Author: timothynrussell

The Great Ballpark Chase: Yankee Dandy

timothynrussell3 Comments

Perhaps one of the most-photographed ballparks in all the land, New York’s Yankee Stadium. From upper left, centerfield message board, the Great Hall, looking out from behind homeplate, looking in from centerfield, and the exterior upon approach.

Most people take a baseball trip to experience the ballparks, make memories, and enjoy some travel.

It’s just an added bonus when the schedules align and you can see your favorite team as well.

The schedules did just that for some Seattle fans on the “Hall of Fame Baseball Tour” with Coast 2 Coast Sports Tours in June. It took until almost the end of the tour, but they would get to see the Mariners in back-to-back games.

And it was worth the wait for them. They would see Seattle in Yankee Stadium and then follow them to Baltimore’s Camden Yards the following night.

Teri and Jeff, a husband and wife team married for 33 years, recently retired and decided to start travelling. Teri still works part-time for the Mariners, manning a security station in the ballpark.

The couple live on many acres of land on the outskirts of Seattle. They recently had a celebration of life for their John Deere tractor, which needed replacing.

Eric and Thomas, a father-son combination, also came to the tour from the Vancouver area. They had a whirlwind beginning to the tour, not arriving into Boston until 11 p.m.

But all four enjoyed the Mariners’ scoring 23 runs in two games. Seattle beat the Yankees, 10-2 and the Orioles, 13-1.

Yankee Stadium opened in 2009, as a replacement for the original stadium, which opened in 1923. It was often called, “The House that Ruth Built.”

The new stadium was designed to evoke memories of the old stadium. It has been praised for its amenities, but criticized for high ticket prices. The lower bowl behind home plate is called The Legends Club with prices as high as $510. Seats are often empty in that area, due to the high cost, leading to an embarrassing situation for the Yankees.

Concourses are fairly wide, although in some areas of the park, namely out in center field by Monument Park, it seemed a little tight to move around. One nice touch in the stadium is that every seat is padded with its own drink holder.

The capacity of the stadium is 50,287, which is less than the originals 56,886. Many players have commented it is much easier to play at the new stadium, since it seems much quieter than the original.

The fences measure 318 feet to left field, 399 to left-center, 408 to center field, 385 to right-center and 314 to right field.

Similar to the old stadium, the roof features a replica of the frieze, which was a trademark. A frieze is a broad horizontal band of sculpted or painted decoration. Also, similar to the old stadium, the wall beyond the bleacher seats is cut out to reveal the four subway trains as they pass by.

The flags on top of the roof are also arranged in order of the standings. All 30 teams are represented and the flags are adjusted each day as needed.

The stadium does feature one of the more distinct seating areas, the Judge’s Chambers. It is named after Yankee outfielder Aaron Judge and modeled after a courtroom with faux wood finishes.

The Judge's Chambers' seats
The Judge’s Chambers in right centerfield.

Opened in 2017, it only holds 18 seats in section 105, which is in right-center field, where Judge is stationed on defense. But you can’t buy a seat here.

The Yankees choose the fans for each game. They may give tickets to local community organizations, hospitals, or charities along with area Little Leagues.

Judge is very prominent, both in the lineup and physically. The 6-foot-7, 282-pound player is one of the top players in the league, who wears No. 99. So it’s not surprising that Judge has made his mark in other areas of the stadium, namely the concession stand.

The 99 Burger may be one of the top concession choices in the stadium. It features two four-ounce American Wagyu beef patties, American cheese, dill pickles, caramelized onions, and secret sauce on a brioche bun. You can get lettuce and tomato by request.

But get there quickly, they only sell 99 burgers, at a hefty $19.99 cost. They are only available in section 223, which is closest to Gate 4.

There are two main attractions at the ballpark. Both will have long lines to visit, so be ready to head there as soon as your ticket is scanned.

The first is Monument Park, out in center field. This is a carryover from old Yankee Stadium and highlights 37 former Yankee greats, 22 of whom have had their numbers retired. The main monument in the park is a red granite block, featuring manager Miller Huggins, players Lou Gehrig, Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, and Joe DiMaggio, and owner George Steinbrenner.

Various views of Yankee Stadium’s Monument Park.

It closes 45 minutes before first pitch. Admission is free, but space is limited and lines begin soon after the gates open.

The Yankee Museum is also free and is open until the end of the eighth inning. It is located on the main stadium level, adjacent to section 210.

One of the most prized exhibits is Thurman Munson‘s locker. Munson was a catcher from 1969-1979 until his death. Munson was so beloved by Steinbrenner that his number was immediately retired. His locker was also sealed off and donated to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY, but it now resides in the Yankee Museum.

A look inside the Yankee Museum, Thurman Munson’s locker and some of the jerseys and records.

Another feature in the Museum is the Yankee baseball wall. It has 870 autographed baseballs, or about 55 percent of the players, managers, coaches, and broadcasters in the team’s history. At both ends of the wall, there are statues of pitcher Don Larsen and catcher Yogi Berra, exactly 60 feet, six inches apart. Larsen threw the only perfect game in World Series history, Game 5 of the 1956 World Series. The top row of the wall emulates the trajectory of Larsen’s final pitch in that World Series.

Previous Installments of the Great Ballpark Chase by Tim Russell

The Great Ballpark Chase: National Treasure

timothynrussell1 Comment
Nationals Main Gate
The main gate at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C.

Well, I finally got to finish what I started.

Back in 2016, during the beginnings of the Great Ballpark Chase, my brother and I spent a week in Baltimore and Washington, D.C. The Detroit Tigers were in the area for a week and we decided to set up shop as well.

We based ourselves in Baltimore, but went into D.C. several times. The only problem was that the MARC commuter train stops running before the Nationals game would end. The only other option was catching the last Amtrak back into Baltimore, which left at 10 p.m.

It was Max Scherzer‘s first season after leaving the Tigers via free agency. As luck would have it, Scherzer was slated to pitch. The only problem was he pitched too well, striking out 20 as the Nats beat the Tigers, 3-2. Unfortunately, to catch that last Amtrak, my brother and I had to leave in the fifth inning, So, I always joked, we saw about 14 of his 20 strikeouts.

So, it was with great pleasure when I saw that we’d be visiting Nationals Park on Coast 2 Coast Sports Tours’ Hall of Fame Tour in June.

But for a while, there was at least the threat of another failed attempt with rain in the air for most of the day. Luckily, it held off for most of the game, although the last inning or so was played in a downpour. Washington ended up with a 3-0 victory over St. Louis.

Nationals Park, which opened in 2008, can feel a bit bland at times, kind of like being in a drugstore. Although that might be fitting, since the teams’ logo does look almost exactly like drugstore Walgreens. It’s so similar people will joke that it’s Team Walgreens playing at the park.

Nats and Walgreens Logos
A discerning eye will be able to tell the difference between the Nationals logo and that of Walgreens.

The stadium dimensions are 337 feet to left field, 377 to left-center, 402 field to center field, 370 to right-center and 335 to right field. The park seats 41,339.

Other features of the stadium include statues of Walter Johnson, who was part of the original Washington Senators team. Frank Howard was a member of the expansion Washington Senators and Josh Gibson was a member of the Washington Grays in the Negro Leagues.

One of the biggest attractions is the Presidents Race, which is run in the middle of the fourth inning. It features likenesses of former presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abe Lincoln, and Teddy Roosevelt. William Howard Taft, Calvin Coolidge, and Herbert Hoover have also been a part of the festivities, but have since been “retired” to Florida and the Nationals’ spring training complex in West Palm Beach.

The author’s view of the Presidents’ Race at Nationals Park.

Roosevelt, or Teddy as he is nicknamed, has famously not fared well in the races. In fact, he had a winless streak for almost seven seasons. He finally won his first game after the Nats had qualified for the playoffs for the first time. But in further seasons, Teddy has become the lovable loser.

The Nationals are also one of the few stadiums that offers a bullpen cart to bring relief pitchers into the game. It rarely gets used, though, as pitchers prefer to jog into the game. That doesn’t stop the bullpen car from making a tour around the stadium, though.

Bullpen Cart
Seldom used for its intended purpose, the Nationals’ Bullpen Cart still takes the occasional lap around the park.

Once a staple in the 1970s and 80s, the bullpen cart seems to be making a slight comeback. In addition to Washington, the Arizona Diamondbacks have started using one.

Obviously, being in D.C. lends itself to lots of great sightseeing opportunities.

My personal favorite on the National Mall is the Korean War Veterans Memorial. It’s likely because my dad was a veteran of the Korean War. I never got a chance to take him to see the Memorial, but I’ve seen it twice and did bring it to him through pictures.

I’ve only seen it during the day, although I have heard and read it’s very striking and moving at night. It’s quite well done and you feel the soldier statues are actually moving through a rice paddy.

A few of the memorials to take in while in Washington, D.C. From upper left, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the MLK Monument, and the FDR Memorial.

Another favorite is the National Air and Space Museum. The main museum on the Mall is wonderful, but the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia is just as cool. It features the space shuttle Discovery, a Blackbird SR-71, and a Concorde.

Although, my all-time favorite site is probably one that doesn’t exist anymore, the Newseum. It was located just off the mall and featured artifacts related to journalism and newspapers. I have heard they were trying to reopen in a smaller location elsewhere, but not sure if that ever happened.

A fine place to eat is Ben’s Chili Bowl. The original is located 1213 U Street NW, and is about to celebrate 65 years in business on August 22. A second location is on H Street in D.C. as well as outposts at Ronald Reagan National Airport, the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, and Nationals Park.

Ben’s Chili Bowl is a D.C. institution.

A half smoke is a grilled hot dog, served on a warm, steamed bun with mustard, onions, and their own spicy chili sauce. So, it’s basically a chili dog, but still a staple to try when in D.C.

Previous Installments of the Great Ballpark Chase by Tim Russell

The Great Ballpark Chase: Citizens of Philadelphia

timothynrussell1 Comment
Citizens Bank Park
The exterior of Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.

For most baseball fans, it’s a dream to catch a ball hit into the stands.

But for Alex, it was more than a dream. It became reality more than once.

Alex was on a father-son road trip with his dad, Kris. The two had registered for Coast 2 Coast Sports Tour’s Hall of Fame Baseball Tour in June 2023.

Originally, the twosome was just going to do a trip to San Diego, since both are Padres’ fans. But when Kris saw a Facebook posting for the tour, he considered it and his wife was fully onboard, despite the higher cost.

Alex caught or was given a total of four balls during various pre-games this tour. They also had a bat inscribed at Cooperstown to commemorate the weekend.

Kris and Alex weren’t alone in rooting for their favorite team. The tour was also pretty loaded with Padres’ fans. There was a father-daughter, Brandi and Dave, both of whom are from San Diego, though Brandi recently relocated to Florida.

There was also aunt and niece, Corinna and Alexis, who flew out from San Diego for the trip. The two became a juggernaut in the daily score contest. Before each game, our tour leader, Zac, would pass a clipboard and you’d guess the winner and the score for each game. The closest to the correct score would win. The tiebreaker was total number of hits in the game.

Corinna won once while Alexis won twice. No one else won more than once.

Many times, as we were travelling to our next hotel after each game, there would be several phones tuned to MLB.tv and the Padres’ game.

Our tour made its way to Philadelphia and Citizens Bank Park, home of the Phillies. It opened in April 2004 as a replacement to the now-demolised, Veterans Stadium. It continued the trend started with Baltimore’s Camden Yards in 1992 toward the retro-style of ballpark, meaning more open-air, less cookie cutter stadiums.

The videoboard at Citizens Bank Park as well as the game’s first pitch thrown by Ranger Suarez.

It is located in south Philadelphia in the same area as the other major stadiums, Lincoln Financial Field (Eagles) and Wells Fargo Center (76ers and Flyers). Xfinity Live is nestled in the middle of all of the stadiums; it is a dining and entertainment hub.

The old Veterans Stadium site is now a parking lot, next door to Citizens Bank. They do have home plate and the bases marked out in the lot.

Inside the stadium, a prominent feature is Ashburn’s Alley, out in the center field concourse area. Richie Ashburn was a Phillies’ Hall of Fame center fielder from 1948 to 1959. Many Phillies’ fans wanted the stadium to be named in honor of him, so the Alley became a compromise.

The Alley is highlighted with a statue of Ashburn. It also features restaurants, games and memorabilia from Phillies history.

Philly Phanatic
A game at Citizens Bank Park isn’t complete without the antics of the Philly Phanatic.

Chickies and Petes is one of the more popular food stands in the park. They are famous for their crab fries, an Old Bay seasoned crinkle fry with a cheese sauce.

There is also Bull’s BBQ, featuring typical barbecue fare. It is named for former Phillies’ slugger Greg “The Bull” Luzinski. You can also get a cheesesteak in the park, at Campo’s or Tony Luke’s. Both have full-service restaurants outside the park as well.

In addition to the Ashburn statue, there are three more statues outside the stadium of pitchers Robin Roberts and Steve Carlton and third baseman Mike Schmidt. Former announcer Harry Kalas also received a statue, mainly funded by the fans.

The Phillies Wall of Fame is located in Ashburn’s Alley.

Above the center field activities is a neon Liberty Bell. It “rings” after each Phillies’ home run and after a victory. It is similar to the one from Veterans Stadium, which now sits outside Citizens Bank Park.

Liberty Bell
The neon Liberty Bell sits high above centerfield.

The stadium has a capacity of 42,901. The dimensions are: left field, 329 feet; left field power alley, 374 feet; The Angle, from CF to left CF, 409 feet; straightaway CF, 401 feet; right field power alley, 369 feet; and right field, 330 feet.

Of course, a visit to Philadelphia is not complete without feasting on an authentic cheesesteak There are many options, including the two most popular with tourists, Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks, which are across the street from each other in South Philadelphia.

My preference has always been a little further away, on South Street in West Philly. You actually can’t eat there right now, though. They are rebuilding after a devastating fire in July 2022. Reports are they are set to reopen around Labor Day this year.

So the second option was to grab a steak at Reading Terminal Market, a famous indoor farmer’s market with rows and rows of vendors and eateries, featuring grocery, dining, and other shopping needs. Spataro’s Cheesesteaks was the choice here. Just remember to order the correct way, “Wit Whiz,” or you’ll identify yourself as a tourist.

If you need to walk off that cheesesteak or roast pork sandwich (another Philadelphia staple, DiNic’s is the place to get one), there are plenty of places to do that, especially if you like history.

There is Independence National Historical Park. At one end, you can see Independence Hall. The Liberty Bell is at the end of the Liberty Center, which has other exhibits about the bell. The actual bell is at the end closest to Independence Hall.

At the other end of the park, you’ll find the Constitution Center, featuring life-size statues of American forefathers. There is also the U.S. Mint (sorry, they don’t give out free samples) and the Christ Church Burial Ground, where Benjamin Franklin is buried.

Benjamin Franklin Gravesite
Benjamin Franklin’s gravesite sits in the Christ Church Burial Ground.

There is a small fee to walk around the cemetery and visit the graves of Declaration of Independence signers Joseph Hewes, Francis Hopkinson, George Ross, and Dr. Benjamin Rush. It is also the final resting place for many of the nation’s early leaders, prominent lawyers and military heroes. It is still an active cemetery with new burials happening each year.

You don’t need to pay the admission fee to see Franklin’s grave. It is visible through the brick fence. Many people have pitched a penny or two onto his grave, in remembrance of his “A penny earned is a penny saved” quote.

As far as the game, Atlanta beat the Phillies, 4-2. Braves’ starter Spencer Strider went six solid innings, allowing one run on eight hits with nine strikeouts. Austin Riley homered in the sixth and Matt Olson in the eighth for the Braves.

Nick Castellanos started the scoring for Philadelphia with an RBI single in the fifth.

But it was finally nice to see an actual baseball game. This was fourth day of the bus tour and we had only seen one game. Remember, the game in Boston was rained out and Monday was our Baseball Hall of Fame visit.

Previous Installments of the Great Ballpark Chase by Tim Russell

The Great Ballpark Chase: Hall of Dreams

timothynrussell4 Comments

Tucked away in a little corner of upstate New York, there is something special about Cooperstown and the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.

It’s the small-town charm and the beautiful scenery, but more importantly, you have to want to go there. It’s not just something you stumble upon and say, “let’s go there.” It takes actual planning.

So when the Coast 2 Coast Sports Tours Hall of Fame Baseball Tour rolled into town, it made for a special moment to take a slight breather from seeing games.

Lou Gehrig, Jackie Robinson, Roberto Clemente
Not a bad trio to greet guests upon arrival: Lou Gehrig, Jackie Robinson, and Roberto Clemente.

When you walk into the Hall of Fame, the first thing that strikes you is the life-size statues of Lou Gehrig, Jackie Robinson, and Roberto Clemente. You can also catch a glimpse of the plaque gallery, but no need to rush right to the gallery. There are plenty of other great things to see.

Being a ballpark chaser, the third floor was of special interest with the Sacred Ground exhibit. It highlights ballparks of yesteryear and why a trip to the ballpark is such a special occasion. You can see the Ebbets Field cornerstone, as well as piece of the Tiger Stadium wall with the 440-foot measurement, noting the distance from home plate to center field. There are also old ticket booths, turnstiles, and seats.

Comiskey Park Pinwheel, Tiger Stadium measurement
One of Comiskey Park’s scoreboard pinwheels sits in the foreground while the Tiger Stadium centerfield measurement is in the rear.

Most of what you see on display at the museum at any one time is a mere fraction of its collection. There is only about 10 percent on display and it grows daily.

From the history of the game to the current teams, there are exhibits featuring Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron, women in baseball, and international players.

Babe Ruth Uniform
A Babe Ruth jersey is displayed.

Ruth is featured quite prominently, with his locker, jersey, and details about his life.

If you have ever watched “A League of Their Own,” you’ll see details about women in baseball. The exhibit is called Diamond Dreams.

Aaron is also featured in the exhibit, Chasing the Dream, chronicling his career and his run toward being the greatest home run hitter in the game and the problems that brought to him.

There is also an exhibit about international baseball, called Viva Baseball. It highlights the history of Latin baseball and Latino ballplayers in the Majors. Detroit Tiger Miguel Cabrera‘s jersey is hanging there, just waiting until his plaque can be installed.

Miguel Cabrera Jersey
A Miguel Cabrera jersey sits in the Viva Baseball exhibit.

That leads you to baseball records, baseball cards, and World Series rings and accomplishments.

You’ll finish the third floor, walking through a simulated locker room, called Your Team Today. It features a locker stall for each of the 30 teams. There are artifacts from current players of each team. As they try to stay current, this exhibit can see a lot of changes as events happen during the season.

Obviously, being a Detroit Tigers’ fan, I took special care to look for exhibits highlighting the team. In addition to the centerfield signage there are also several other Tiger exhibits sprinkled around the Hall. Those include some artifacts from Hank Greenberg, Charlie Gehringer, Al Kaline, and the 1984 World Series champion Tiger team, which started 35-5.

In the Your Team Today, the Tigers locker was filled with a Justin Verlander jersey and ball from one of his no-hitters. There is also a cap from Spencer Turnbull‘s no-hitter. There are also helmets from Cabrera’s 500th home run and Victor Martinez‘s 2,000 hit.

One of the more interesting pieces is Daniel Norris‘s bat. The former Tiger pitcher borrowed a teammate’s bat to become the first American League pitcher to homer in Chicago’s Wrigley Field.

After seeing Your Team Today, you can take the elevator down to the first floor toward the gallery. First, you’ll see exhibits dedicated to the current players being inducted that year. This past year, it was infielder Scott Rolen and outfield Fred McGriff. Rolen went in as a St. Louis Cardinal. McGriff chose to have a blank hat, since he had been with several teams.

HoF Class of 2023, Fred McGriff and Scott Rolen, signed the spots where their plaques would eventually reside.

Each year, after the inductees are announced, the player or manager gets a day at the Hall. They are given a private tour of the facility. They also sign the base in the gallery, where it sits until the plaque is installed after the induction ceremony.

After visiting the gallery, make sure to take a short walk up the ramp toward the library and kids’ clubhouse. You’ll find the area dedicated to announcers and writers. Obviously, I had to find the Ernie Harwell honor, which is just above one for Vin Scully. The two were honored just a few years apart in the 1980s.

Just past that you’ll find what looks like a box office window. Step in and you’ll see exhibits from different baseball movies.

Of course, any visit to the Hall of Fame isn’t complete without a short walk to Doubleday Field. It was once thought of as the birthplace of baseball, where Abner Doubleday played the first game of baseball. But recent developments have somewhat dispelled those myths.

Doubleday Field sits right off Main Street in Cooperstown, NY.

But, even so, it’s still a grand place to watch a ballgame. And even if Doubleday didn’t invent the game, it still lets you go back in time to feel the simplicity of the game.

Youth and Little League teams will still play ball at Doubleday. An expansive Little League complex, Cooperstown Dreams Park, was built just outside of town, which draws a lot of camps and tournaments. But it’s still quite an experience to actually play on the Doubleday Field.

While you’re walking to Doubleday, you’ll come across many small shops, selling bats, balls, caps, jerseys, and trading cards, among other things. A real baseball fan could go broke.

During the walk, take a minute and enjoy strolling down a small-town American street.

There are also really good places to eat, as well. There is the Cooperstown Diner, which is basically a lunch counter and a few tables. Sadly, it is only open until 2 p.m. The Hardball Cafe is within a baseball’s throw of Doubleday Field. A few finer dining options are available further from the downtown area.

Those aren’t the only restaurants. You can pretty much find anything your tastebuds desire.

Whether you spend just a few hours in Cooperstown or a few days, it is time well spent.

San Diego Chicken
There is even some wildlife in the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Previous Installments of the Great Ballpark Chase by Tim Russell

The Great Ballpark Chase: Taking a Bite Out of the Big Apple

timothynrussell8 Comments
Citi Field, home to the New York Mets, as seen from high above homeplate.

A good tour is only as good as its leader.

It should be someone who knows their way around the places you visit, but still gives a sense that they are just another guest.

Zac does that well. I first met Zac when he was hosting tours with Diamond Baseball Tours in 2022. After finishing that tour, it was a great time and a great way to see the country and chase ballparks, so I knew I’d look to do another one the following season.

Unfortunately, due to high demand, a lot of the tours had filled up very quickly. It’s not unheard of for us chasers to start planning a year in advance. Schedule release day, which is usually in July or August, is like our Christmas, Easter, and National Hug Your Postman Day all rolled into one.

Anyway, after looking at the schedule, the tours I were interested in with Diamond and Jay Buckley Tours had filled. Luckily, I found out Zac had started his own touring company, Coast 2 Coast Sports Tours, and was offering an East Coast trip. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Zac, who lives in the Nashville area, also does tours for hockey arenas as well as some football stadiums. He features a lot of Pittsburgh Steelers and Atlanta Braves tours.

During the baseball tours, you’ll often see him in a Braves’ jersey. He often does at least one tour with his daughter, Taylor, who has now been to 17 stadiums.

The tours feature a lot of camaraderie between fellow baseball fans, which is good since you are confined to a comfortable luxury bus for up to four hours per day with one another while you travel to the next stop. But there are baseball movies to watch and just general conversation to help pass the time.

And it’s not all just baseball. Zac and other tour groups add some historical or cultural sightseeing as well. Some past trips have included spending time at Abraham Lincoln’s Home in Springfield, IL, as well as time on the National Mall in Washington, DC, and historical sites in Philadelphia.

There are also score contests for each game, with a baseball-type prize for the winner.

As we walked up to our next stop, Citi Field, in Queens, NY, it appeared huge in comparison to Boston’s Fenway Park. But even though, it appeared massive, the brick façade makes it feel more appealing. It’s also within shouting distance of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center – site of next month’s U.S. Open tennis championships.

Citi Field
Citi Field as seen approaching.

Citi Field was built as a replacement to Shea Stadium, which was literally right next door. It also brings back days of yore with the iconic home plate entrance, very similar to Brooklyn’s Ebbets Field. That itself is somewhat ironic, because New York officials tried to get the Brooklyn Dodgers to build a new stadium where Citi Field sits now, but the Dodgers had none of it and moved west to Los Angeles.

The Mets have had just two homes in their history, Shea Stadium and Citi Field. From 1964 to 2009, they played in Shea, which lacked a sense of intimacy that is found at Citi. Shea was either loved and hated, depending who you asked.

The first thing you notice after driving up or getting off the No. 7 train is the exterior facade, which is made to look like Ebbets Field.

After that, the most striking feature is the Jackie Robinson Rotunda at the main entrance. The inside is just as striking as the outside. Nine ideals associated with Jackie Robinson are engraved on the floor and flat panel TVs play highlights of Robinson’s career. Escalators and grand staircases take fans to their seats.

There is still a homage to Shea inside the stadium. There is the Shea Bridge out in center field. Thousands of fans cross the bridge each game as they traverse the stadium. It can also be a great meeting place.

The Jackie Robinson Rotunda and the Shea Bridge are two of the unique features at Citi Field.

“Hey, Bill, meet me at the Shea Bridge and I’ll buy you a beer!”

As you cross the bridge, there are a lot of restaurants and food stands, along with a kids play area and wiffle ball field. Before the game, Mr. and Mrs. Met can usually be found there for photo opportunities.

Mr. & Mrs. Met
A Mets game must include some interaction with Mr. and Mrs. Met, don’t you think?

You can also see part of the old Shea Stadium scoreboard, which shows the city skyline with the Mets’ logo. It is above a restaurant area in the center field food court area.

Something unique to Citi (and Shea, for that matter) that you may not see (or hear) at other ballparks is jetliners taking off and landing at LaGuardia Airport just beyond the stadium. For many years, the noise from the airport would be so loud that players would call time during a takeoff or landing. TV and radio broadcasts were also barely audible.

Eventually, flight paths were reworked, making it a quieter area to play and watch a game.

Tom Seaver statue
A statue of Mets’ great Tom Seaver greets fans outside of the Jackie Robinson Rotunda.

A cool celebration is the home run apple, which started at Shea in 1980 and continued at Citi Field. The original apple was first installed at Citi Field’s bullpen gate, but moved to outside the Robinson Rotunda in 2010. It was next to a giant Tom Seaver statue. Seaver, who died in 2020, spent 11 seasons with the Mets and has his number retired and inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame. The current home run apple rises from behind the wall every time a Mets player hits a dinger.

Other amenities at Citi Field include:

  • An enhanced outfield picnic area next to the area known as the “Taste of the City.” This is where the skyline from the old Shea Stadium scoreboard is found.
  • The Mets Museum and Hall of Fame islocated just off the Robinson Rotunda. It is 3,700 square feet of special moments, including their two World Series titles in 1969 and 1986.
  • And the stadium also features the largest scoreboard in Major League Baseball currently at 17,400 square feet. That’s three times the size of the old one. When you add in the secondary scoreboard in right field, you get an additional 4,100 square feet of display.
  • With a seating capacity of 42,000, Citi Field has an intimacy that was not found at Shea Stadium. Nearly 42% of the seats are found in the lower deck. The main three tier grandstand runs from the right field foul pole to home plate, down to the left field foul pole and into left centerfield. Additional seating is located in right field.
  • Over 50 luxury suites are found at the ballpark including ones behind home plate below the main concourse.
  • In right field, the Pepsi Porch, that seats over 1,200 fans, can be found. This seating area, modeled after Detroit’s old Tiger Stadium, overhangs the playing field.

As a happy bonus, we also got to see our first live ballgame of the tour. The St. Louis Cardinals edged the Mets, 8-7. Cardinal third baseman Nolan Arenado hit his second home run of the game in the top of the ninth to secure the win.

Clockwise from upper left, a view of the current home run big apple, the Shea Stadium home run big apple, Citi Field is still close to flight plans for many airliners, a Shea Stadium relic sits atop the food court in Citi Field, and the scoreboard is the biggest in MLB.

Previous Installments of the Great Ballpark Chase by Tim Russell

The Great Ballpark Chase: Fenway Sizzle, Then Fizzle

timothynrussell13 Comments

Boston’s Fenway Park is one of the most recognizable baseball ballparks in the world.

We’ll start this year’s Great Ballpark Chase series with a pair of questions:

  • What constitutes a ballpark visit?
  • When do you count it as official in your count?

Understandably, there are many answers, but the primary one is: your chase, your rules.

Some say just setting foot in the ballpark is enough. Still others say you must see an actual game, not just a tour of the park. Some will count it if you see a concert or football game instead of a baseball game.

And then there is the question of how long you must stay? Some say you need to be there for the entire game, first pitch to last pitch. Still others say if you hear the “Star-Spangled Banner” and “Take Me Out to the Ballgame,” it’s a visit.

Again, your chase, your rules.

For me, personally, I try to stay for the entire game. I have long had this rule about attendance at any sporting event. I always stay to the last pitch or the final buzzer. Part of that is just wanting to soak in the entire atmosphere and part of it is, even during a blowout, you might see a key moment or something unusual happen.

But there are exceptions. During my Chase, there have been a couple of occasions where I was forced to leave early. I’ll usually count it with an asterisk, meaning I’ll get back there at some point to remove it and see an entire game. When I am forced to leave, it’s usually due to something out of my control, thus allowing me to officially count it.

For example, back in 2016, my brother and I were in Baltimore and Washington, D.C., for a week since the Detroit Tigers were playing Baltimore and Washington.

Our hotel was in Baltimore and the commute between the two cities is usually fairly easy. But the MARC commuter train shuts down before the end of the game and the last Amtrak back to Baltimore leaves around 10 p.m.

We spent the day in D.C. doing some sightseeing before the game, but had to leave about the sixth inning to catch the subway over to Union Station to get that last Amtrak. It ended up being the game Max Scherzer racked up 20 strikeouts against the Tigers so we always joked we saw about 15 of them.

This year, rain got in the way of seeing a game.

I was on the “Hall of Fame Tour” with Coast 2 Coast Sports Tours. We were set to open the tour at Boston’s Fenway Park, but Mother Nature had other ideas.

Fenway Park Tarp
Not everyone gets to see the Fenway Park tarp, right?

We were scheduled for a private tour, rain or shine, which is why I still count it in my tally. The weather was out of my control and due to the itinerary, we couldn’t attend the makeup game the following day. I was able to make a few bucks selling the tickets though:-)

That takes us inside Fenway, which is probably considered the Holy Grail of baseball parks. A national shrine, as former pitcher Bill “The Spaceman” Lee once said. Even without seeing a game there, it was still an awesome feeling just to walk through. There is so much history.

Sure, the seats may put you at a weird angle, looking into center field instead of home plate. And the seats may not be as comfortable as the more modern parks, but there is still something special about being there.

There are also the obstructed views, which – as a metro Detroit native – I became familiar with at the old Tiger Stadium. Chicago’s Wrigley Field is also famous for posts blocking your view.

There are the statues outside of Ted Williams, Carl Yastrzemski, and The Teammates (Red Sox greats Williams, Dom DiMaggio, Bobby Doerr, and Johnny Pesky).

Ted Williams Statue
The Ted Williams statue outside Fenway Park.

And, of course, there is the Green Monster in left field. That is obviously the first thing that strikes you as you walk in. But then you look around and get a feeling of awe, just soaking it all in, quirks and all.

One of the quirks is the ladder on the Green Monster. Before there were seats on top, there used to be nets to catch home runs. Park staff needed the ladder to retrieve the balls. When the Monster seats were added in 2003, they left the ladder in place, which is in play and can yield some crazy caroms.

The Green Monster from a distance and looking straight down the foul pole.

The only ground rule, concerning the ladder, is if it gets stuck then it’s a ground rule double. Otherwise, the ball is in play and can end up with some crazy caroms. The last time a ball struck the ladder was in 2014, when Kansas City’s Omar Infante ended up with a double.

The Green Monster has one of the few hand-operated scoreboards still used today. Some Fenway tours will get you on to the field and inside the Monster. Unfortunately, I was only on the pregame tour, which did not include that. But I was able to go on top the Monster and look straight down the 37 ½ feet to the playing field. Inside the Monster are signatures of many ballplayers who have signed the structure throughout the years.

Other Fenway quirks include Pesky’s Pole, which is the right field foul pole that is just 302 feet from home plate. Pesky is famous for curving home runs around the pole. The left field foul pole is 310 feet down the line. The outfield dimensions are also kind of quirky, it juts out to 379 and 389 feet in left-center, 420 in center field (also known as the Triangle, due to the unique shape of the stands, and 380 in right-center.

Most of the park is painted in Fenway Green, except for one seat. Section 42, row 37, seat 21 in the right field bleachers. That seat is red and is 502 feet from home plate. It marks the longest home run in Fenway history, hit by Williams on June 9, 1946.

Fenway grandstands
Can you spot the red seat which commemorates Ted Williams’ 502-foot homer?

The capacity of Fenway is 37,755, making it one of only seven parks that is less than 40,000. But that part of what keeps the charm and nostalgia of the park. There was a movement to build a new Fenway Park in 1999, but opposition to that rose and the idea faded.

On March 7, 2012, which was Fenway’s centennial year, the park was added to the National Register of Historic Places. It is also a pending Boston Landmark, which will regulate any further changes to the park.

It is considered to be one of the most well-known sports venues in the world.

While I did not see an actual game in Fenway Park, I’ll still check it off my list (my rules, right?), since I did go inside. At some point, I’ll definitely go back and see a game. For now, it resides as No. 17 out of 30.

One reason to go back is to participate in the singing of “Sweet Caroline,” the song by Neil Diamond. Every eighth inning, fans sing the song during the inning break. I also want to hear the clang of the ball hitting the Green Monster.

While the atmosphere of a tour was great, I’m sure it’s even more electric during a game, especially a rivalry game with the New York Yankees, which is what we were supposed to see.

To paraphrase James Earl Jones’ Terence Mann character from “Field of Dreams,” “I’ll be back. I’ll most definitely be back” to Fenway.

Fenway Farms
Fenway Farms sits atop a roof in the stadium and helps supply herbs and produce.

Previous Installments of the Great Ballpark Chase by Tim Russell

And Now for Something Different

timothynrussellLeave a comment

(Our semi-regular contributor, Tim Russell – known to this audience for his regular dispatches late last summer chronicling his baseball stadium travels – wishes everyone a Happy New Year with a cap tip to a sport more popular to our northern neighbors but enjoyed by Tim and plenty of other Michiganders … curling. Please enjoy!)

SWEEP!

Hard.

Real Hard!

HARD!!!!

You’ve all heard that, if you’ve ever watched Olympic curling. A curler slides down the ice and you hear the shouts as it moves toward the other end of the sheet.

It’s an intriguing sport with lots of complexities. Some people have even called it chess on ice. An oversweep or undersweep can cause the stone to move a fraction of an inch off its desired path.

Curling is something I started participating in three years ago. I had watched it during the Winter Olympics and thought it could be fun. I started following the Detroit Curling Club on Facebook and saw some “Individual Curling Experiences” they advertised. I tried one … and then another … and another, before finally being able to work a “Learn to Curl” program into my schedule.

Photos of the Detroit Curling Club courtesy of the DCC.

The “Learn to Curl” program is how you gain entry into the club, but more on that later. You learn the basics of curling, including sliding, releasing the rock, sweeping, and basic strategy.

But first, let’s get into the basics of curling. Each team is made of four players: the lead will throw the first two stones, the second the next two, the vice (or the third) the next two and, finally, the skip will throw the last two. The skip will also tell the first three where to throw their rocks.

In an end, the two teams alternate throwing their rocks. The object is to get as many of your stones closer to the center of the house before your opponent places one.

Most games last 6-10 ends (think innings).

Before the game begins, the two teams determine who will get the hammer, in other words, be the second to throw in the first end. It is usually determined by a coin toss, or sometimes by playing rock, paper, scissors. After the first end, the losing team gets the hammer in the next end.

Unlike hockey or figure skating, the game is also played on special ice. To begin, the ice is smooth and then pebbled with droplets of water. You turn a sprinkler head facing up, move your arm back and forth quickly as you slide backward, letting the drops fall to the ice, creating a pebble. You then nip the tops off the pebble, creating an even layer, allowing the rock to glide over top. The pebbling is where the rock gets its curl from. Most shots will curl 4-6 feet.

Sweeping is also a part of the game. It accomplishes two things: keeping the stone moving straight; reducing the amount of curl. You may want to do that to get it past a stone in play, instead of having it hit it. It will also help the rock move further down the ice. It won’t make it faster, but will help it carry.

The rock is also special, made up of 42 pounds of granite. They come from one of two places: the Scottish island of Ailsa Craig and a Trefor Granite Quarry in Wales. The game itself was started more than 500 years ago in Scotland.

So why did I want to join the curling club? I’m glad you asked.

I had always watched the curling events during the Winter Olympics. It was one of those events I really looked forward to each time and always tried to find the time to tune in.

One thing led to another and I was able to try it out. To put it simply, I was hooked.

During the summer, there are ample things to do: golf, baseball or softball, bike riding, and kayaking to name a few. But the winter provided a problem, how do you stay – at least somewhat – active?

That answer proved to be curling. It got me out of the house two-to-three days/nights per week. It provided exercise. And yes, despite the cold ice, you work up a sweat, or at least build up some heat. The best thing to do when playing is to dress in layers. You exert a lot of energy when sweeping.

But I’ve found the best part about curling and the club is the people you have an opportunity to meet. Everyone has the same interest and are very helpful to new curlers. And after every game, you usually broomstack, or sit around the table for a round of drinks. Tradition has it that the winning team buys the first round to soothe any hurt feelings.

Even with plenty of training and practice, it does take some time to learn the proper weight to throw the rock down the ice. It may be the hardest part of the game. If you slide out too fast, the rock may move too fast and not curl as much. If you push off to slow, the rock may fall off and not reach its desired target.

You have to balance all that along with ice conditions that may change, depending on outside conditions. But basically, you push out of the hack with the rock and at some point, before the hog line, you release the rock.

The hack is what you place you foot in to start each throw. The hog line is about 10 meters in front of each house (or the targets at each end of the ice). If a rock fails to cross the far hog line, it is considered out of play and removed.

So where can you try it? Here in my native Michigan there are several places.

The Detroit Curling Club in Ferndale is the only place in the metro Detroit area with regulation, full-length ice. There are also other clubs throughout the state in Lansing, Midland, Kalamazoo, and Traverse City.

At the Detroit club, they have “Individual Curling Experiences” sporadically throughout the year. Those events last about two hours, with 20 minutes of instruction and safety and the rest out on the ice. The club also has rentals available during the season, which lasts from late October to mid-April. Those last 2 to 2 ½ hours, with basic instruction and the bulk of the time on the ice.

The HubStadium in Novi also has curling sheets available, along with basic instruction. They have six sheets, but the sheets are about five feet short of regulation.

Membership at the DCC begins with the “Learn to Curl” class, a three-weekend course going over the basics of how to play. The course is usually in November. Once joining, you participate in leagues and bonspiels, which is what curling tournaments are called.

(If you’re a sports fan and would like to contribute an occasional post on this site, we’d love to talk. Just email hilldouglast@gmail.com and let us know what you have in mind. We love contributors!)

The Great Ballpark Chase: That’s a Wrap

timothynrussell6 Comments

(The Sports Fan Project contributor, Tim Russell, puts a bow on his 2022 baseball travels in this final installment of his series, The Great Ballpark Chase. Enjoy!)

Well, another baseball regular season has come and gone.

This is always a bittersweet time of the year. Sure, you have playoff baseball, but that’s just watching it on TV.

For a ballpark chaser, it’s just not the same.

But this season was a little special. It marked the first full season of being able to attend ballgames after COVID-19. I had made it to 23 during the 2021 season, but it was only about half a season, since protocols were still actively in force, especially early on.

This year, I made it to the same number, but it felt different.

Two years ago, we had just started coming out of the pandemic. Games weren’t open until the beginning of June. This year, it just felt more normal, if there can be such a term these days. In 2021, I spent most of my time going to minor league games. Smaller parks along with smaller crowds, but still quality baseball.

This year, with the Diamond Baseball Tours bus trip, I made it to more Major League games, which is a different experience than minor league games.

Anytime you walk into the ballpark, a sense of excitement comes over you. This year was no different; maybe even more excitement. Everytime I walk into a new ballpark, a sense of awe washed over me.

In June, it felt even stranger, especially walking into Coors Field, which was the first stadium on the trip. I had visited new parks since I had lost my brother five years ago and I always got a sense that he was there with me. This year, it still felt like he was with me, but it felt different too, because it had been so long since being able to resume trips. Almost a sense of normalcy.

But let’s get to the games.

In 2022, of the 23 games I saw, 13 were MLB games, eight minor league, one college, and one summer collegiate. I saw a total of nine new stadiums. Of the 23 games, the home teams had a 10-13 record and were outscored 111-82.

Some images of the author’s travels around the baseball world this summer. From left, the giant Miguel Cabrera bobblehead at Comerica Park, the Great Lakes Loons retiring Terry Collins’ number, action from a Toledo Mudhens game, and the West Michigan Whitecaps celebrate a walk-off victory. (Photos by Tim Russell)

Some highlights of the games was seeing Lou Whitaker‘s Number Retirement Ceremony in August. That just happened to be the game my cousins and I picked for our annual game. I also saw the retirement of Terry Collins‘ number with the Great Lakes Loons at Dow Diamond in Midland, MI (Collins is a Midland native). Most recently, Collins managed the New York Mets. The Midland native also managed the Anaheim Angels and Houston Astros. I saw Detroit Tiger first baseman Spencer Torkelson‘s first MLB hit, a double to right center against the Boston Red Sox.

I also completed my tour of Ohio ballparks, visiting the summer collegiate league’s Lake Erie Crushers in May. I had visited most of the other Ohio parks the previous year. There was a Baseball College World Series game and I helped take two kids to their first ballgame.

By comparison, in 2021, I saw the same amount of games: 23, but it was six MLB, 16 MiLB, and one semi-pro. I saw 14 stadiums, of which nine were new parks.

Obviously, the bus road trip helped account for six of the MLB stadiums. But I also made an effort to get to more games at Comerica, since it is quite easy for me, living about 15 minutes from the park. Ease of getting there was part of it, but also, at the beginning of the season, hopes were high for a big improvement by the Tigers. Of course, that did not materialize for several reasons.

But the ballpark still holds a captivating atmosphere. There aren’t many other places I’d rather be, than at a ballpark.

I don’t always look to buy the best or the most expensive tickets. A lot of times, I’ll look for ways to pick up a cheap ticket. I’ve had good luck using the Gametime App, but there are others around also. Of course this year, especially later in the season, tickets were abundantly cheap and the ushers were pretty lenient on letting you move around. It’s not always like that, though.

I’m not sure I have a favorite seating area. Obviously seats behind the dugout or home plate are premium and offer great views. But, you can also have a great time down the baselines or out in the outfield. I guess as long as you are there, that’s all that matters.

As fun as Major League games are, minor leagues might be even more intriguing. It’s baseball at one of its more purer levels. Younger players trying to earn their way into the show and you feel closer to the action with the smaller park.

It’s also a fun experience, seeing top players before they become MLB stars. For instance, I saw former Tiger Nick Castellanos several times at West Michigan, years before he made it to Comerica Park.

In 2021, I was able to see current Tigers Spencer Torkelson and Riley Greene at three minor league stops. I saw the duo at West Michigan, two days before they were called up to Double-A Erie. I saw them with the Seawolves about a month later, when they were playing in Akron, although Greene was given the day off that night. And finally, I saw them finish the season with the Toledo Mud Hens.

This year, I saw top Tiger prospects infielder Jace Jung, infielder Izaac Pacheco, and pitcher Jackson Jobe play for West Michigan. Jobe pitched five innings of one hit ball, but ended up with a no decision as the Whitecaps beat the Loons in the bottom of the ninth.

Jace Jung
The author was able to see Jace Jung play this year for the West Michigan Whitecaps. (Photo by Tim Russell)

So with the end of the regular season, there are no games to go to, but that allows one to focus on other things. Sure I’ll watch postseason baseball, but I also have season tickets to Eastern Michigan football, a membership in the Detroit Curling Club as well as other non-sporting activities.

And if there’s ever a yearning for baseball during the long winter months, there are computer games like Out Of The Park or Baseball Mogul or even MLB The Show on Xbox to get you through.

Or you just start planning the next year’s tour. I’ll likely take another bus tour, although I haven’t decided the location. I’m considering either a West Coast trip, especially since there is talk about Oakland moving or getting a new stadium.

Another option could be the Florida parks, along with Atlanta and Texas or an East Coast trip, which would include Fenway Park.

But mainly, you just start counting the days until spring training.

The Great Ballpark Chase: Fountains & Waterfalls

timothynrussell4 Comments

To take a baseball bus tour, you probably have to be some sort of a super fan, at least somewhat.

It is a lot of baseball compressed into a short amount of time. It can be tiring, especially since you almost always feel like you are on the go.

Kauffman Stadium Scoreboard
While the author did make a stop at Kauffman Stadium, he did not appear on Kiss Cam. (Photo by Tim Russell)

This was the completion of my seven-city, seven ballpark tour with Diamond Baseball Tours in June. It started in Denver, CO, and finished in Kansas City, MO.

It was definitely a good time, though. You got to meet a lot of people with similar interests. I’ve introduced you to a few of them throughout this series and today I’ll introduce you to five more.

First, there was a three-generation family from the New Jersey area. Andy and his son, Kevin had completed a tour a few years ago. Andy’s father, Charles, asked why didn’t you take me? So when this year came around Charles, 83, was a part of the group, along with Andy and Kevin and Andy’s niece, Madison.

Fan allegiances were spread out as well. Charles is a Yankee fan while Andy is a Mets fan and Kevin a Phillies fan.

Then there is Margie, who had the shortest distance home after the tour ended. She is a native of Kansas City, so it was only a few miles after reclaiming her car at airport parking.

Margie, a Red Sox fan, is a Diamond Hall of Fame member. She has seen every ballpark on a Diamond Tour. In fact, she has seen all 30 ballparks twice and is starting a third go around. She has also started incorporating football into her stadium travels, usually a baseball game on Friday, college football on Saturday, and pro football on Sunday.

While Margie has seen all 30 with Diamond, she has also used other tour companies, such as Jay Buckley and Sports Travel and Tours.

So when we pulled into Kauffman Stadium after a long week, it was still exhilarating as we walked into the stadium, which is possibly one of the more intriguing stadiums to cross off the list. It is one of the oldest stadiums, but the outfield waterfalls and fountains make for a unique experience.

Kauffman Stadium
The view behind homeplate at Kauffman Stadium and the Water Spectacular in motion. (Photos by Tim Russell)

Known as the Water Spectacular, the fountains are on display before, after, and between innings of any game. The waterfalls are constantly flowing. It is the largest privately funded fountain in the world.

It is a pretty cool experience to be able to walk right next to the fountains. You can’t walk from right field to left field without going up and down stairs. The fountains do offer some small relief from the heat with the spray from the fountains.

Kauffman Stadium Waterfalls & Fountains
Fans can get up close and personal with the fountains and waterfalls. (Photos by Tim Russell)

Kauffman is the sixth oldest stadium in Major League Baseball, behind Boston’s Fenway Park (1912), Chicago’s Wrigley Field (1914), Los Angeles’ Dodger Stadium (1962), Angels Stadium of Anaheim (1966), and the Oakland Coliseum (1966).

Kauffman was the only baseball-only park built in the majors from 1966-1991. It was also one of the few baseball-only facilities built during the cookie-cutter stadium building boom. Kauffman is one of two such stadiums that are still active and were never converted into multi-purpose stadiums. Dodger Stadium is the other.

The main stadium is primarily concrete, with a smooth, uncovered facade. The stands wrap around the infield and end at the foul poles, with smaller bleacher sections in the outfield. The Royals call them outfield plazas.

Current field dimensions are 330 feet down the left field line, 387 to left-center, 410 to center field, 387 to right-center and 330 down the right field line. The backstop is 60 feet behind home plate.

Beginning in 2007, the Royals had a red seat placed in the stadium to honor Buck O’Neil, who was finally inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in July. The seat, which was formerly occupied by O’Neil, is located behind home plate. It was section 101, Row C, Seat 1 until stadium renovations in 2009. It is now Section 127, Row C, Seat 9.

The Royals honor a person who embodies the spirit of O’Neil, selected from community nominees to sit in that seat each game. O’Neil played for the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro leagues from 1937 to 1955.

The Royals have a pretty extensive Hall of Fame as part of the Outfield Experience. The Hall of Fame starts out with the Clubhouse Lobby, where the Royals’ retired numbers are displayed. There is also Cooperstown Corner, the Royals Way and the Plaque Gallery.

In the Crowning Moments section, you can see trophies from the 1976, 1977, 1978 and 1984 division titles, as well as the 1980 and 1985 American League pennants.

Finally, the Plaque Gallery winds up the visit, where you can see all 26 Royals Hall members, including third baseman George Brett, second baseman Frank White, manager Dick Howser and former owners Ewing and Muriel Kauffman.

Dick Howser
Frank White
George Brett

Those five also have statues near the outfield gates. Brett, Howser and White are in right field while the Kauffmans greet fans in left field.

Also part of the Outfield Experience is a kids’ play area, highlighted by a whiffle ball field. There is also the Taste of KC food court and a sports bar-themed restaurant in right field.

In the game, Oakland defeated Kansas City, 9-7. The Athletics took an early 2-0 lead in the first and never lost the lead. The Royals would score three in the eighth, but would get no closer.

Royals Hall of Fame
The Royals’ retired jersey numbers hang in the Hall of Fame as does a tribute to George Brett’s 3,154 hits constructed of baseballs in the form of Brett’s number 5. (Photos by Tim Russell)

The Great Ballpark Chase: Sidetrip!

timothynrussell3 Comments

It’s quite fitting that the Gem Theater sits across from the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.

The museum, nestled in the 18th and Vine District of Kansas City, is a gem and treasure trove of baseball history.

Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
The main entrance of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. (Photo by Tim Russell)

As part of the Diamond Baseball Tours Rockies Plus College World Series bus tour, this was a much-anticipated part of the trip. It was a tight schedule, but we were able to squeeze in about an hour or two in the museum.

The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum was founded in 1990 by a group of former Negro league players, including Kansas City Monarch players Aldred Surratt, Buck O’Neil, Larry Lester, Phil S. Dixon, and Horace Peterson.

The museum started out in a small, single-room office inside the Lincoln Building in the 18th and Vine district. In 1994, it moved to a 2,000-square foot space. Three years later, the museum moved to its current 10,000-square foot home.

Probably the first thing you notice when you walk into the museum is the Field of Legends. You only catch a glimpse of the statues of the players, which are set up on a shortened baseball field. There is a screen separating you from the field, so it leaves you wanting to see more.

But you quickly forget that as you come across the statue of John Jordan “Buck” O’Neil Jr. watching the action on the Field of Legends. O’Neil was finally inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame this past summer, as an executive.

Buck O'Neil
Buck O’Neil looks on at the Field of Legends. (Photo by Tim Russell)

The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum chronologically charts the progress of the leagues with several informative and interactive exhibits. Exhibits starts with memorabilia from the Negro National League of 1920 through the Negro American League, which lasted until 1962.

Visitors move through the museum, learning the history of black baseball. In one area of the museum, you’ll come across lockers for some of the legends of the Negro leagues. One can see game-worn uniforms, gloves, and other artifacts from stars such as Detroit Stars’ Norman “Turkey” Stearnes and Andrew Cooper. Josh Gibson, who was known as the Black Babe Ruth, is also featured prominently. Gibson played for the Homestead Grays, among others, and may have hit more than 800 home runs, although records are sketchy. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1972.

Andrew Cooper
Turkey Stearnes
Jerseys of Detroit Stars’ Andrew Cooper and Turkey Stearnes. (Photos by Tim Russell)

Stearnes was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2000, 21 years after his death in Detroit. His wife, Nettie Mae, was instrumental in helping to get her husband inducted.

One of 12 remaining Negro league stadiums was recently renovated in Hamtramck, MI, in part by the Hamtramck Stadium Grounds Crew. This was the same crew that helped clean up the former Tiger Stadium site before the Police Athletic League took over. The Navin Field Grounds Crew, as they were known originally, were made up of volunteers that kept the Michigan and Trumbull site clean after the city had neglected it. They even eventually held old time baseball games there.

After PAL took over the Tiger Stadium site, the volunteer crew set their sights on Hamtramck Stadium. It was rededicated this past summer as Turkey Stearnes Field. There is also a plaque honoring Stearnes outside the center field gate at Detroit’s Comerica Park.

At the PAL site, officially known as The Corner Ballpark, there is a display honoring Stearnes along the third base concourse.

Of the 12 remaining Negro league stadiums left, the majority hosted only occasional league games. Only Hinchcliffe Stadium in Paterson, NJ, and Rickwood Field in Birmingham, AL, were in use longer than Hamtramck Stadium.

Major League Baseball has recently announced plans to possibly host a Major League game at Hinchcliffe Stadium, similar to recent games at Iowa’s Field of Dreams.

The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum was on the verge of financial collapse in 2008, but current president Bob Kendrick took over in 2011. By the following year, he helped the museum experience a profit of $300,000, it’s most successful year since 2007.

Kendrick is a frequent visitor to the museum. You may even get a chance to toss the ball around with him on the Field of Legends, which is at the end of your walk through the museum.

Buck Leonard
Cool Papa Bell
Field of Legends
Hotel Room
Rube Foster
Clockwise from upper left, Negro Leaguers Buck Leonard, Cool Papa Bell, a look out into the Field of Legends, Rube Foster, and a replica of a hotel room. (Photos by Tim Russell)

Geddy Lee, lead singer of the rock band Rush, made one of the largest single donations to the NLBM. Lee, an avid baseball fan of the Detroit Tigers and Toronto Blue Jays, donated nearly 200 autographed baseballs to the museum. Those signatures included names such as Hank Aaron, Cool Papa Bell, and Lionel Hampton.