Fenway Park

Fenway Park
Boston, MA
Summer 2011
http//www.redsox.mlb.com/
Game Day Atmosphere: Unbelievable!  Red Sox Nation is everywhere! We were in different parts of the city on game-day and the amount of shirts, hats, jerseys, etc. that we saw was amazing!  Of course, you must partake and wear your Red Sox gear to feel part of it!
Stay: In downtown Boston.  There are some nice hotels in the city that are close to everything.  Lots of families and tourists.
View: Incredible! Fenway Park opened in 1912 and is the oldest MLB ballpark.  When you see the Green Monster and sea of Red Sox Nation pouring in to the stadium it is a step back in history, which goes hand-in-hand with the entire Boston experience.
Arrive: Take the subway and get off at Kenmore Station, but allow plenty of time.  Boston was unique from other major city subway systems in that there would be "subway traffic" and we would be at a complete stop for several minutes.
Concessions: Get an Italian Sausage dressed with onions and peppers.  These folks know how to prepare food at Fenway.  Pizza, pretzels, and dogs were also very good.
Not advertised: Yawkey Way, the street outside of Fenway Park, is closed 2-3 hours prior to first pitch on game days and is a must visit.  There are street performers, food vendors, a huge Red Sox store, and many other sights.  It is located outside Fenway Park between home plate and left field.
Not in the box score: Seeing MLB history is just amazing.  Knowing that Babe Ruth, Ted Williams (look for the famous and only red seat in the outfield where Williams hit the longest home run at Fenway Park at 502 feet), Carl Yastrzemski, and Carlton Fisk (most know the right field pole is named The Pesky Pole, but the left field foul pole is named The Fisk Pole for the infamous home run Fisk waved fair in the 1975 World Series) played here takes your breath away.
Final Box: St. Boston Red Sox 13 Kansas City Royals 9
Attendance: 37,460 Time: 3:52

Yankee Stadium

Yankee Stadium
New York (Bronx), NY
Summer 2011
http//www.yankees.mlb.com/
Game Day Atmosphere: Amazing anywhere you are in the city.  People are wearing Yankees attire just about everywhere you go. 
Stay: In Manhattan.  You don't want to stay in the Bronx unless you know someone and stay at their house.
View: The view of the Bronx is not very exciting, but you are in Yankee Stadium.
Arrive: Take one of the many subway trains to 161st street/Yankee Stadium.  Lots of people take the subway to get to the game and there are plenty of people to ask if you need directions.
Concessions: Disappointed with the food at Yankee Stadium.  Overpriced and not very good.  You can't go wrong with a Nathan's Famous hot dog though.
Not advertised: Arrive very early to visit Monument Park beyond Center Field.  Although the park stays open until 45 minutes prior to game time, plan on arriving at least an hour and a half prior to first pitch or you won't get in to visit Monument Park.
Not in the box score: At the very top of the 1st inning, watch and listen for the fans in right field.  They will chant the Yankee position players (except for pitcher and catcher) and continue chanting until the Yankee player acknowledges the fans.  Nick Swisher is quite a character in the outfield and usually does something unique for the fans.
Final Box: Oakland Athletics 4, New York Yankees 3
Attendance: 46,188 Time: 3:45

Citi Field

Citi Field
New York (Queens), NY

Summer 2011

http//www.mets.mlb.com/

Game Day Atmosphere: Not the same as the Yankees, but still you're in NYC and the fans love their sports teams here.
Stay: In Manhattan, I wouldn't stay in Queens unless you knew someone and stayed at their house.
View: The ballpark itself is beautiful, but there is really no scenery beyond. The coolest thing is probably seeing all of the airplanes take off from nearby LaGuardia airport during the entire game.
Arrive: Take the "7" train (subway) from Manhattan. It runs every few minutes and will only cost you $4.50 roundtrip.
Concessions: Some of the best we've seen. Many, many options for all ages. You can dress your dog with lots of options. Of course, I recommend a Nathan's Famous hot dog.
Not advertised: The Mets have their "Big Apple" that will pop up if the home team slams a home run during the game. Unfortunately, we did not get to see the famous icon during the game. However, the Mets have the original Big Apple outside the stadium from Shea Stadium (their previous stadium from the 1960's) where you can view and take pics.
Not in the box score: Albert Pujols, from the visiting St. Louis Cardinals, hit a home run bomb in the first inning. It was a 9-pitch at-bat that was quite a battle.
Final Box: St. Louis Cardinals 6, New York Mets 2
Attendance: 37,416 Time: 2:07

Oriole Park at Camden Yards

Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Baltimore, MD
Summer 2011
http//www.orioles.mlb.com/Game Day Atmosphere: You really wouldn't know there was a ballgame in Baltimore except for the very heavy following of the "Fenway Park South" faithful Boston Red Sox fans who made the trek down from Boston for the series vs the Orioles. It doesn't help that the Orioles were currently in last place in their division and have had quite a hard time in recent years fielding a winning ball club.
Stay: Close to the Inner Harbor area. Baltimore isn't the nicest or cleanest city in the U.S. However, the Inner Harbor area is beautiful and worth the extra pennies for a safe stay.
View: Camden Yards was the "first of the new" ballparks escaping the cookie-cutter multi-use stadiums. They've done a wonderful job incorporating the old with the new. Perfect example is the old warehouse just beyond right field and a view of the city just beyond center.
Arrive: Walk from the Inner Harbor area. It's just a short walk and many families will accompany your walk to and from the game.
Concessions: Typical ballpark food. Hot dogs, pretzels, pizza, burgers, etc. Nothing too fancy, but the vendors seemed to be more visible than other parks during the game.
Not advertised: The Orioles mark the longest home run balls hit at Camden Yards beyond right field out of the stadium by placing a brass baseball marker in the concrete with the player's name, distance, and date.
Not in the box score: The O's fans will belt out "O" during the final verse of The Star Spangled Banner.
Final Box: Baltimore Orioles 6 Boston Red Sox 2
Attendance: 32,314 Time2:37

How to plan for a baseball trip top 10 list

1. Decide where you want to go, new part of the country, places you've always wanted to go, maybe knock 2 birds out with 1 stone approach.
2. Check the MLB schedule and when the home city will be in town, this is not always as easy as you think!
3. Map out home cities with teams' schedules and make sure they synnchronize so you'll see the teams when you are in those cities...in other words don't go to NYC if Yankees and Mets are not both at home within 2 weeks of each other...pick another place to go or another time to go if possible.
4. Plan where you will stay (Hotel for us, will you walk to stadium, drive, cab, public transit, what's the best area for families/kids...near ballpark or no?)
5. Leave enough travel time for the unexpected (traffic, detours, weather, etc.)
6. How long will you stay in each city? (We stayed longer in cities such as Chicago, Wash D.C., San Diego, etc. that have lots to do...we stayed shorter in Milwaukee, Detroit, Cincinnati, etc.)
7. Buy your tickets on-line thru the MLB team site if possible, saves you money rather than going on StubHub, Vertex tickets, or other sites that will jack up prices. Don't risk buying at the stadium, you may not sit with your family.
8. Decide on other things you want to do in the home city...any other site-seeing, things you must do while you are there?
9. Take lots of photos! These stadiums are so very different, enjoy the unique qualities of each.
10. Buy a souvenir from each stadium, either a different trinket from each place or something of the same from each place (we buy a baseball from each stadium)

Have fun! This is America's Past-time!

Comerica Park

Comerica Park

Detroit, MI

Summer 2010

http://www.tigers.mlb.com/

Game Day Atmosphere: Not much happening until you are very close to the ballpark. Once you are close though, there are many local bars/grills/pubs, etc. that are humming with live bands and plenty of excitement.

Stay: This is a tough one...Detroit is not exactly smelling of roses. I would suggest staying in a hotel very close to the stadium.

View: Great view of the downtown beyond the outfield. Also, take a walk around the stadium on the outside. Some very cool architecture around the stadium walls.

Arrive: Take "the people mover" to the game. This elevated rail system makes a small loop in downtown Detroit and has many stops/places to load/unload.

Concessions: Lots of options. They had many different hot dog options along with many roasted nuts. There is a cool courtyard similar to a foodcourt with many choices near the Tiger Carousel that the kids can ride while you eat.

Not advertised: Detroit is very rich in baseball tradition and history. They are one of the oldest teams in the league. In fact, Ty Cobb has his name retired on the Tiger outfield wall with many others, but his name does not include a jersey # since The Georgia Peach played before numbers were worn by players.

Not in the box score: We had the best seats ever for an MLB game. We sat in the On-Deck Circle seats to see one of our son's favorite players, Joe Mauer for the Twins. Seeing a 99 MPH fast ball from Justin Verlander coming right at you and seeing how in-shape these players were up close gave us a new appreciation for the players.

Final Box: Detroit Tigers 7 Minnesota Twins 3

Attendance: 42,549 Time 3:13

Miller Park

Milwaukee, WI

Miller Park

Summer 2010

http://www.brewers.mlb.com/

Game Day Atmosphere: Holy Cow, do these Cheeseheads know how to tailgate! I've been to college football games, pro football games, and many pro and college baseball games. I've never seen tailgating like this ever! There are designated lots for tailgating and the parking attendants leave space in the rows of cars for grills, tables, washer chunkin', etc. You name it, we saw it walking thru the tailgaters. We felt like we should be tailgating!

Stay: Downtown close to the river. There are many restaurants you can walk to, including a locally brewery, where we ate.

Arrive: Drive, park (for only $8) and enjoy the tailgaters!

Concessions: Very abundant with lots of choices. I suggest going with the bratwurst and load it up with sauerkraut. Miller Park also boasts a "secret stadium sauce." Get it! Don't know what's in it, but it is good!

Not advertised: Bernie the Brewer will slide down his slide from Bernie's Dugout after the 1st 1/2 inning and then again after any Brewer Home Run. Apparently, he used to slide into a pool of beer, but it's still cool nonetheless. The sausage race is a must see, unique to Miller Park.

Not in the box score: The Giants' Tim Lincecum had the Brew Crew off balance all night. The Giants also belted 18 hits and scored 15 runs in only 3 different innings. It amazed me how many Brewer fans would rather go back to tailgating, than watch their team get smoked! Lots of them headed for the exits early.

Final Box: San Francisco Giants 15, Milwaukee Brewers 2

Attendance: 29,387 Time 3:16

US Cellular Field

Chicago, Ill

US Cellular Field

Summer 2010

http://www.whitesox.mlb.com/

Game Day Atmosphere: Nothing fancy, but you are on the south side. One of the main differences is there is no Wrigleyville in the streets beyond the stadium. So, the fans tailgate and provide the excitement.

Stay: In one of the many downtown Chicago hotels. US Cellular is about 4-5 miles south of the center of Chicago.

View: Lots to look at. This park has all the bells and whistles with technology from the jumbo tron to fireworks on homeruns, etc.

Arrive: We took the "L" train again. We enjoyed the trip thru Chinatown and it is a short walk to the stadium once you stop at 35th/Sox. You could also drive as there are many parking places in contrast to the North side Cubs.

Concessions: Again, get a Chicago style hot dog. Italian ices are very good. Everything else was very typical ballpark foods. Nothing fancy, but not bad overall.

Not advertised: The Sox are rich with baseball history. From the black sox scandal in 1919 to now, the southsiders really do love their baseball and stay behind their team. Old Comiskey Park was also the 1st concrete/steel MLB stadium.

Not in the box score: The center field section tried for about 3 straight innings to get the "wave" going around the stadium...it always fizzled when it got halfway around.

Final Box: Chicago White Sox 9, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 2

Attendance: 38,092 Time: 2:49

Wrigley Field

Chicago, Ill
Wrigley Field
Summer 2010
http://www.cubs.mlb.com/
Game Day Atmosphere: As one of my Cub-fan friends says, "you are close to heaven." It doesn't get much better than Wrigley. Plan to get there early and soak in Wrigleyville on Sheffield and Waveland Avenue. Some great places to eat and get souvenirs.
Stay: In one of the many downtown Chicago hotels. You are only about 3 miles from Wrigley Field if you stay in the heart of downtown.
View: Nothing beats seeing the ivy and rooftops.
Arrive: Come on the elevated ("L") train. The excitement on the train builds as you near the Addison stop for Wrigley. There will be many fans taking the L so be prepared to wait on your return trip. Do not drive and think you will be able to park...there is nothing really available.
Concessions: You have to get a Chicago style hot dog. The Hebrew nationals are great here. There are also the basic ballpark concessions. Nothing fancy here, but neither is Wrigley, it's a step back in time with both baseball and the food.
Not advertised: The Anno Catuli (or year of the Cub, and refer to picture of #'s on rooftop) 0164101 stands for something really unique. 01=Years since Cubs won the division, 64=Years since Cubs won the pennant, and 101=Years since Cubs won the World Series.
Not in the box score: Cubs pitcher, Randy Wells, took a no-hitter into the 7th inning and the Cubs left a near NL record 17 runners on base. And, stick around if the Cubs win to sing "Go, Cubs, Go" at the end of the game...plus see the "W" victory flag raised in center field.
Final Box: Chicago Cubs 3, Cincinnati Reds, 1
Attendance: 40.677 Time: 2:55

PNC Park

Pittsburgh, PA

PNC Park

Summer 2009

http://www.pirates.mlb.com/

Game Day Atmosphere: Very relaxed and friendly. It's been 30 years since the Pirates last won the World Series and many fans had retro Pirates gear.

Stay: We stayed with family in Irwin, PA but I would suggest local hotels across the river from the stadium.

View: Breathtaking! The view is one of the best in all of baseball with downtown and the Clemente Bridge just beyond the outfield seats.
Arrive: Park in a downtown garage and walk across the Roberto Clemente Bridge. Or, take a ride on the ferry.

Concessions: Not as expensive as the east coast. Our boys enjoyed the "slush puppy" drinks where you can mix your own slushes. Typical concessions everywhere else.

Not advertised: The Pirates players sign autographs for a long time before each game. Even the ushers were telling everyone to go get autographs as this is very typical at PNC. Also, the Pirates do a great job of entertaining the crowd between each inning.
Not in the box score: The Pirates hit a walk-off home run to win in the bottom of the 9th inning. It was the 1st walk-off home run we've seen on one of our trips.
Final Box: Pittsburgh Pirates 8, Milwaukee Brewers 7

Attendance 21,186 Time 3:01

Citizens Bank Park

Philadelphia, PA
Citizens Bank Park
Summer 2009
http://www.phillies.mlb.com/
Game Day Atmosphere: These guys are the reigning World Series Champions so people were actually very friendly here. Honestly, I was surprised after our experience in Washington DC, but then again everything is good when you're winning.
Stay: In Historical Downtown Philly near Independence Hall so you can go on a tour and see the Liberty Bell during your stay.
View: Nice view behind the outfield, especially of the Liberty Bell Tower that lights, sways, and rings on every Philly home run.

Arrive: Drive to the game. Traffic flow was good getting to the game and there are many parking spaces that were all the same price. Now, getting out of the stadium lot was another story. Be prepared to wait, and wait, and wait.
Concessions: You have to get a Cheesesteak sandwich since you are in Philly. Do not call it a "Philly" Cheesesteak, just cheesesteak will work, and be prepared to wait up to 45 minutes in line.
Not advertised: Just like the Eagles football games, these fans will turn on their own in a heartbeat. Philly is known as the only town to actually boo Santa.

Not in the box score: The outfield fans can be ruthless to the other teams' outfielders. The entire left field section razzed Alfonso Soriano from the Cubs for booting a ball and not hustling to another. Cue the "Sorry-ano" cheers.

Final Box: Philadelphia Phillies 10, Chicago Cubs 1
Attendance 45,268 Time 2:35

Nationals Park

Washington, DC

Nationals Park

Summer 2009

http://www.nationals.mlb.com/

Game Day Atmosphere: Welcome to the east coast and business atmosphere. Everyone is pretty much just concerned about themselves in DC. Go figure.

Stay: Near the National Mall so you can do all the typical DC sightseeing.

View: The field layout itself is cool, but the ballpark has a very industrial look and feel to it.

Arrive: Plan on a subway, taxi, or walking. Subway was very congested and hectic and with a family we chose to walk back after the game. It's very safe and nice weather in the summer for a walk. Plan on a 20-25 minute walk though.

Concessions: Disappointed in the food options here. Lots of pretzel options, but that was basically it. Workers were not friendly and food wasn't very good.

Not advertised: There were MANY more Cubs fans at this game than Nats fans. It was almost comical during the 7th inning stretch to hear "Root root root for the CUBBIES." Also, "The Presidents Race" is very cool featuring lifesize mascots of Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and T. Roosevelt.

Not in the box score: We heard one of the best, if not the best, performances of the National Anthem. This young boy about 10 years old was absolutely amazing! It was also very cool to see images of the Capitol and the Nationals Monuments displayed on the jumbotron during the anthem.

Final Box: Chicago Cubs 6, Washington Nationals 5

Attendance 36,014 Time 3:15

Turner Field

Atlanta, GA
Turner Field
Summer 2009
http://www.braves.mlb.com/
Game Day Atmosphere: Cordial. All the workers/ushers/fans/and overall environment was friendly.
Stay: In one of the many hotels near Georgia Tech and commute to the game. It is only about 3-4 miles from the ballpark.
View: Fairly nice, but once you are in the ballpark there is not much else to see. The coolest thing is the enormous Braves bass drum in center field.
Arrive: Parking was super easy with every lot costing exactly $12 so park as close as you can. Easy, easy, easy in and out before and after the game. We were on/off the highway before I knew it. Excellent flow of traffic. Don't miss the Cartoon Network Kids area.
Concessions: Atlanta has the most choices of hot dogs I have seen. I chose the Georgia Dog (wanting to taste local food) and was not disappointed. It came loaded with coleslaw and vidalia onions. Lots of tables for families to sit and eat.
Not advertised: Braves know how to party before/after the game behind center field just as you enter/exit the center field gate. They had the Braves girls dancing and a band after the game. It was almost like a pep rally in Texas before a high school football game. Also, be sure to participate in the "tomahawk chops" with the locals.
Not in the box score: Braves fans were very cordial in greeting Jeff Franceour, who used to play for the Braves and had been traded to the New York Mets just days before this game, with a nice ovation. Franceour ackowledged the applause and his fan base with a big grin and tip of the cap.
Final Box: Atlanta Braves 5, New York Mets 3
Attendance 32,736 Time 2:57

Kauffman Stadium

Kansas City, MO
Kauffman Stadium
Summer 2008
http://www.royals.mlb.com/
Game Day Atmosphere: Very friendly. I was pleasantly surprised at the number of tailgaters that had already set-up and were partying away 2 hours before the game. And, after the game these folks were in no hurry to leave, as many were seen setting up shop again to play games and have some post-game snacks.
Stay: Commute to the game. Stay in the highly acclaimed Country Club Plaza area of Kansas City. There are many places to eat and shop. It's about a 10-15 minute commute to the stadium. Traffic was flowing very nicely even with lots of highway and street construction.
View: Not as brilliant since there was a massive $250 million dollar construction project taking place. You could still see the traditional KC waterfalls in the outfield. The view will be much better in a year when they are finished with renovating.
Arrive: Parking was easy and relatively cheap for stadium parking. There are plenty of parking spots as the Royals share parking with the Kansas City Chiefs' Arrowhead Stadium located right next to Kauffman.
Concessions: You MUST get a polish sausage. Best one I've ever had at a ballpark. Lots of options and very friendly workers. Our 4 year old dropped his hot dog after sitting down and the concession workers gave us a new one free of charge. They also have some of the bigger pretzels you'll find.
Not advertised: There is a neat area honoring great players in Royals' history. You can also view their World Series trophy from 1985.
Not in the box score: You'll have a hard time catching a home run ball in batting practice as virtually 95% of the outfield does not have seats. Also, the Detroit pitcher took a perfect game into the 7th inning against the Royals.
Final Box: Detroit Tigers 7, Kansas City Royals 1
Attendance 16,594 Time 2:41

Coors Field

Denver, CO

Coors Field

Summer 2008

http://www.rockies.mlb.com/

Game Day Atmosphere: Average. The most exciting thing was walking up to Coors with the dozens of street peddlers selling food, candy, and beverages advertising them being cheaper than inside the park. (You can take beverages, etc. inside Coors)

Stay: In one of many hotels in the surrounding Denver areas. Denver really struck me as a blue-collar town. You probably want to stay a few miles away from the stadium for a nicer area.

View: Very nice from any seat at Coors. The air is refreshing and the scenery beyond the outfield fences is beautiful and very representative of Colorado.

Arrive: Park in one of the many lots near Coors. Be prepared to fight the one way streets as in any downtown area, but there are no protected left arrows. Go for the 1st thing you can grab on the right side of the street.
Concessions: Some of the poorest selections and service I've come across at any of our stadium visits. The food was basically the same at all of the stations (several were not even open) and the workers were very cold and not helpful at all. (Complete opposite of Busch Stadium in St. Louis)
Not advertised: There is a nice interactive kids area including t-ball, batting cages, and speed throwing. Also-very affordable kids' meals near this area. There is a neat play by play booth where you can call 1/2 of an inning and take home a DVD of your performance.

Not in the box score: The Rockies gave up 16 runs to the Dodgers (8 in the 1st inning) without giving up a home run in what is traditionally a hitter's ballpark at Coors.
Final Box: Los Angeles Dodgers 16, Colorado Rockies 10

Attendance 38,291 Time 3:43

Chase Field

Phoenix, AZ
Chase Field
Summer 2007
http://www.diamondbacks.mlb.com/
Game Day Atmosphere: Kind of ho-hum. There are many things to do in the Phoenix area, and it didn't seem as though baseball was at the top of the list for the locals.
Stay: In one of the 100's of resorts nearby. You'll drive about 20-30 minutes to get to the game, but you can't beat the amenities at the resorts or the cost. VERY affordable.
View: Best way to describe this place is cavernous, but the players were launching the homers out at BP with the roof closed.
Arrive: Park right across the street from Chase Field at a parking garage. The walk is incredibly short and the price is very cheap.

Concessions: The sausage was especially good here. They also gave vouchers for some free combo meals as we entered the stadium, which helped save money on concessions.

Not advertised: That place can get really loud with the roof closed. Our game only had 20,000 and it was LOUD!

Not in the box score: The players from the D'Backs were very friendly flipping many balls from BP to the seats for kids.

Final Box:
Arizona Diamondbacks 7, Florida Marlins 0
Attendance 20,154 Time 2:48

Anaheim Stadium

Anaheim, CA
Anaheim Stadium
Summer 2007
http://www.angels.mlb.com/
Game Day Atmosphere: Very friendly and family oriented, after all, you're just a few blocks from Disneyland.
Stay: About a mile away at several of the hotel options. There are many to choose from.
View: One of the most unique stadiums that has rocks and shooting water beyond the center field fence.
Arrive: Take a shuttle or drive from your hotel. Parking was reasonable and one of the easiest in/outs I've ever experienced at any stadium.
Concessions: Best deal for families yet. They have "family meals" for about $16. You can easily feed a family of 4 and be "satisfied."
Not advertised: They often have opportunities before the game to apply for reality TV or game shows. Outside the stadium, they were taking applications for folks to be on Deal or No Deal.

Not in the box score: A great place to sit is just beyond the bullpen areas in left field. You can easily view both bullpens and watch pitchers for both teams warm-up before and during the game.
Final Box: Oakland Athletics 12, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 6
Attendance 43,847 Time 3:24

Dodger Stadium

Los Angeles, CA

Dodger Stadium

Summer 2007

http://www.dodgers.mlb.com/

Game Day Atmosphere: Nostalgic, but very business like. Going to Dodger Stadium is like going back in time. The history of the Dodgers goes all the way back to when they were in Brooklyn, but LA certainly claims them as their own.
Stay: You're going to have to commute for this game. And, I wouldn't suggest staying anywhere close to the stadium as this isn't the best area of LA. Parking was very expensive and was not exactly organized as it almost seemed like a free for all entering the lots. So, you may have to be pushy making your way in.

View: Awesome view from the upper parking lot looking back on the city of Los Angeles. Take a moment and enjoy a great photo opp before the game. The view from the seats is fantastic of Chavez Ravine, where Dodger Stadium is located.

Arrive: Leave SUPER EARLY to allow for traffic congestion. LA is notorious for traffic at any time of day/hour. We were in bumper to bumper traffic on a Sunday morning!

Concessions: Dodger Dog! You MUST get one if you are at a Dodger game! It would be a "baseball sin" not to!

Not advertised: The upper deck is crowded, can get toasty on a "routine" afternoon, and you'll be with ruthless LA baseball fans up there. They'll curse the other team as well as their own. Also, the only way down to lower levels is to wait in long lines for 1 elevator. So, just plan on sticking it out up there. There's always ice cream and other goodies to keep the little ones entertained.

Not in the box score: This wasn't the most enjoyable experience from a family perspective. But, a true baseball fan/historian will certainly enjoy the experience of Dodger Stadium where so many post-season moments have occurred. Plus, seeing Billy Wagner strike out the side for the visiting NY Mets in the 10th was truly a treat. Even though it was only July, it truly felt like October.

Final Box:New York Mets 5, Los Angeles Dodgers 4 (10 innings)

Attendance 49,092 Time 3:32

Petco Park

San Diego, CA
Petco Park
Summer 2007
http://www.padres.mlb.com/
Game Day Atmosphere: Super friendly. San Diego is one of the most friendly places I've ever visited. Reminds me of San Antonio in many ways. Make sure you bring a jacket for evening games in the summer, temps will drop to the 50's with some winds as well.
Stay: At one of the local hotels right downtown or near Seaport Village. You can walk to the gas lamp district (kind of like a very clean/friendly version of New Orleans' French Quarter). Plus, you can walk to Seaport Village and visit all the local restaurants, shops, and kiosks.
View: Retro, yet up to date. Downtown buildings in the backdrop with the old style red brick in left field.
Arrive: By trolley! What a great way to go to a game. You can buy an automated ticket right at any of the trolley stops. Very user friendly.
Concessions: You have to try a southwestern style hot dog with all the fixins. They load it up with salsa and all the condiments. Really gives it a unique flavor.
Not advertised: There are some nice tributes to the Navy on the right field concourse. They have interesting history plus some great models of ships, etc.
Not in the box score: It was Tony Gwynn weekend in San Diego to celebrate his upcoming enshrinement to the MLB Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. Mr. Gwynn was there and unveiled a Wheaties box at home plate prior to the game. The fans all received retro visors from the 80's when Gwynn was a Padre.
Final Box:Philadelphia Phillies 7, San Diego Padres 3
Attendance 36,113 Time 3:33

New Busch Stadium

St. Louis, MO
New Busch Stadium

Summer 2006
http://www.cardinals.mlb.com/
Game Day Atmosphere: Electric, best I've ever seen anywhere. The entire downtown area is buzzing for a normal regular season game.
Stay: Right downtown and walk a few blocks to the stadium. You'll enjoy the walk and the buzz as you draw closer to the ballpark.
View: Incredible with the arch in the outfield, plus downtown.
Arrive: Early to soak in the environment and make sure you wear RED! The entire crowd does and so should you!
Concessions: TONS of them and TONS of workers calling out "no waiting here." Grab the largest pretzel you'll find at any ballpark. Dogs are good and of course, you must grab a home brewed Budweiser.

Not advertised: TV's all along every concourse and some in bathrooms with radio play by play loud and clear so you don't miss any action taking the little ones to the potty.
Not in the box score: Cardinal fans are noted as the most baseball knowledgeable fans around. They also stay to the bitter end no matter the score.
Final Box:

Cincinnati Reds 9, St. Louis Cardinals 0
Attendance 43,857 Time 2:43

Jacobs Field

Cleveland, OH
Jacobs Field
Summer 2006
http://www.indians.mlb.com/
Game Day Atmosphere: Very friendly. Lots of families around for a day game.
Parking: There is a great lot directly across the street from "The Jake." If you arrive early enough (or for a day game in which we did) your chances on this lot are very good. The price is cheap and the walk is short.
View: Beautiful view of downtown. The wind can whip around pretty good off the lake, so always pack a jacket or sweatshirt.
Concessions: Typical of any ballpark. Nothing really unique.
Not Advertised: One of the best areas at any ballpark is the KIDS area in right field. Not only do they provide a great place for toddlers to play, but they also have reasonably priced kids' meals. The portions are pretty generous as well.
Not in the box score: Highway system is very accessible and there are many user friendly signs along the way.
Final Box:

Oakland Athletics 4, Cleveland Indians 1
Attendance 21,099 Time 2:37

Great American Ballpark

Cincinnati, OH
Great American Ballpark
Summer 2006
http://www.reds.mlb.com/
Game Day Atmosphere: Business like. The weather was chilly with drizzle, which may have had something to do with that.
Stay: Downtown, but be prepared to walk about 7-8 blocks, or about a mile and a half. That's really the closest you can get, but we did stay at the same hotel where the visiting Cubbies were lodging. We saw several Cubs in the elevator and getting in to cabs/cars/etc., which was fun.
View: Wonderful view beyond the outfield of the Ohio River separating Ohio from Kentucky.
Arrive: Stop by the nice team store they have out front. The Reds also had many street peddlers selling various souvenirs, so check those as well.
Concessions: Nothing spectacular, but it was all very good. Lots of table areas with umbrellas to eat, which was nice with the drizzle.
Not advertised: Great American Ballpark has a nice overhang from their roof to seek shelter when it rains. If you're sitting in the mid-upper sections you are in luck as not many of those seats are sold out on a routine basis.
Not in the box score: We witnessed Ken Griffey, Jr. hit career home run #547 and the fireworks shot out of the steam boat smoke stacks, which our kids loved! So, hope the home team hits a home run while you are there!
Final Box:
Chicago Cubs 4, Cincinnati Reds 2
Attendance 34,141 Time 2:50

Louisville Slugger Bat Factory & Museum

Louisville Slugger Bat Factory & Museum
Louisville, KY
Summer 2006
www.sluggermuseum.org
Home to the world's largest all wooden bat.

Follow the signs to the factory/museum from the highways. Parking is simple at metered parking right outside the building.

I would suggest purchasing a tour ticket as soon as you enter the museum and then visit the different exhibits prior to the tour. You can hold bats that belonged to Babe Ruth (42 oz is a HEAVY bat!), Ken Griffey, Jr., and Tony Gwynn, just to name a few.

In the meantime, take some BP in the batting cages, play ball with an over sized glove, and check the up to date divisional standings. You can also have a bat custom made while you are on the tour or have one delivered to your house.

The tour is with a group and a guide who is very knowledgeable about the process as well as baseball in general. The guides are all equipped to answer questions and offer interesting insight along with some history of baseball along the way. You watch a few short videos from time to time and see the work in progress as it is a working factory.

You may even see a MLB player/coach/manager there as they are frequent visitors to the factory placing their orders and often want a "hands on" look/feel as a player's individual bat must feel "just right."

Allow at least an hour, ideally an hour and a half to 2 hours for your visit. Don't forget the gift shop to pick up some nifty gift ideas for friends or family.

Rangers Ballpark in Arlington

Arlington, TX
Rangers Ballpark in Arlington
Summer 2006
http://www.rangers.mlb.com/
Game Day Atmosphere: Although the temperatures in the late afternoon often hit the 100's, you can't beat the Texas hospitality.
Stay: Splurge and spend a night or more at the Arlington Wyndham hotel, which is less than a mile walk to the ballpark. You can't beat the HUGE pool which is perfect for families. A bonus is the teams often stay there along with the media covering the game. We have gone several times and seen tons of ballplayers there. On this trip, the White Sox players were there and we talked to Ozzie Guillen (manager), Rick Sutcliffe (announcer), and saw several players return to the hotel (Jim Thome and Jermaine Dye were Tyler's favorites to see).
View: Magnificent from the top concourse-view the new Dallas Cowboys stadium and surrounding areas, such as 6 Flags, etc.
Arrive: Early for BP. The players launch the homers out during BP and your chances are always good for catching a BP homer as many don't brave the heat to come that early.
Concessions: Everything is bigger in Texas! Texas sized portions of BBQ, sausage and nachos, just to name a few, certainly are tasty with a good brew.
Not advertised: Take a short walk before/after the game and visit the youth baseball field that is a replica of the Rangers' ballpark.
Not in the box score: There is a neat museum located in the center field area, plus some great activities for the kids located on the center field concourse. Kids can play whiffle ball before/during/after the game. They even have a home run hitting contest.
Final Box:Chicago White Sox 8, Texas Rangers 3
Attendance 29,182 Time 2:40