattered. Waste Management sponsored the giveaway, so they must also have the contract to sweep up all the broken china.
Mine survived the evening, which means it’s part of an increasing collection that will threaten my ability to carry my suitcase to the airport counter.
There have been two. The Yankees gave out bucket hats, which would have helped me when I was hatless Sunday afternoon in Detroit. The Pirates tonight gave out commemorative plates of Bill Mazeroski.
Maz got into the Hall of Fame for his defense, but tonight I saw two fans drop their plates, which shattered. Waste Management sponsored the giveaway, so they must also have the contract to sweep up all the broken china.
Mine survived the evening, which means it’s part of an increasing collection that will threaten my ability to carry my suitcase to the airport counter.
VIEW FROM ON HIGH
Upon arrival in Pittsburgh, I rode the cable car to the top of the incline overlooking the Monongahela River and the skyline. If anyone has seen the 1994 Ed O’Neill-Melanie Griffith flop Milk Money, that’s the view near the start of the movie. The kids are eager to go to “the city;” the city is Pittsburgh.
Impressive view.
I just noticed, though, that my camera is broken. The viewer doesn’t work when you zoom.
Impressive view.
I just noticed, though, that my camera is broken. The viewer doesn’t work when you zoom.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Pittsburgh tomorrow
We should be in earlier than usual. I want to go to the spot where some remnants of Forbes Field remain.
What I don't want to do is buy more souvenirs. It's already at the point where I don't know how I'm getting home.
What I don't want to do is buy more souvenirs. It's already at the point where I don't know how I'm getting home.
Question for someone wiser than me
Why does Catfish Hunter's Hall of Fame plaque have no logo on the cap?
And for Matt, the Rockies' locker
* Press pin and ticket from the 1998 All-Star Game in Denver. The highest-scoring All-Star Game, with a 13-8 final and 31 total hits.
* Lineup card from May 5, 1999, when the Rockies scored in every inning to beat the Cubs at Wrigley Field, 13-6. They were the third team to do that.
* Eric Young's torn pants from June 30, 1996, when he stole six bases against the Dodgers.
* Todd Helton's purple jersey from 2004, when he hit .347.
* Brett Mayne's cap from Aug. 22, 2000, when he was pressed intot pitching the 12th inning and got the win.
* Larry Walker's batting gloves from when he got six extra-base hits in a row, an NL record, May 21-22, 1996.
* Dante Bichette's bat from April 7, 1993, when he hit the Rockies' first home run.
* Larry Walker bat from 1997 when he was NL MVP.
* Bat used by Mesquite Poteet's Jason Jennings -- a Juan Uribe model -- on Aug. 23, 2001, when he hit a home run and pitched a shutout in his debut.
* Lineup card from May 5, 1999, when the Rockies scored in every inning to beat the Cubs at Wrigley Field, 13-6. They were the third team to do that.
* Eric Young's torn pants from June 30, 1996, when he stole six bases against the Dodgers.
* Todd Helton's purple jersey from 2004, when he hit .347.
* Brett Mayne's cap from Aug. 22, 2000, when he was pressed intot pitching the 12th inning and got the win.
* Larry Walker's batting gloves from when he got six extra-base hits in a row, an NL record, May 21-22, 1996.
* Dante Bichette's bat from April 7, 1993, when he hit the Rockies' first home run.
* Larry Walker bat from 1997 when he was NL MVP.
* Bat used by Mesquite Poteet's Jason Jennings -- a Juan Uribe model -- on Aug. 23, 2001, when he hit a home run and pitched a shutout in his debut.
Rangers representation
One room in the museum contains 30 lockers, one for each team bearing recent memorabilia of note. Each has a sign with facts about the team, such as stadium name, previous team names and list of World Series championships.
So what's in the Rangers locker, you ask?
* Alfonso Soriano's uniform from the 2004 All-Star Game, when he was MVP.
* Mark Teixeira's helmet from 2005, on which he wore a red cross to honor Katrina relief efforts. That year he became the fifth player to hit 100 homers in his first five seasons.
* Rafael Palmeiro's bat from May 11, 2003, when he hit his 500th home run.
* Hank Blalock's signed cap from the 2003 All-Star game, when he hit a pinch-hit home run (off Eric Gagne) to win the game.
* Ivan Rodriguez's chest protector from the 1997-98 seasons, whenhe won his sixth and seventh Gold Gloves.
* Juan Gonzalez's bat used to hit his 400th home run, June 5, 2002.
* Alex Rodriguez's bat used in September 2002, a season he finished with 57 home runs, a shortstop record.
* Ivan Rodriguez's bat from Oct. 1, 1999, when he hit his 35th home run -- an AL record for catchers.
* Michael Young's wristband from the 2006 All-Star Game in Pittsburgh, bearing the initials RCW in tribute to Roberto Clemente (Walker).
* A chair.
* A picture of Michael Young.
So what's in the Rangers locker, you ask?
* Alfonso Soriano's uniform from the 2004 All-Star Game, when he was MVP.
* Mark Teixeira's helmet from 2005, on which he wore a red cross to honor Katrina relief efforts. That year he became the fifth player to hit 100 homers in his first five seasons.
* Rafael Palmeiro's bat from May 11, 2003, when he hit his 500th home run.
* Hank Blalock's signed cap from the 2003 All-Star game, when he hit a pinch-hit home run (off Eric Gagne) to win the game.
* Ivan Rodriguez's chest protector from the 1997-98 seasons, whenhe won his sixth and seventh Gold Gloves.
* Juan Gonzalez's bat used to hit his 400th home run, June 5, 2002.
* Alex Rodriguez's bat used in September 2002, a season he finished with 57 home runs, a shortstop record.
* Ivan Rodriguez's bat from Oct. 1, 1999, when he hit his 35th home run -- an AL record for catchers.
* Michael Young's wristband from the 2006 All-Star Game in Pittsburgh, bearing the initials RCW in tribute to Roberto Clemente (Walker).
* A chair.
* A picture of Michael Young.
Banned, but on display
Pete Rose is not eligible for the Hall of Fame, but remnants of him are everywhere. They have his full Phillies uniform from the night he set the National League hits record (taking it away from some Cardinals player).
I also saw three Black Sox mementoes: a Joe Jackson jersey, the letter S from Ed Cicotte's jersey, and a reproduction of a letter in which Buck Weaver begged Kenesaw Mountain Landis for reinstatement.
I also saw three Black Sox mementoes: a Joe Jackson jersey, the letter S from Ed Cicotte's jersey, and a reproduction of a letter in which Buck Weaver begged Kenesaw Mountain Landis for reinstatement.
Tusk, tusk
So I'm standing in front of a display case that includes a gray Philadelphia Athletics jersey worn by a noted psychopath in 1927. And two kids pass by.
"Look," said one, "there's Ty Cobb's uniform."
The other looked at the jersey, which bore the A's pachyderm logo on the left breast.
"He played for the Elephants?" the kid asked.
"Look," said one, "there's Ty Cobb's uniform."
The other looked at the jersey, which bore the A's pachyderm logo on the left breast.
"He played for the Elephants?" the kid asked.
Idyllic day
So we have a DVD player in the bus, and today en route to Cooperstown they played When It Was A Game II, the early 90s HBO special featuring 16 mm footage of baseball from 1934-1952.
Not to get all sentimental, but it was a perfect way to start the day. If you've seen the film, they blend the footage with old baseball poems and songs, with great voices such as Jason Robards and James Earl Jones doing the telling. One of the poems, and I wish I knew its name, made reference to going from collecting baseball cards to collecting baseball stadiums and learning about their communities as well. Since that's just what we're doing, I thought it was apropos.
They also had an audiotape telling about the origins of the museum and debunking the Abner Doubleday myth. I was pleased that it was an accurate narration.
Part of the tour package is you get to be a member of the Cooperstown society for a year, which means I can come back here for free for the next 12 months.
Not to get all sentimental, but it was a perfect way to start the day. If you've seen the film, they blend the footage with old baseball poems and songs, with great voices such as Jason Robards and James Earl Jones doing the telling. One of the poems, and I wish I knew its name, made reference to going from collecting baseball cards to collecting baseball stadiums and learning about their communities as well. Since that's just what we're doing, I thought it was apropos.
They also had an audiotape telling about the origins of the museum and debunking the Abner Doubleday myth. I was pleased that it was an accurate narration.
Part of the tour package is you get to be a member of the Cooperstown society for a year, which means I can come back here for free for the next 12 months.
Off to Cooperstown
Really looking forward to this day too.
After my wearing of the Expos jersey was aborted yesterday by the frigidity of the situation (that means it was too cold to wear it), I'm trying again today.
Will I be the first Expo in the Hall of Fame?
After my wearing of the Expos jersey was aborted yesterday by the frigidity of the situation (that means it was too cold to wear it), I'm trying again today.
Will I be the first Expo in the Hall of Fame?
The tally
NL 26, AL 23. AL had a big lead until the Rockies' 12-2 win last night.
Home runs: 12. Two last night.
Attendance: 197,404
Home runs: 12. Two last night.
Attendance: 197,404
What would you do?
Here's a dilemma I saw last night:
(Is Mark Johnson reading this? I know that's the wrong word).
The Rockies' Hawpe (Matt, what's Hawpe's first name?) hit a home run into the right-field stands in the fifth. Like in most places nowadays, the neighbors of the fan who caught it demanded he throw it back. But in Boston, when you throw one back, you get ejected.
So, angry fans chanting at you, security watching you, what do you do?
(Pause while you think).
He threw it back. They threw him out.
(Is Mark Johnson reading this? I know that's the wrong word).
The Rockies' Hawpe (Matt, what's Hawpe's first name?) hit a home run into the right-field stands in the fifth. Like in most places nowadays, the neighbors of the fan who caught it demanded he throw it back. But in Boston, when you throw one back, you get ejected.
So, angry fans chanting at you, security watching you, what do you do?
(Pause while you think).
He threw it back. They threw him out.
Ballpark list
Meant to tell you this. The escorts gave us a sheet with all 30 active ballparks, listed in the order they opened. Also has their capacities. I know you can get this stuff elsewhere, but to see it all organized together is fascinating.
Here's some random facts, either in black and white on the shtee or extrapolated by me:
Rangers Ballpark in Arlington is the 16th oldest.
They lost Tropicana Field as the 19th oldest with an open date for baseball of 3-31-1998. That's true, but in fact that place was standing for a decade before Tampa got the Devil Rays.
There are 11 parks (or ballparks), eight stadiums, eight fields, a dome, a centre and a coliseum. Naming trends run in streaks. Stadiums are six of the nine oldest facilities. A string of eight parks in a row ended last year when Busch Stadium opened. There were five fields in a row in the mid-1990s.
Here's one you can get only from me. Thirteen of the fields have had different names at some point, including both of the ones in Texas. Almost all of that is because of changed sponsors. The Giants park, opened in 2000, already has had two names, as has the Diamondbacks', which opened in 1998. Skydome is now Rogers Centre. For those who think they've caught me, I did include Wrigley Field in this. It opened as Weeghman Field in 1916.
Here's some random facts, either in black and white on the shtee or extrapolated by me:
Rangers Ballpark in Arlington is the 16th oldest.
They lost Tropicana Field as the 19th oldest with an open date for baseball of 3-31-1998. That's true, but in fact that place was standing for a decade before Tampa got the Devil Rays.
There are 11 parks (or ballparks), eight stadiums, eight fields, a dome, a centre and a coliseum. Naming trends run in streaks. Stadiums are six of the nine oldest facilities. A string of eight parks in a row ended last year when Busch Stadium opened. There were five fields in a row in the mid-1990s.
Here's one you can get only from me. Thirteen of the fields have had different names at some point, including both of the ones in Texas. Almost all of that is because of changed sponsors. The Giants park, opened in 2000, already has had two names, as has the Diamondbacks', which opened in 1998. Skydome is now Rogers Centre. For those who think they've caught me, I did include Wrigley Field in this. It opened as Weeghman Field in 1916.
Sophisticated Red Sox fans
Well, they didn't have a dot race. Points for that.
But here's a dirty Red Sox Fan secret: They group-sing to Sweet Caroline in the middle of the eighth inning. Happens every night, said a local I talked to for most of the night. Apparently it's a New England thing, happens at weddings and other such events.
But here's a dirty Red Sox Fan secret: They group-sing to Sweet Caroline in the middle of the eighth inning. Happens every night, said a local I talked to for most of the night. Apparently it's a New England thing, happens at weddings and other such events.
Assessing Fenway Park
It was great to come through the tunnel and see all those spots I've seen only in pictures. The Green Monster. The Citgo sign. The Budweiser logo atop the stands in right field.
Green everywhere. I must have approached half the crowd to take my picture against some familiar backdrop. No one has refused yet.
One thing isn't green. Wish I'd gotten there early enough to see the red seat where a 500-foot Ted Williams home run once landed.
We did not sit together tonight. We had 52 solo tickets. No pairs. When we got our tickets, I saw the ominous words on mine -- obstructed view. The seat was located just off the left-hander's batting box, about 30 rows up -- and directly behind a pole. I had to strain my neck on every pitch, but I was along the aisle, which was constantly packed, so if I twisted to me left I often couldn't see. The seat next to mine was open, somehow, so I slid over around the third inning and did fine.
The aisles and especially the concourses are constantly in motion. The concourse behind the lower stands looked like Times Square on New Year's Eve as gametime approached. I left my seat about 25 minutes before gametime and went to a pizza stand I'd seen coming in, bought the pizza and barely made the first pitch. Right as I sat down a vendor passed by with exactly the same pizza.
Decent selection at the concession stands. My seatmates were praising it. They have clam chowder at several. I wanted a toasted almond flavor iced coffee (iced coffee on this night??) But the line was preposterous. I never got it, but I have a made-in-China bear to accompany my to-the-point-lonely Detroit Tiger.
The park is so beautiful and clean. But the part about every seat being good -- that doesn't hold water when you have a pole in your face.
Fenway Park's grade will suffer for that. Got to be a B-plus.
Green everywhere. I must have approached half the crowd to take my picture against some familiar backdrop. No one has refused yet.
One thing isn't green. Wish I'd gotten there early enough to see the red seat where a 500-foot Ted Williams home run once landed.
We did not sit together tonight. We had 52 solo tickets. No pairs. When we got our tickets, I saw the ominous words on mine -- obstructed view. The seat was located just off the left-hander's batting box, about 30 rows up -- and directly behind a pole. I had to strain my neck on every pitch, but I was along the aisle, which was constantly packed, so if I twisted to me left I often couldn't see. The seat next to mine was open, somehow, so I slid over around the third inning and did fine.
The aisles and especially the concourses are constantly in motion. The concourse behind the lower stands looked like Times Square on New Year's Eve as gametime approached. I left my seat about 25 minutes before gametime and went to a pizza stand I'd seen coming in, bought the pizza and barely made the first pitch. Right as I sat down a vendor passed by with exactly the same pizza.
Decent selection at the concession stands. My seatmates were praising it. They have clam chowder at several. I wanted a toasted almond flavor iced coffee (iced coffee on this night??) But the line was preposterous. I never got it, but I have a made-in-China bear to accompany my to-the-point-lonely Detroit Tiger.
The park is so beautiful and clean. But the part about every seat being good -- that doesn't hold water when you have a pole in your face.
Fenway Park's grade will suffer for that. Got to be a B-plus.
Arrival at Fenway
This was our fifth game, and the third time I've arrived via subway. I wonder: Does the rest of the tour think I'm anti-social?
Felt more eagerness arriving at this one than the other four put together.
Felt more eagerness arriving at this one than the other four put together.
All around Boston
We had free time all afternoon, and my group, which includes me, wandered around town.
I went to Paul Revere's house. He wasn't home.
Took a boat ride out into the harbor. Really cold. (I can't do links, but I can do italics).
I visited the U.S.S. Constitution -- "old Ironsides," even though it's wooden. It's a 200-year-old ship that was used to fight pirates representing the Barbary Coast Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. That's what I heard. It must have been stationed in Lake Mead. Went aboard, and it's a ship you expect Johnny Depp to be driving. They bring it out into the harbor once a year, probably in case Britain might want Massachusetts back.
Then I took a bus tour around town and drove past four burial spots -- three old cemeteries and the Fleet Center. Did you know Mother Goose was a real person? I didn't. She's buried here. The family name was Goose, it really was. Must be related to Rick Gosselin.
I went to Paul Revere's house. He wasn't home.
Took a boat ride out into the harbor. Really cold. (I can't do links, but I can do italics).
I visited the U.S.S. Constitution -- "old Ironsides," even though it's wooden. It's a 200-year-old ship that was used to fight pirates representing the Barbary Coast Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. That's what I heard. It must have been stationed in Lake Mead. Went aboard, and it's a ship you expect Johnny Depp to be driving. They bring it out into the harbor once a year, probably in case Britain might want Massachusetts back.
Then I took a bus tour around town and drove past four burial spots -- three old cemeteries and the Fleet Center. Did you know Mother Goose was a real person? I didn't. She's buried here. The family name was Goose, it really was. Must be related to Rick Gosselin.
Cold day in Boston
We got into Boston around noon, and the sight of bundled-up pedestrians with the clothes billowing around them told me I was underdressed in shorts. So I did a complete makeover, into fleece and long pants.
Pete, who is from Minnesota, saw me about to change from the shorts.
"It's not that cold, is it? he said.
Then he paused. "Oh," he said, "you're from Texas."
(Aftermath: Saw Pete that night, after a game that started in 55-degree temperatures and got much colder -- in shorts. These Minnesotans are tough.)
Pete, who is from Minnesota, saw me about to change from the shorts.
"It's not that cold, is it? he said.
Then he paused. "Oh," he said, "you're from Texas."
(Aftermath: Saw Pete that night, after a game that started in 55-degree temperatures and got much colder -- in shorts. These Minnesotans are tough.)
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Up and ready for Boston
This should be a great day, with a short ride giving us time to see the city. And I've never been to Fenway Park.
I did purchase another baseball jersey yesterday at Gerry Cosby's, BTW. Today we will be commemorating the Montreal Expos.
I did purchase another baseball jersey yesterday at Gerry Cosby's, BTW. Today we will be commemorating the Montreal Expos.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
The race game
Keep meaning to mention that each ballpark has had a variation of the race game on its video screen with various vehicles and foodstuffs competing.
In Chicago, the entrants were a hot dog, a sausage and some other concession that escapes me right now.
In Detroit, a bagel, a donut and a cup of coffee competed.
In Philadelphia, it was three cartons of ice cream, different flavors.
In New York, it was the three trains that serve Yankee Stadium -- the 4, the D and the B. The 4, which happened to bring me here tonight, was the winner.
In Chicago, the entrants were a hot dog, a sausage and some other concession that escapes me right now.
In Detroit, a bagel, a donut and a cup of coffee competed.
In Philadelphia, it was three cartons of ice cream, different flavors.
In New York, it was the three trains that serve Yankee Stadium -- the 4, the D and the B. The 4, which happened to bring me here tonight, was the winner.
My frame of mind is much better
Despite the hour rain delay and another wrong turn by our pilot, I got to see the Late, Late Show in its entirety as it started half an hour later than scheduled (so it was the Late Late, Late Show). Hope all the brooding and fuming I was doing in the bus didn't irritate anyone, and hope I didn't injure the people I knocked over racing to the elevator upon arrival.
Don't believe I've ever watched Craig Ferguson before. Mrs. Doubtfire came to mind.
Didn't approve of IH's song selection, but he seemed to open up to Ferguson's scatter-shot interview more than he usually does. Wanted a second song.
Don't believe I've ever watched Craig Ferguson before. Mrs. Doubtfire came to mind.
Didn't approve of IH's song selection, but he seemed to open up to Ferguson's scatter-shot interview more than he usually does. Wanted a second song.
Assessing Yankee Stadium
There is no carousel like in Detroit, no Ballpark Pinball like in Philadelphia, no relic ballplayers pushing ribs. It's just baseball here. It'll be interesting to see if they move toward the "family friendly" thread when the new park opens in 20o9.
It'll also be interesting to see if Bob Shepard makes it across the street. He's the constant at the Stadium, from this night back to my first game here in 1962 and back 11 years before that. The same public address announcer who reads Robinson Cano's name these days once read Joe DiMaggio's. Reggie Jackson called it "the voice of God."
Because of the traditions of the place, you find yourself looking toward the Bronx County Courthouse and imagining that the old Ballantyne scoreboard is still in place, the facade still rings the top and the monuments are still on the field. No other stadium evokes that.
Yankee Stadium is still worth a B-plus.
It'll also be interesting to see if Bob Shepard makes it across the street. He's the constant at the Stadium, from this night back to my first game here in 1962 and back 11 years before that. The same public address announcer who reads Robinson Cano's name these days once read Joe DiMaggio's. Reggie Jackson called it "the voice of God."
Because of the traditions of the place, you find yourself looking toward the Bronx County Courthouse and imagining that the old Ballantyne scoreboard is still in place, the facade still rings the top and the monuments are still on the field. No other stadium evokes that.
Yankee Stadium is still worth a B-plus.
Totals so far
Through Yankees 4, Diamondbacks 1
Home runs: 10.
Score: AL 21, NL 14
Attendance: 161,096.
I had Chris Snyder and Johnny Damon in the hits game tonight, and I got smacked.
Home runs: 10.
Score: AL 21, NL 14
Attendance: 161,096.
I had Chris Snyder and Johnny Damon in the hits game tonight, and I got smacked.
Only in New York
Yankees fans are more raucous than the ones in the other places so far. The bleachers crowd starts the game by chanting the name of each player until he turns around and waves to them.
The in-game diversions on the video screen have that New York urgency about them. For example, in Philadelphia a trivia question might be, "Tonight's opponents are the White Sox. What city are they from?"
In New York, the question as I recall was, "What's Hideki Matsui's number plus the years Joe Torre has managed the Yankees divided by Ron Guidry's career ERA and multiplied by the square root of Babe Ruth's weight? Miss it and we'll kill you." The prize was a gift certificate.
The in-game diversions on the video screen have that New York urgency about them. For example, in Philadelphia a trivia question might be, "Tonight's opponents are the White Sox. What city are they from?"
In New York, the question as I recall was, "What's Hideki Matsui's number plus the years Joe Torre has managed the Yankees divided by Ron Guidry's career ERA and multiplied by the square root of Babe Ruth's weight? Miss it and we'll kill you." The prize was a gift certificate.
Back where it began
So I was back at Yankee Stadium tonight, the place where I saw my first game July 25, 1962. The price of my ticket that day was 75 cents. The same seat today costs $12. The seat I was in tonight cost $56, though I didn't pay that.
I remember when the seats were green, not blue.
I remember when fans exited the stadium by walking around the warning track and leaving through the Yankee bullpen.
Saw the skeleton of the new stadium going up across 161st Street. Looks like it's not quite as far along as JerryWorld.
I remember when the seats were green, not blue.
I remember when fans exited the stadium by walking around the warning track and leaving through the Yankee bullpen.
Saw the skeleton of the new stadium going up across 161st Street. Looks like it's not quite as far along as JerryWorld.
Visit with friends
I came off the tour this afternoon to visit with my cousin Kevin and my friend Gerry. We ate at my favorite pizzeria on the globe, which I found without getting lost this time.
Just like Monday, it poured in the late afternoon.
Gerry came to the game, and while the rest of my group was sitting halfway to Connecticut in left field, we had seats behind home plate.
Just like Monday, it poured in the late afternoon.
Gerry came to the game, and while the rest of my group was sitting halfway to Connecticut in left field, we had seats behind home plate.
Another correction
Turns out Philadelphia does have the money to repair the Liberty Bell but prefers to keep it as it is. Sorry.
Finished the Clemente book ....
... and I'm wondering if there ever has been another athlete with such a social consciousness. It left me really respecting the guy, which I'm sure was Maraniss' intent. It occurred to me that there wasn't a single mention of a contract dispute over Clemente's 18 seasons. Did he never have one? Because other stars of his era sure did.
I have a second book along -- Season Ticket, a collection of essays by Roger Angell, who was a real jerk when I met him once.
Today I will wear my Cedar Hill Longhorns shirt in recognition of my cousin's recent interest in Texas high school football. So we can talk about that instead of the weather. I may also go to Gerry Cosby's to buy another baseball jersey, as I seem to be perceived as someone who wears only those and I'm out of them.
Did I tell y'all I found Snapple Grapeade at a truck stop and bought four bottles for the bus? Pennsylvania was a great place. But just one bottle remains.
I have a second book along -- Season Ticket, a collection of essays by Roger Angell, who was a real jerk when I met him once.
Today I will wear my Cedar Hill Longhorns shirt in recognition of my cousin's recent interest in Texas high school football. So we can talk about that instead of the weather. I may also go to Gerry Cosby's to buy another baseball jersey, as I seem to be perceived as someone who wears only those and I'm out of them.
Did I tell y'all I found Snapple Grapeade at a truck stop and bought four bottles for the bus? Pennsylvania was a great place. But just one bottle remains.
Another day
Well, I'm about to be off for New York. I'm getting just five hours of sleep a night, and that can't continue.
If the bus driver gets lost again tonight and has us cruising the countryside in the dark, I'll be homicidal. Ian Hunter appears on Craig Ferguson's show tonight. 12:30 a.m. Eastern, maybe? I need a TV. I'm sure you'll all be watching to help me out if bus driver fails me.
This hotel was really nice, last one not so. Everyone complained about no hot water. But I was the only one with a spider in my sink, so I must have had a deluxe room.
If the bus driver gets lost again tonight and has us cruising the countryside in the dark, I'll be homicidal. Ian Hunter appears on Craig Ferguson's show tonight. 12:30 a.m. Eastern, maybe? I need a TV. I'm sure you'll all be watching to help me out if bus driver fails me.
This hotel was really nice, last one not so. Everyone complained about no hot water. But I was the only one with a spider in my sink, so I must have had a deluxe room.
Monday, June 11, 2007
On my own today
Today I will leave the tour for the afternoon to visit with my cousin and my friend.
I have prepared the Timpson clan for the question they'll be asked when they tour Monument Park at Yankee Stadium in my absence, which is (Matt, you can stop reading now): What four former Cardinals have plaques here?
Anyone want to take a shot at this before I answer it tomorrow night?
I have prepared the Timpson clan for the question they'll be asked when they tour Monument Park at Yankee Stadium in my absence, which is (Matt, you can stop reading now): What four former Cardinals have plaques here?
Anyone want to take a shot at this before I answer it tomorrow night?
Penny-ante games update
I had Shane Victorino and Jose Terrero tonight, and each got a hit, so I'll be in the black again when they hand out loose change tomorrow.
Totals update through three games:
AL 17, NL 13. The White Sox have batted in 18 innings on this trip and scored runs in one of them. I can't wait to see this exciting team again Friday in Pittsburgh.
Home runs: We're up to eight. Three tonight -- Phillies win 3-0 on three solo home runs.
Attendance: 109,519
Totals update through three games:
AL 17, NL 13. The White Sox have batted in 18 innings on this trip and scored runs in one of them. I can't wait to see this exciting team again Friday in Pittsburgh.
Home runs: We're up to eight. Three tonight -- Phillies win 3-0 on three solo home runs.
Attendance: 109,519
Lost
Our bus driver got lost tonight trying to find the hotel -- twice.
Now anyone who's ever driven with me in New Jersey knows getting lost in this state is routine for me, but this guy's a professional. I am not happy.
Now anyone who's ever driven with me in New Jersey knows getting lost in this state is routine for me, but this guy's a professional. I am not happy.
Citizens Bank Park
This one and Comerica are excellent fields. I give a slight edge to this one.
They have better concourse games. They have one called "Ballpark Pinball," which has a baseball bat in place of flippers. You get one swing to hit the ball cleanly into one of the compartments labeled for base hits. If you don't hit it firmly into the slot, it's an out. You get three outs. I was on line to play this until I realized everyone else in line was 8 years old, then I slinked away.
They have Greg Luzinski sitting alongside "Bull's Barbeque." He's in a booth -- actually, it looks like a dunk tank. He'll sign what you have or give you an autographed picture. I wore my Rangers jersey tonight and looked at him for some glint of recognition, or conversation. Getting none, I accepted his scrawl on my game ticket and went back over to Ballpark Pinball.
Like the Tigers, the Phillies salute the past, but do it better. They have an area off the outfield concourse with Hall of Fame-style plaques of Phillies greats (no snide remarks here), and a big plaque for some all-time Phillies team that was picked in 1983. When Pete Rose ia a member of the all-time greats of a team other than the Reds or Leavenworth, I've got a problem, but there it is: 1B, Pete Rose. There is a three-part mural of the history of baseball in Philadelphia, which includes not just the Phillies but also the A's and the Negro Leagues. That's a unique touch, though their real reason for doing it is a celebration of highlights only of the Phillies would fit on the back of a chair. This whole historical area sits above both bullpens, which are tiered alongside each other, so you can watch pitchers warm up while immersing yourself in Phillies history.
The Phillies make better use of their video board than either the Tigers or the White Sox do, and can find any stat you want, from season to situations to pitch count and speed once you know where to look. They also have an out-of-town scoreboard, which I know because our seats were where I could see it without exerting myself.
All four Philadelphia sports facilities are on the same site -- Citizens Bank Park, Lincoln Financial Field, the Wachovia Center and even the old Spectrum.
The grade for Citizens Bank Park: A
They have better concourse games. They have one called "Ballpark Pinball," which has a baseball bat in place of flippers. You get one swing to hit the ball cleanly into one of the compartments labeled for base hits. If you don't hit it firmly into the slot, it's an out. You get three outs. I was on line to play this until I realized everyone else in line was 8 years old, then I slinked away.
They have Greg Luzinski sitting alongside "Bull's Barbeque." He's in a booth -- actually, it looks like a dunk tank. He'll sign what you have or give you an autographed picture. I wore my Rangers jersey tonight and looked at him for some glint of recognition, or conversation. Getting none, I accepted his scrawl on my game ticket and went back over to Ballpark Pinball.
Like the Tigers, the Phillies salute the past, but do it better. They have an area off the outfield concourse with Hall of Fame-style plaques of Phillies greats (no snide remarks here), and a big plaque for some all-time Phillies team that was picked in 1983. When Pete Rose ia a member of the all-time greats of a team other than the Reds or Leavenworth, I've got a problem, but there it is: 1B, Pete Rose. There is a three-part mural of the history of baseball in Philadelphia, which includes not just the Phillies but also the A's and the Negro Leagues. That's a unique touch, though their real reason for doing it is a celebration of highlights only of the Phillies would fit on the back of a chair. This whole historical area sits above both bullpens, which are tiered alongside each other, so you can watch pitchers warm up while immersing yourself in Phillies history.
The Phillies make better use of their video board than either the Tigers or the White Sox do, and can find any stat you want, from season to situations to pitch count and speed once you know where to look. They also have an out-of-town scoreboard, which I know because our seats were where I could see it without exerting myself.
All four Philadelphia sports facilities are on the same site -- Citizens Bank Park, Lincoln Financial Field, the Wachovia Center and even the old Spectrum.
The grade for Citizens Bank Park: A
An apology
I want all my followers to know that I would be providing up-to-the-minute accounts, but the Treacherous Maun failed to deliver on the promised wireless card, so I have to wait each night until our bus driver finds our hotel, which is at best even-money, then I have to beg the desk for something called "a bridge." Now, 72 hours ago I didn't even know what this form of bridge was, so I'm making progress.
Wet in Philly
Got to spend very limited time in downtown Philadelphia today before going to the game.
I walked through an old cemetery where five signers of the Declaration of Independence are buried. I posed for a picture dancing on Benjamin Franklin's grave. Then I went over to see the Liberty Bell, which still hasn't been repaired. They have brand new sports arenas here for baseball, football, hockey and basketball, but can't fix a crack in a bell.
At this point it poured. Every time I've been to Philadelphia it has poured. All twice. A year ago I saw a game here, and it was the one where Aaron Rowland broke his nose by running full tilt into the centerfield fence. That night it rained, and the Phillies and Mets ended 3-3, so the game never happened, which I'm sure was a comfort to Aaron Rowland.
I've been my usual backward self about meeting my busmates, but I didn't hesitate to barge into the lives of two of them who had umbrellas so they could escort me from the Liberty Bell to our motorcoach.
I walked through an old cemetery where five signers of the Declaration of Independence are buried. I posed for a picture dancing on Benjamin Franklin's grave. Then I went over to see the Liberty Bell, which still hasn't been repaired. They have brand new sports arenas here for baseball, football, hockey and basketball, but can't fix a crack in a bell.
At this point it poured. Every time I've been to Philadelphia it has poured. All twice. A year ago I saw a game here, and it was the one where Aaron Rowland broke his nose by running full tilt into the centerfield fence. That night it rained, and the Phillies and Mets ended 3-3, so the game never happened, which I'm sure was a comfort to Aaron Rowland.
I've been my usual backward self about meeting my busmates, but I didn't hesitate to barge into the lives of two of them who had umbrellas so they could escort me from the Liberty Bell to our motorcoach.
More about the passengers
I sat at the White Sox-Phillies game tonight with Doug Wesely of Wisconsin, one of five fathers who have their young sons on the trip. He is a Twins fan and said it would be hard to go to a game in the Metrodome after all the nice parks we are seeing.
The boys all have their gloves and play catch every time the bus stops.
Also, Mel Ott is on the trip. No, not this one: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mel_Ott
And for those who think I have trouble with plans, one guy's flight from Philadelphia was cancelled Saturday, so he rented a car and drove to Chicago to start the tour.
The boys all have their gloves and play catch every time the bus stops.
Also, Mel Ott is on the trip. No, not this one: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mel_Ott
And for those who think I have trouble with plans, one guy's flight from Philadelphia was cancelled Saturday, so he rented a car and drove to Chicago to start the tour.
Mea culpa
I'll start this sequence by correcting two injustices. Yes, I'm on vacation but still writing corrections.
1. Yes, there is an out-of-town scoreboard on the right-field fence at Comerica Park. I figured there might be, but it was too hot to get up and check. I hereby raise Comerica's grade to A-minus-plus -- better than A-minus, but still not an A.
2. The Tiger was not made in Japan. If it were, it would be a high-tech Tiger, able to play songs, show videos and provide Internet access in addition to ripping off my arm. It does none of this. The Tiger was made in China.
1. Yes, there is an out-of-town scoreboard on the right-field fence at Comerica Park. I figured there might be, but it was too hot to get up and check. I hereby raise Comerica's grade to A-minus-plus -- better than A-minus, but still not an A.
2. The Tiger was not made in Japan. If it were, it would be a high-tech Tiger, able to play songs, show videos and provide Internet access in addition to ripping off my arm. It does none of this. The Tiger was made in China.
Hitchcock presents
How could I forget the most bizarre thing about Sunday's game?
All nine innings were played with dozens of seagulls on the field. I think they (the grounds crew, not the seagulls) must have just seeded or fertilized the grass.
Fortunately Dave Winfield is no longer playing.
Hundreds of birds were on the field in pregame, and I assumed they'd take their seats after the National Anthem. But no. They stayed. At one point one of them, Jonathan L., walked from where the second baseman should be across the infield toward the batter -- a left-hander. I braced for a splat. But he veered off, walked across first base and stood in the coaching box.
Once someone dropped a baseball from the right-field bleachers, and the umpires stopped the game to get it. But no one tried to chase the gulls.
All nine innings were played with dozens of seagulls on the field. I think they (the grounds crew, not the seagulls) must have just seeded or fertilized the grass.
Fortunately Dave Winfield is no longer playing.
Hundreds of birds were on the field in pregame, and I assumed they'd take their seats after the National Anthem. But no. They stayed. At one point one of them, Jonathan L., walked from where the second baseman should be across the infield toward the batter -- a left-hander. I braced for a splat. But he veered off, walked across first base and stood in the coaching box.
Once someone dropped a baseball from the right-field bleachers, and the umpires stopped the game to get it. But no one tried to chase the gulls.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Long day
I am cranky tonight.
As expected, this was the killer travel day. We were on the road for about 600 miles. This should be the worst one. Tomorrow we should get into Philadelphia early enough to see some of the city.
As expected, this was the killer travel day. We were on the road for about 600 miles. This should be the worst one. Tomorrow we should get into Philadelphia early enough to see some of the city.
Totals updates
Updates on the three trip-long competitions I announced in my first blog:
Home runs: Through two games, we've had five. Four today. My over-under prop of 15 for the trip is too low, I can see that.
Score: American League 17, National League 10. Tom Glavine's pitching line today looks like someone's phone number, area code first.
Attendance: Two-game total, 77,530. I think 300,000 for the eight will turn out too low also, especially if 50,000 show up Tuesday in New York.
Home runs: Through two games, we've had five. Four today. My over-under prop of 15 for the trip is too low, I can see that.
Score: American League 17, National League 10. Tom Glavine's pitching line today looks like someone's phone number, area code first.
Attendance: Two-game total, 77,530. I think 300,000 for the eight will turn out too low also, especially if 50,000 show up Tuesday in New York.
Name that Tiger
The stuffed animals in uniform were cheaper here than in Chicago, so I purchased a made-in-Japan stuffed Tiger as my memento of Comerica. He is now the mascot of our bus row, sitting in my drink holder. Anyone want to submit a name for him?
Games we play
The organizers get little competitions together to make the games more interesting. Today you drew a spot in the batting order and, for each hit that spot got, you got $2. For each hit the others on that team got, you paid 25 cents.
I drew No. 1 in the Mets game, and it turned out to be Jose Reyes. Played the Tigers game also and drew No. 2, who turned out to be Placido Polanco. By my calculations, when they see the boxscores tomorrow I will be presented with my winnings of $2.25. I kept score today and was perfect, except for the half dozen times I had to ask, "What just happened?" Being on time helped.
In this game, you were the big loser if you had Marcus Thames, because Detroit had 21 hits and he didn't get any of them. That will be $5.25, please. Guy sitting in front of me on the bus had him. The game is basically like Dan Noxon's college football game, where you just take his word for how much you won or lost.
They also have you guess the attendance for a prize. I guessed 44,444 for the karma of the fours, ignoring the greater karma that Comerica holds only 40,000. One of the six young kids on the trip won, missing the actual attendance by three people. His prize was to choose the DVD they played on the bus after dark. He inflicted The Sandlot II on us. (Don't you think you should get a better prize than that for missing the attendance by three persons?)
I drew No. 1 in the Mets game, and it turned out to be Jose Reyes. Played the Tigers game also and drew No. 2, who turned out to be Placido Polanco. By my calculations, when they see the boxscores tomorrow I will be presented with my winnings of $2.25. I kept score today and was perfect, except for the half dozen times I had to ask, "What just happened?" Being on time helped.
In this game, you were the big loser if you had Marcus Thames, because Detroit had 21 hits and he didn't get any of them. That will be $5.25, please. Guy sitting in front of me on the bus had him. The game is basically like Dan Noxon's college football game, where you just take his word for how much you won or lost.
They also have you guess the attendance for a prize. I guessed 44,444 for the karma of the fours, ignoring the greater karma that Comerica holds only 40,000. One of the six young kids on the trip won, missing the actual attendance by three people. His prize was to choose the DVD they played on the bus after dark. He inflicted The Sandlot II on us. (Don't you think you should get a better prize than that for missing the attendance by three persons?)
Grading Comerica
I really liked this one. Highlights:
The concourse is like a big carnival. They even have a ferris wheel (where you ride tigers, not steeds). There are games going on everywhere for the kids and a wide selection of food. You can see the field from everywhere, like all of the best new parks. You can't go five steps without running into a beer salesman, though.
The big left-field scoreboard is cool, with two tigers prowling on top. Their eyes flash green when a Tiger hits a home run. It has too many stats, though. (Too much information, not enough to go on, now who said that?) They have a huge area for situational stats, such as how the batter does when he has an 0-2 count. Several of the people around me glanced at that and thought those were current, complete stats (Carlos Delgado has no home runs this year?) So it's confusing.
They have six statues placed in very un-fan-friendly positions along the concourse in center field. They face the field, so if you want your picture with one you have to get the back of his head. These are presumably the greatest Tigers. And they are Ty Cobb, Al Kaline, Hal Newhouser, Hank Greenberg, Charlie Gehringer and Willie Horton. To which I say: Willie Horton? Quick quiz: Which one of those six have I interviewed? Hint: It wasn't Cobb. The Cobb statue, BTW, throws bottles at you. In right-center field they have names, but no statues, of older Tigers, at least one of whom, Sam Crawford circa 1900-1917, was better than Horton. Presumably there are no statues of these because no one remembers what they looked like.
Big flaw: They don't keep you updated on out-of-town scores. They stream them on message boards along the grandstand, while they waste scoreboard space with their esoteric stats. Full disclosure: They might have had a scoreboard on the right-field fence, but from where I sat I couldn't see it. I know I could have gotten up and moved to a spot where I could see it, but we've agreed that lazy, shoddy reporting is perfectly acceptable for a blog.
I was really surprised how close Ford Field is. It's, like, just behind the left-field stands. Barry Bonds, if right-handed, could hit it.
I also have always liked that path between home plate and the mound, which I think is just here and in Phoenix. But again, from our seats -- right at the base of the right-field foul pole -- I couldn't make it out. From TV watching, I can assure you it is there.
Wanted to give the place an A, but because of my frustration over out-of-town scores and the presence of Willie Horton's statue, we'll make it an A-minus. It still might be my favorite of all 25 stadiums I've visited.
The concourse is like a big carnival. They even have a ferris wheel (where you ride tigers, not steeds). There are games going on everywhere for the kids and a wide selection of food. You can see the field from everywhere, like all of the best new parks. You can't go five steps without running into a beer salesman, though.
The big left-field scoreboard is cool, with two tigers prowling on top. Their eyes flash green when a Tiger hits a home run. It has too many stats, though. (Too much information, not enough to go on, now who said that?) They have a huge area for situational stats, such as how the batter does when he has an 0-2 count. Several of the people around me glanced at that and thought those were current, complete stats (Carlos Delgado has no home runs this year?) So it's confusing.
They have six statues placed in very un-fan-friendly positions along the concourse in center field. They face the field, so if you want your picture with one you have to get the back of his head. These are presumably the greatest Tigers. And they are Ty Cobb, Al Kaline, Hal Newhouser, Hank Greenberg, Charlie Gehringer and Willie Horton. To which I say: Willie Horton? Quick quiz: Which one of those six have I interviewed? Hint: It wasn't Cobb. The Cobb statue, BTW, throws bottles at you. In right-center field they have names, but no statues, of older Tigers, at least one of whom, Sam Crawford circa 1900-1917, was better than Horton. Presumably there are no statues of these because no one remembers what they looked like.
Big flaw: They don't keep you updated on out-of-town scores. They stream them on message boards along the grandstand, while they waste scoreboard space with their esoteric stats. Full disclosure: They might have had a scoreboard on the right-field fence, but from where I sat I couldn't see it. I know I could have gotten up and moved to a spot where I could see it, but we've agreed that lazy, shoddy reporting is perfectly acceptable for a blog.
I was really surprised how close Ford Field is. It's, like, just behind the left-field stands. Barry Bonds, if right-handed, could hit it.
I also have always liked that path between home plate and the mound, which I think is just here and in Phoenix. But again, from our seats -- right at the base of the right-field foul pole -- I couldn't make it out. From TV watching, I can assure you it is there.
Wanted to give the place an A, but because of my frustration over out-of-town scores and the presence of Willie Horton's statue, we'll make it an A-minus. It still might be my favorite of all 25 stadiums I've visited.
Comerica entryway
Awesome front door to Comerica Park. They have a big, stone tiger at the front gate, and everyone wants a picture with it.
Pennies for praise
Street musicians are along the road to Comerica Park (in fact I'm seeing them everywhere on this trip).
The coolest one: A guy who improvised rhymes about individual passersby, setting them to the rhythm of his bongos. They were all complimentary, of course; how else would he get donations?
One sample:
Look at that lady in the black
She's about to give me a heart attack.
Are you the guy who's with her, Jack?
You must be some kind of Mack!
I should have passed him by a few times to to a rhyme about me.
The coolest one: A guy who improvised rhymes about individual passersby, setting them to the rhythm of his bongos. They were all complimentary, of course; how else would he get donations?
One sample:
Look at that lady in the black
She's about to give me a heart attack.
Are you the guy who's with her, Jack?
You must be some kind of Mack!
I should have passed him by a few times to to a rhyme about me.
At the park
I was delighted to find the Fox Theatre directly across from Comerica Park. It's an old theatre-stytle concert venue that looks like the old Academy of Music in New York.
Of course I had to have my picture taken in the exact spot Mott the Hoople stood in a 1971 picture I have. I made my hapless volunteer photographer stand in traffic to get just this shot.
Of course I had to have my picture taken in the exact spot Mott the Hoople stood in a 1971 picture I have. I made my hapless volunteer photographer stand in traffic to get just this shot.
Arrival in Detroit
Tiger Stadium is still standing.
I thought it had been torn down. In fact, based on the plaster that was falling on my head when I sat in the lower deck in 1994, I assumed it had fallen down.
I thought it had been torn down. In fact, based on the plaster that was falling on my head when I sat in the lower deck in 1994, I assumed it had fallen down.
My seatmates
My seatmates, the Timpson trio, turn out to be three generations: Bert from Spanish Fork, Utah, his son Corry from Henderson, Nev., and Corry's son Cameron.
Corry is a dentist. When he practiced in Santa Monica in the early 90s, one of his patients was Jim Murray. He said Murray was a nice guy who had lots of stories.
Corry and Cameron are USC football fans who brought along a DVD of the Notre Dame game of 2005 -- when Matt Leinart scored the last-second TD.
"Did you bring the Texas game?" I asked nastily.
Corry is a dentist. When he practiced in Santa Monica in the early 90s, one of his patients was Jim Murray. He said Murray was a nice guy who had lots of stories.
Corry and Cameron are USC football fans who brought along a DVD of the Notre Dame game of 2005 -- when Matt Leinart scored the last-second TD.
"Did you bring the Texas game?" I asked nastily.
Saturday, June 9, 2007
It begins
Shaky start to the trip.
My flight to O'Hare was about 40 minutes late out of DFW, which put me in a bind. (Aside to Bob: It wasn't my fault this time.) It ended any shot I had to meet the bus at the hotel gathering spot, so I had to take the CTA. Way slow. Bottom line, I arrived at U.S. Cellular Field in the bottom of the first inning. Luckily I found our bus, and the driver was waiting for me.
Good game. Astros 3, White Sox 2, as the Stros rip Bobby Jenks in the ninth inning. Where was that two years ago?
About the park: It's not as bland as I was led to believe, but it's still mediocre. The obvious flaw is that the Chicago skyline is out of sight behind the grandstand, and instead you get a view of a nondescript part of town. A big, brown apartment building inexplicably stands alone about 100 feet behind center field. Could they not buy it and have it condemned? They have a video screen in center that offers virtually nothing. I liked the batter's eye area with its landscaping -- but it's done in ivy, and you'd think they'd want a different motif. Home plate from the old park is in the parking lot behind third base, but my late arrival cost me a chance to see it. I saw it 30 years ago when it had a stadium around it, anyway.
Stupidest thing I saw: Some clown won a prize dancing to "Louie, Louie" in competition with two other clowns representing other songs.
Clever: The words "Two exits shone" on the big screen mutated into "White Sox Notes." Someone here plays anagrams.
We give U.S. Cellular Field a C-plus.
I am carrying out the lost art of scoring each of these games on official (Name the Park) scorecards. Naturally this project was blown to hell when I missed the Houston first. And I couldn't catch up because the useless scoreboard would tell me only that so-and-so "flied out" his first time up, not who caught the fly.
My plan to purchase a similar souvenir at each park died quickly when the only item that appealed to me here, a little bear wearing a White Sox jersey, cost $20. I doubt the bear was made in Chicago anyway.
Play of the game: ChiSox centerfielder Luis Terrero, sliding catch on Burke's -- what the heck is Burke's first name? -- line drive in the fourth, saved two runs.
Questionable: Phil Garner hooked Jason Jennings too quickly and nearly lost because of it.
Disappointment: No Hunter Pence, who's on the Taz's Maniacs fantasy team. Taz's other representative, Paul Konerko, got a meaningless hit.
I'll have more interesting things to say tomorrow about Comerica Park, as there's a good chance I'll actually get there early enough to see it -- unless I oversleep and am left behind in Michigan City, Ind.
Here are games we will play:
In the seven interleague games I will see this week, which league will score more runs? Current total -- NL 3, AL 2.
In the eight games, will there be 15 home runs? Current total -- 1. Houston's Eric Munson.
Will the eight games draw 300,000 fans? Current total -- 36,616.
I am passing the time on the bus reading David Maraniss' 2006 biography of Roberto Clemente. Very good. I was surprised to learn that Chico Fernandez was so close to Clemente in Clemente's one year in the Dodgers chain. I knew Chico when I covered the Dukes and he was a roving infield instructor for the Dodgers. Nice guy. Wish I'd known about his ties to Clemente.
My flight to O'Hare was about 40 minutes late out of DFW, which put me in a bind. (Aside to Bob: It wasn't my fault this time.) It ended any shot I had to meet the bus at the hotel gathering spot, so I had to take the CTA. Way slow. Bottom line, I arrived at U.S. Cellular Field in the bottom of the first inning. Luckily I found our bus, and the driver was waiting for me.
Good game. Astros 3, White Sox 2, as the Stros rip Bobby Jenks in the ninth inning. Where was that two years ago?
About the park: It's not as bland as I was led to believe, but it's still mediocre. The obvious flaw is that the Chicago skyline is out of sight behind the grandstand, and instead you get a view of a nondescript part of town. A big, brown apartment building inexplicably stands alone about 100 feet behind center field. Could they not buy it and have it condemned? They have a video screen in center that offers virtually nothing. I liked the batter's eye area with its landscaping -- but it's done in ivy, and you'd think they'd want a different motif. Home plate from the old park is in the parking lot behind third base, but my late arrival cost me a chance to see it. I saw it 30 years ago when it had a stadium around it, anyway.
Stupidest thing I saw: Some clown won a prize dancing to "Louie, Louie" in competition with two other clowns representing other songs.
Clever: The words "Two exits shone" on the big screen mutated into "White Sox Notes." Someone here plays anagrams.
We give U.S. Cellular Field a C-plus.
I am carrying out the lost art of scoring each of these games on official (Name the Park) scorecards. Naturally this project was blown to hell when I missed the Houston first. And I couldn't catch up because the useless scoreboard would tell me only that so-and-so "flied out" his first time up, not who caught the fly.
My plan to purchase a similar souvenir at each park died quickly when the only item that appealed to me here, a little bear wearing a White Sox jersey, cost $20. I doubt the bear was made in Chicago anyway.
Play of the game: ChiSox centerfielder Luis Terrero, sliding catch on Burke's -- what the heck is Burke's first name? -- line drive in the fourth, saved two runs.
Questionable: Phil Garner hooked Jason Jennings too quickly and nearly lost because of it.
Disappointment: No Hunter Pence, who's on the Taz's Maniacs fantasy team. Taz's other representative, Paul Konerko, got a meaningless hit.
I'll have more interesting things to say tomorrow about Comerica Park, as there's a good chance I'll actually get there early enough to see it -- unless I oversleep and am left behind in Michigan City, Ind.
Here are games we will play:
In the seven interleague games I will see this week, which league will score more runs? Current total -- NL 3, AL 2.
In the eight games, will there be 15 home runs? Current total -- 1. Houston's Eric Munson.
Will the eight games draw 300,000 fans? Current total -- 36,616.
I am passing the time on the bus reading David Maraniss' 2006 biography of Roberto Clemente. Very good. I was surprised to learn that Chico Fernandez was so close to Clemente in Clemente's one year in the Dodgers chain. I knew Chico when I covered the Dukes and he was a roving infield instructor for the Dodgers. Nice guy. Wish I'd known about his ties to Clemente.
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