THE BASEBALL FAN’S BUCKET LIST 162, PART 3: From the Peach Tree to The Big Apple. Continuing The East Coast Journey, Chapters 120 and 65

Part 3 of my journey’s from the book The Baseball Fan’s Bucket List, here’s some more excerpts from my list of baseball and ballpark themed accomplishments from The Baseball Fan’s Bucket List of 162 that will soon be featured in Stadium Journey .  Part 3 takes us from The Peach Tree State back to The Big Apple. 

Chapter 120- See The Braves Play at Turner Field

Visited, May 2007. As you know by now, the Atlanta Braves no longer play their home games at Turner Field, having moved to Truist Park in 2017 so yes, you can replace a visit to The Ted with a visit to their new digs. Prior to it’s baseball opening in 1997, the stadium was the host of the 1996 Summer Olympics. After the Olympics, Centennial Olympic Stadium, as it was known as during the summer games, was reconstructed to a baseball configuration, reducing the seating capacity from 85,000 plus to just over 50,000. Now the home to Georgia State Football and currently known as Georgia State Stadium, columns that once supported the Olympic stadium’s bleachers are still in place outside the stadium’s main plaza.

Other things you can do around the former home of the Braves before you head over to Truist Park?

• Visit the parking lot across from the main plaza.

Why you ask? The parking lot features a footprint of the exact baseball configurations from the Braves playing days at old Fulton-County Stadium. While parking lots in other yards may have spots of where home plate, the pitching rubber and the bases all in their exact location we’re once located, the lot across the former home of the Braves not only has these, but also has the infield and the warning tracks outlined in bricks as well. If you visit while no events are happening, you may even want to run the bases.

After you’re done rounding the bases…

• Visit the landing spot of number 715

As you venture further out in the lot you will find a wall marking the spot of Hammerin’ Hank’s 715^th. Atlanta Fulton-County Stadium may have been known as The Launch Pad but no launch has had a greater impact within those walls than the one launched on the night of April 8, 1974.

If possible, you may want to visit the lot soon as redevelopment is slated for the surrounding areas including the parking lot, including plans on a new stadium in the footprint of the Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium.

Now leaving the Peach Tree to The Big Apple…

Chapter 65-See The Mets Play at Citi Field

 

Visited, 9/11/2019. Opened during the same season as the new version of Yankee Stadium, debate’s over which yard is the superior will always ensue. How did these two stack up in our 2019 SJ MLB Ballpark Rankings? Since I have yet to visit the new version, I will pass on judgement.

The exterior of Citi Field is meant to evoke that of Ebbets Field. As much as we love to wax of nostalgic baseball yards, Citi Field just has that tired retro look for a yard opened in 2009. That’s not to say Citi Field is without it’s own unique features. Other items you may/will add to your own personal baseball bucket list to enhance your Citi Field experience?

• Take a picture by the old Home Run Apple

When this book was released in 2009, the phrase “DO IT FOR THE ‘GRAM” was still unheard of. Today, many of us (Including yours truly) our taking those instantly shareable moments “FOR THE ‘GRAM”. If there’s any one picture that is certainly worth “doing it for the ‘gram”, it’s one of you (and your buddies) by the original Home Run Apple. Originally installed at Shea Stadium in 1980, the “Apple”, one of baseball’s most recognizable home run features would pop out of the top hat after every Mets home run. Look up to the Apple and you’ll see 28 years of wear caused by the elements and constant use triggered by such likes of Strawberry, Piazza and David Wright.

• Enter through the Jackie Robinson Rotunda

As you enter through the rotunda a blue 9-foot sculpture of the number 42 greets you. The Ebbets Field inspired rotunda also features pictures and quotes paying tribute to the man who broke baseball’s color barrier.

• Visit the Mets Hall of Fame and Museum

A repeat of Chapter 130, Take In a Local Museum Baseball Exhibit, from the Jackie Robinson Rotunda you can access the Mets HOF and Museum. The museum features many artifacts from historic Mets moments dating back to their inaugural 1962 season.

Among some of the historic features inside the museum include a historic display chronicling the 3 yards the Mets have called home, tributes to the 1969 and 1986 World Champions and a Hall of Fame display featuring plaques of Mets inducted to their team Hall of Fame.

And those are some of the excerpts from Part 3 of some of my bucket list items accomplished in Atlanta and New York as well as some additions and adjustments to my personal 162 that could very well be part of your 162 once you head back to the ballpark, hopefully sooner than later…

Original location of home plate, Shea Stadium. Something magical took place there in the top of the 9th inning during Game 4 of the 1988 NLCS…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Baseball Fan’s Bucket List 162, Part 2: From Fenway to The Bronx, Chapters 7, 67 and 25

Here’s some more excerpts from my list of baseball and ballpark themed accomplishments from The Basball Fan’s Bucket List that will soon be featured in Stadium Journey .  Part 2 takes us from Fenway to The Bronx, Chapters 7, 67 and 25. 

Chapter 7- See The Red Sox Play at Fenway Park

Dubbed America’s Most Beloved Ballpark, Fenway Park is the Majors oldest MLB yard. Opened in 1912,  Fenway Park is one of 3 original classics. All the quirks are original not contrived. My one and only visit? May, 2006. Other things done and that’s on my personal checklist?

• Touch the Green Monster

Yes, you can access the Green Monster through the last field aisle in left field before the game and stand next to “The Mahnstah”. You may even find some graffiti on the yellow line leading to the foulpole. As you look closely at the Green Monster, you’ll see years and years of baseball dents.

• Visit the Ted Williams Statue

The statue located outside Gate B was commemorated in 2004 and depicts the legend holding a bat over his left shoulder while placing his cap on the bal head of a cancer-ridden child. Williams was a frequent visitor to the Red Sox long time favorite charity, The Jimmy Fund.

Next, heading toward The Big Apple, I checked off these two items at the same time…

Chapter 67- See The Yankees Play at Yankee Stadium

Chapter 25- See The Yankees Play the Red Sox

 

OK, so it was the old Yankee Stadium I saw a game 2 days after my trip to Fenway in May, 2006. 2 games in fact, both against the rival Boston Red Sox. I could only imagine the level of intensity when these 2 meet in the post-season as they have 3 times since the inception of the Wild Card.

Though the old Yankee Stadium is historic and many are sorry to see it’s demise, I could also see why so many fans yearned for the pre-1973 version with it’s signature copper frieze that the new yard replicates. Though I have not been to the new Yankee Stadium it’s been given it’s mixed share of positive and negative reviews based on the 2019 MLB Ballpark Rankings from Stadium Journey. Until I make it back, I will pass judgement. 

What you should do at the new yard?

• Visit Monument Park. It may or may not have carried the aura of the old Monument Park across the street but one could only imagine the years of history it continues to carry…

• Do the YMCA. OK, make that optional. The tradition that goes back to 1996, their first World Championship team in 18 years, like Sweet Caroline, isn’t so popular with everyone. Because of its roots the the ’96 team, this tradition, performed also by the Yankees grounds crew, will likely not leave anytime soon, much to the angst of some pinstripe followers.

So along with those chapters accomplished and other personal additions, anything else from these 2 venues or cities that you’ve done that fans should do or check out once we all return to our Stadium Journey’s?

 

The Baseball Fan’s Bucket List 162 Things You Must See, Do, Get, and Experience Before You Die

I hope you’re all staying safe during these pandemic times. We’ll all get back to our ballpark journeys eventually.

Before my posts go live in August through Stadium Journey, I’ll be posting excerpts here to give you a preview of things to come in relation to the chapter or chapters of 162 from the book, along with some of my own personal additions. 

Chapter 28- See The Orioles Play at Oriole Park at Camden Yards

The yard that started the retro craze, OPACY (Oriole Park at Camden Yards), now close to its third decade of service, does not look aged one bit.  Built along the Baltimore and Ohio (B&O) Warehouse, Camden Yards consistently ranks high on every ballpark traveler’s to-do list. Other ideas for your 162…

• Take a stroll along Eutaw Street

Many fans enter through the Eutaw Street gates behind center field. The Eutaw Street entrance serves as the grand entrance, leading next to the yard’s signature feature the B&O Warehouse. The warehouse, 8 stories high and 1,116 feet in length, is the longest brick building east of the Mississippi River and is quite an imposing site when looked at up close.

• Search for one of 2 orange seats 

Two of baseball’s most significant home runs are commemorated with an orange seat. With Orioles fans not exactly flocking to OPACY, chances are great you maybe able to sit in one of these two seats. In section 86, row 4, seat 10 in the left center field bleaches is the landing spot of Cal Ripken Jr.’s 278th career home run as a shortstop, breaking the record previously held by Cubs Hall of Famer Ernie Banks. Section 96, row 7, seat 23 in right center field is the landing spot of Eddie Murray’s 500th home run. Eddie Murray would become the third player in the bigs to have 500 round trippers and 3,000 hits. And while you’re in the area, you’ll also want to…

Chapter 130 – Take In A Local Museum Baseball Exhibit

This is something you could find yourself repeating on your ballpark ventures. In Baltimore, you will want to…

Chapter 71-Visit The Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum

The birthplace and childhood home to the Great Bambino, this quaint little museum features many rare exhibits and artifacts of the Baltimore native dating all the way back to his childhood. Go ahead, soak it all in.

So, there’s a brief excerpt of some of my bucket list items from the book that I accomplished in Baltimore as well as some additions and adjustments to my personal 162 that could very well be part of your 162 once you head back to the ballpark. And hopefully, we won’t be kicking the bucket any time soon…

Tale of The ‘Gram…Dodger Stadium and The Space Age

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Stadium Journey Drei (@thestadiumjourneyman)

From 1975 to 2005 Dodger Stadium’s main seating bowl would present a space-age look. This picture was taken in July, 2005, the last season Dodger Stadium seating bowl would feature these colors before returning to the pastel colors of 1962. 

As an 80’s kid these we’re the colors I grew up with. Over the years and especially with newer retro themed yards using mostly dark green or navy blue seating bowls, I always maintained that Dodger Stadium’s space-aged color pattern gave Dodger Stadium one of it’s more recognizable features, especially when looked at on TV from the center field camera. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Stadium Journey Drei (@thestadiumjourneyman)

2020 has been anything but normal. With the 2020 baseball season being put on hold indefinitely, I had to find another way to pay tribute to Jackie Robinson across the street from Pasadena City Hall on April 15th…

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Stadium Journey Drei (@thestadiumjourneyman)

With no games to attend among other entertainment venues shut down, finding tales to write will be a challenge. This is my first one for 2020. As of now, I’ll be sharing tales featuring some of my IG posts @thestadiumjourneyman. I’ll also be looking to post other stuff pertaining to our current 2020 not in the manner that you probably have already heard in the news but to give a perspective on what’s taking place around various spots that I may pass…

Photo’s of an unusually empty Union Street one block east of Lake Avenue, Friday 5/1/2020 toward the end of the lunch hour just before 1PM…

 

Ridin’ The Rails…A Drei-Tale From The Rails…Portland to SoCal…Coast Starlight…12/5-6, 2020

Happiest of New Year’s to all of you. Hopefully 2020 has been off to a great start for you. Prior to heading back home I decided to don my Niners colors in The Rose City. Behind me is the Moda Center, home of the Trail Blazers. 

Some of the locals actually warmed up to me when they saw me in my Niner garb. I guess not everyone in the Pacific Northwest is a fan of that team from the Emerald City. Or maybe the cities of Portland and Seattle have a rivalry with each other…

For some reason the background on selfie pics isn’t as great as they are in normal shots…

A Christmas themed miniature train set inside Portland’s Union Station…

Our  train originating from Seattle would depart on time right at 2:25 PM. During my journey to and from Portland overall the Starlight was on schedule. Both times no less. 

Having left Portland on time the scenery from Portland on south toward Eugene isn’t as scenic as Southern Oregon, much of what we won’t see on our way back…

Upon our stopover at Eugene I briefly switch to my UCLA colors. No luck trying to convince the locals to take Chip Kelly back…

Klamath Falls rest stop. If this was fully covered in snow i’d really have visions of the Polar Express…

Whatever happened to Frosty the Snowman?

Sorry Frosty. I was thirsty…

Just another rest stop pic…

The original Amtrak logo. Hey, there’s something you won’t see in L.A’s Union Station. A snowplow…

In just a few minutes we’ll be departing Klamath Falls. K-Falls is our last stop in Oregon. California coming up…

South of Martinez, CA, early Friday morning, December 6, 2019. 

From Salinas to San Luis Obispo…

Another rest stop. Almost home…

The only “good” ocean shot I could capture south of San Luis. From here on out no more sun…

Here’s a full recap of my journey down the Coast Starlight from Portland back to SoCal. 

Ridin’ The Rails…A Drei-Tale From The Rails…From L.A. to Portland…Up the Coast Starlight…12/3-4, 2019

Holiday Greetings to you. Since I was a kid travel by rail has always been my favorite mode of transportation. Since my grandmother took me on my first rail trip on Amtrak on Thanksgiving Day, 1983, I’ve had an unconditional love affair with the rails. 

It has been awhile since i’ve had a chance to take a long distance trip via the rails. When I say long distance, I mean a trip beyond San Diego or The Bay Area. My last long distance trip on the rails was the summer of 2010 to Albuquerque. 

With the decade coming to a close, I told myself, do it. So I found myself riding along Amtrak’s Coast Starlight, Train 14, from L.A. to Portland. It was something I decided upon a whim. Though the route goes all the way to Seattle, a route i’ve done in it’s entirety a few times, I decided upon Portland, knowing that there probably wouldn’t be much to see past Southern Washington given the sun goes down early during the winter months.

So here are some highlights from my journey up the coast…

L.A. to NoCal

Giving this Christmas tree in L.A. a touch of Blue…The kid seems to be amused. The tower show’s it’s a quarter to 9, Tuesday morning. My train won’t be leaving for another hour and 15 minutes…

A couple of ocean views before arriving to Santa Barbara. One of the things I try to do is take shots of as many stations along the way, especially those that still retain that old-school charm. Of course, I also have to take as many selfie’s of my station stops…

 

 

A couple more ocean shots before arriving to San Luis Obispo. SLO would be one of several rest stops. Because we’d arrive at SLO early, I had a chance to venture a little further away from the train before coming back on. Every now and then when a train arrives at a rest stop ahead of schedule, if lucky, it will arrive really early that you can walk around outside the station and do some exploring. 

In SLO we come across this statue of Chinese rail workers, The Iron Road Pioneers. 

Here’s a pic I took 10 years ago…

That is quite a sculpture…

Another station stop selfie. Gotta love what’s behind me. A photo-bomber and a never-ending seen at train stations, airports and transportation hubs worldwide, the hug. (I’ll miss you, be sure you write when you arrive. OK, in today’s world, “Text me when you arrive”)

Just north of SLO. In the distance you can see Highway 101. You can also see the glare of the cafe car. Hey, I never said this was a professionally done tale…

Oakland Jack London Square station, just around 10 PM. 

With not much to see at night, time for some solitaire before calling it a night. This is not a good start, especially hands 2 through 4…

Departing Redding, early Wednesday morning. Not much to see here in either direction due to the early morning arrival times each way. Before we enter Oregon, let’s ’bout some Weed ?

Passing through Weed, CA as we’ve reached the 2nd day of our journey early Wednesday morning. (What we’re you all thinking when I said Weed?)

Southern Oregon to Portland

Klamath Falls. The first stop in Oregon, sometime around 9AM…

Gotta get that Klamath Falls sign in there to make it official…

ALL ABOARD ! There’s something about this station that take’s me back in time…

Hey! A sunny and clear sky out there. But have we left the snow yet?

 

Not quite…

Hey, we can see the front of the train !

Now arriving Eugene, OR

I wonder if the local’s are interested in taking Chip Kelly back…

Passing Albany and Salem…

Willamette University Baseball Field. Willamette U is a NCAA Division III school. Perhaps someday a future MLB player, maybe a future Dodger makes his way through here…

Now approaching PDX…

As we approach Portland Union Station across the Wilamette River to the left of what looks like a power plant is the Veterans Memorial Coliseum, the home of the Portland Trail Blazers from 1970-1995. To kick off it’s 50th season, the Blazers held an exhibition on October 8th back where it started.

Amtrak, with it’s reputation of being behind schedule, for the most part got us to town on time, arriving about 30 minutes after it’s 3:25 scheduled arrival. Not bad at all for rail travel.

Well, that concludes the L.A. to Portland part of Drei’s Tale from the rails. Portland to L.A., or Van Nuys will be coming soon. We’ll see how much different the scenery is on the way back, you know, parts we may have missed on the way up…

But since we’re in town, let’s take in a Blazers game…Tonight’s opponent? The Sacramento Kings

Coached by former Lakers coach, Luke Walton…

Pride Night  at the Moda Center. 

Celebrating 50 years in Rip City…

Greetings from Rip City, Oregon.

My Journey Through The Gridiron Pac: From Berkeley to Pasadena

The 2019 College Bowl Season will be underway shortly. The Pac-12 will be sending 8 of their 12 teams bowling, with Pac-12 Champion Oregon representing the conference in this years Rose Bowl. 

I had the chance to visit 3 of the Pac’s football venues this past season for Stadium Journey. With my journey’s taking me to Memorial Coliseum in Berkeley, the Memorial Coliseum in L.A. and The Rose Bowl in Pasadena, here are how the game day experience rankings came out, with a possible high of 5 stars. 

1. Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum-USC Trojans  

Recent renovations to The Grand Old Lady have improved the USC Football game day experience. SC fans remain a loyal and demanding bunch. Even with the enhancements The Coliseum maintains it’s historic National Landmark status. 

Score: 3.86 

2. The Rose Bowl-UCLA Bruins

Another historic venue in the L.A. Area that reeks of many historic moments. With the team’s recent struggles The Rose Bowl’s scenic surroundings along with it’s history and mystique is what’s pushed the UCLA game day experience score higher than what it probably should be. 

Score: 3.57

3. Memorial Stadium-California Golden Bears

Located within the campus confines, even if the stands aren’t always filled a game at Memorial Coliseum, another historic college venue has a true college feel, with street lined frat parties as you approach the stadium. On a clear day, views across the San Francisco Bay are visible along the stands atop the stadium’s east rim. 

Score: 3.43

There are several factors that are taken into account into the scores, 2 of them fan support and return on investment. To be fair, late kickoff times, as well as kickoff times undetermined until in some cases 6 days within gametime, along with the Pac-12 not being a national power, it should be no surprise that attendance, while down across the college football nation, has had a significant impact across Pac-12 venues . 

Click on each link above the pictures to find how I came to each score. 

UCLA vs. Cal, 11/30/2019 at The Rose Bowl. Plenty of good seats available !!!

Baseball and 9/11: Day Three, Charm City in One Day, Part Two…Back To The Yards 9/12

Why Not? The Orioles theme of 1989, one year removed from their 54-108 season, the Orioles would find themselves in the thick of the AL East race until Game 161, when the Blue Jays would clinch. 1989 would be the year the Blue Jays would open what was then known as SkyDome, MLB’s first retractable roof stadium and a marvel at the time. 3 years later Oriole Park at Camden Yards would open and the Jays one-time marvel would quickly be dated…

Railroad workers attempt to burn down the Camden Depot during the Great Railroad Strike of 1877.  This is from the Howard Street side. Photo taken at the B&O Railroad Museum…

Looking at it’s restored glory from the Pratt Street side…

Outside the Eutaw Street entrance. You can see the Camden Depot next to the B&O Warehouse…

How ’bout a side by side comparison of what the mapped area looked like Past and Present day ?

 

 

 

 

 

Dodgers vs. Orioles, 9/12/2019

Young (And Slimmer) Babe…Babe’s Dream

 

 

 

 

 

Even his childhood presence is ever so imposing…

By The Numbers…

 

 

 

 

 

Cal Ripken, Frank Robinson and Eddie Murray…

In spite Cal Ripken having played 20 plus seasons, I never saw him play live. One of my ballpark regrets over the years…

 

 

 

 

 

L.A. native Eddie Murray would have a couple of brief stints in Dodger Blue. He would hit his 500th career home run at Camden Yards. An orange seat in the Eutaw Street bleachers marks the spot of Home Run 500…

Of course Blue Dog has to make his presence felt…Boog’s BBQ is right behind. Time for some pregame eats from the man himself…

But first a pic (Though not of the best quality) with the man himself, Boog Powell…

There’s actually a lot of beef under those onions I added. Not a bad sized sammie for the cost. Being in Maryland, the chips of course come with Old Bay seasoning. I’ve been told be some that the locals put Old Bay on ice cream as well…

My ticket stub signed by Boog Powell

With ample time still to kill before the first pitch I decided to take another stroll along the Eutaw Street concourse along the warehouse. As mentioned in my Day 1 post, along the concourse are plaques marking the spots where home runs, both Orioles and visitors have landed over the years. Two Dodgers have accomplished this Camden Yards feat in their brief visits interleague visits…

Shawn Green

Andre Ethier

Of course it would be our left handed hitters that you’d expect. 

Meet Walt. This is the man who marks the spots on Eutaw Street where home runs land. Each off-season new plaques are placed on the landing spots of Eutaw Street home runs. With the Eutaw Street promenade behind right field, it’s no surprise over the years all Eutaw Street 4-baggers have all been hit from the left side of the plate…

 

Not an easy feat Blue Dog !

With the wrought iron gate in front of Dre’s shot opened during the game I can see how his shot wouldn’t have to dodge obstacles. As for Shawn Green’s shot…

A little bit tougher for Shawn’s shot to land on the fly. Walt would explain to me the various possibilities like the flight of the ball’s backspin or certain wind patterns from the nearby inner harbor and B&O Warehouse playing with the wind’s pattern…

 

 

 

It’s almost game time and I’m back for the my 2nd of the 3 games at OPACY. Oriole Park was the first big league park i’d visit east of Arizona back in September ’03. Now in it’s 28th season, the yard that started the retro craze has now completed it’s 28th season. Though parts of the yard have showed it’s age, it’s still a beauty nonetheless, anchored of course by the B&O Warehouse behind right field…

 

 

 

Hey! Greg Brady throwing out the first pitch !!!

And now to take part in an Oriole tradition…”O” Say does that Star Spangled Banner Yet Wave…

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Stadium Journey Drei (@thestadiumjourneyman)

With The Blue having clinched the NL West 2 nights prior I decided to spend the majority of the evening strolling the yard. I try to make it a custom to take in two games when visiting another yard as to see it’s different vantage points. Though I already paid Camden Yards a visit 16 years ago, I wanted to see if there we’re any major significant enhancements, none that I could notice with exception of these statues behind the batters backdrop…

 

 

 

Perhaps someday, Jackie Robinson will have more company at Dodger Stadium. But hey, Sandy Koufax will be joining him in his new center field spot next year !

The view from the upper reaches of the left field corner with the warehouse providing the perfect frame. If you look at the scoreboard and see an ad for The Sun, the local newspaper, for judgement plays, the “H” or “E” will flash while the other lights briefly go out. This is a nod to the old Schaefer Beer ad in Ebbets Field. 

Got the upper reaches all to myself…I feel like yelling “HE MISSED THE TAG !!!”

Hey there Blue Dog! Care to take part in the Dance Cam?

Why don’t you join me up in the Uecker seats?

Why Not? The theme of the 1989 Baltimore Orioles after their 54-108 season in 1988 that saw them start the season 0-21. Though not as cheesy as the Super Bowl Shuffle, Let’s Go Mets, or dare I say it, The Baseball Bunch video by The Blue in 1986, here was the Orioles video for 1989…(Hey, it was the 80s folks !!!)

The Orioles may be struggling these days, but they’ve had their share of glory…

A Blast From The Past…

The bird linked to the ’89 Why Not team…

 

 

 

The Baltimore Orioles Hall of Fame by the Eutaw Street entrance. Oriole HOF’ers over the years…

On this night, the Dodgers would win in a most unusual way with the winning runs scoring while Russel Martin would strike out on a 3-2 pitch with the bases loaded and 2 outs… 

So the Dodgers would take both games I took in. Oriole Park, opened in 1992 has certainly aged well. When put in the context of many of today’s yards, though only completed 28 seasons, Camden Yards has stood up well and should be around for many more years to come. Once the O’s can get back to winning, the atmosphere around Camden Yards should once again be magical. 

Recapping Day 3 of Drei’s Day in Charm City

• The B&O Railway Museum
• The Babe Ruth Birthplace Museum
• Dodgers vs. Orioles, Oriole Park at Camden Yards

All within a few blocks of each other. Before we leave the yard…

Gotta give Blue Fleece ’12 some air time. This is the furthest Blue Fleece ’12 has traveled…

Postgame with Blue Fleece ’12 out on the Eutaw Street Promenade…

Blue Dog and I sure had a lot of fun in Charm City !!! Time to head over to Pickle’s for some late night eats…

 

 

 

The burger and “P” shaped pretzel with Old Bay Crab dip. They sure love their Old Bay and Crab Dip here in Maryland…

 

 

 

Brooks Robinson with his Gold Glove across from Pickles Pub and the yard…

Time to say goodnight and goodbye to Oriole Park and Camden Yards. It was quite a week here in the eastern seaboard as I took in 2 of the 3 9/11 sights during the week of 9/11, caught 2 Dodgers/Orioles games and a Mets game and a couple of museums. Though we couldn’t fulfill both Mets and Orioles fans wishes of us beating the Yankees in World Series, it was still a great time. It’s been a while since Drei hit up the East Coast. Where will Drei’s next adventure be? Stay tuned…’Til the Next Episode…

 

 

 

 

Baseball and 9/11: Day Three, Charm City in One Day, Part One…The Rails and The Babe

Baltimore MD. Also known as Charm City. When I venture into another city, thanks to one of the greatest inventions, the camera phone with endless memory (You can tell i’m not the greatest expert…), one thing I enjoy is getting a feel for the city I’m visiting, taking various pictures of just  about  anything that reflects that particular city. The best part is I know I’m not running out of film. As for battery life, well…

One thing I noticed during my stay in Charm City was the housing throughout the neighborhoods, old school brick right next to each other. I’m going to assume when these units we’re built the choice of brick was atop the list due to the harsh winter climates.

Another thing I like to do is capture a mural as well. Here’s one from a playground across the street from the museum I will be visiting…

 

 

The mural above honoring the neighborhood’s Irish history is one of a few historical points of interest in the neighborhood. 

The museum I would end up visiting was the B&O Railroad Museum. (The Irish Railroad Workers Museum is open Friday’s and Saturday’s). One of my non-sports fascinations is trains, especially classic trains. Being that the yard I’ll be visiting for the second time in three days is known for having a restored building that once was a focal point of the old B&O rail, it’s only appropriate I pay a visit to the B&O Railroad Museum. 

 

Can you imagine commuter rail and Amtrak employees carrying one of those classics…

 

If you look at marker number 1 that’s where the B&O building that frames Camden Yards is located. You can see how many city blocks we’re cleared to make room for Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Click here to view more before and after pictures of the area around Camden Yards…

 

An old rustic caboose on a track leading into the roundhouse….

 

Playin’ on the tracks with Blue Dog. I never did pay attention as a kid when I was told to never play on the tracks…

 

 

Gotta support the locals…

Hey Blue Dog ! I thought I told you to stay off the tracks !!!

After spending a good couple plus hours taking in the sights of vintage trains and other vintage rail antiques dating back to the Civil War days, what next, watch 45 cruise through Charm City or pay The Babe a visit? Is that worth answering?

Whether you’re a fan of that Evil Empire from The Bronx or not any baseball fan passing through The Bambino’s hometown should make it a point to stop by The Babe’s birthplace, The Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum. Located about a 15 minute walk from Camden Yards, don’t expect to spend more than an hour at The Bambino’s childhood birthplace. But do take your time in soaking in the history inside Babe’s home and it’s glory…

 

 

For all his glory he only won one more World Series title with the Yankees after winning three in Boston. However, we all know the story of 1918…

 

Babe’s kimono as he and other MLB All-Stars would tour Japan during the off-season. Looking at the size of that kimono you’d think he’d be a sumo wrestler…

Right behind me, the Babe’s childhood neighborhood…Let’s take a look at some more local artwork before we walk on over to the yard…

Baltimore. Home of The Birds…

So the first part of Day Three In Charm City gives us a historic tour of the rails connection to Baltimore’s baseball history and a stroll through The Babe’s childhood neighborhood. Time to head back toward Camden Yards for my second game of the three game series…

Next up: Part Two…Back To The Yards

 

 

 

 

Baseball and 9/11: Day Two, New York City and a Mets Game in One Day

Wednesday morning, September 11, 2019.  I wait for my New York City bound Amtrak train on this calm and warm morning on the platform of Baltimore’s Penn Station. 18 years prior, on a normal Tuesday morning, passengers aboard four passenger aircraft’s heading toward California, 3 to L.A., one to San Francisco, would tragically have their lives cut short due to the tragic terrorist acts. 2 of the aircraft’s would knock down the Twin Towers, one would crash in The Pentagon’s west side and the other into a field in Pennsylvania. 

18 years have passed. We are reminded to Never Forget. To anyone born in 2001, now of college bound age, the tragic events of 9/11/2001 is indirectly linked to them.

Every year citizens are always asked to do something of significance on 9/11. Be it a community voluntary act or just living your normal everyday life as a reminder to the terrorists that evil acts will not stop us from doing what we enjoy in life. 

With New York City being a 2.5 hour train ride from Baltimore, I decide to make the trek to New York City and take part of the 9/11 tributes. 

Waiting for my incoming train from D.C. on the way to N.Y.C.

Our favorite lion, Bailey, making the trip with me to NYC. You’ll see why later…

As a rail aficionado, I look forward to my 2.5 hour trek to New York City, even if I know I’ll spend a good part of it catching up on some Zzzz’s. Just as well. The route from Baltimore to New York is void of any breathtaking scenery. However, I did get a couple of pics passing through Philly

Here’s one with the skyline in the distance of the Schuylkill River…

New York City, 9/11

Outside of Madison Square Garden, home of the Knicks and hockey’s New York Rangers. With the 9/11 Museum being closed to the public on this day, I had some time to kill. Madison Square Garden lies atop a bustling Penn Station.

Inside the lobby plaques are located throughout the floor paying tribute to famous athletes and entertainers who have made their mark here…

Dedicated to The Piano Man himself after his 100th performance at MSG…

With some time to kill before my planned 3 PM visit to the 9/11 pools, I head over to Katz Deli. This just may be the best pastrami i’ve ever had…

A visit to Katz may have been reason enough to make the day trek to NYC. 

Never Forget 9/11

The 9/11 Memorial Pool. The 2 pools lie on the footprint of the World Trade Center Towers.

The mood around the Twin Towers pool isn’t as somber as I had anticipated but people we’re respectful of nonetheless, some even sharing stories of friends and families lost. Many came by mostly to witness and take part of history…

Former L.A. Kings scout Garnet “Ace” Bailey, along with Mark Bavis, we’re among the lives lost during 9/11. In 2007, the Kings would introduce a lion as their new mascot, naming the lovable leo, Bailey. (I’m sure some of you have seen my posts of him with Blue Dog…)

The Survivor Tree…

Across the street from the WTC Pools, folks gather aroudn the FDNY Ten House…

Opened in 2014, the One World Trade Center

Citi Field

After a little over an hour at the 9/11 pool, I head over to Citi Field to catch the Mets against the DBacks. Citi Field would be the 17th active MLB park i’d pay a visit to, along with 7 other past yards. Somewhere down the line I still expect to hit the big 3-0. 

The 7 Line, made famous by John Rocker…

I really don’t care what John Rocker once said about the 7 Line it still get’s fans to the game. It’s a source of public transit, not a private limousine company! BTW, John Rocker is still a POS !!!

Citi Field from a distance out in the parking lot, dotted with plaques located on the spots where home plate and the bases we’re located during the Shea Stadium days…

A couple of huge pre-1988 World Series home runs took place here in Game 4 of the ’88 NLCS for the Dodgers. One by Scioscia and one by, who else, Kirk Gibson…

A famous ground ball took place here on a Saturday night in October ’86. It involved a former Dodger and was called by, of course, Vin Scully…

Baseball is a sport that creates memories that is truly passed down from one generation to another.  As I was taking pictures of the markers of the location of Shea Stadium’s bases, other fans of various ages we’re not only doing the same, but telling stories, taking pictures of themselves doing a pitchers windup on the site where the rubber was located. Some kids we’re even running along the path where the bases we’re. Thankfully, the lot was not full to the point we couldn’t capture such moments…

The famous Home Run Apple. Darryl Strawberry triggered that thing many a times at old Shea…

Inside the Ebbets Field themed rotunda. The chandeliers above are meant to mimic the old baseball chandeliers from Ebbets Field…

The grand entrance to Citi Field. Inside the entrance is this rotunda that pays homage to Jackie Robinson. Upon it’s opening in 2009, the tribute to Mr. Robinson was met with some controversy among certain Mets fans, not because of Jackie Robinson, but the fact that he did not play for the Mets. More tributes to the Mets history would be added years later, including a small Hall of Fame next to the rotunda. 

Never Forget

Prior to the game, a pregame tribute to the victims of 9/11 and to local law enforcement and fire department personnel. 

Citi Field, 9/11. DBacks vs. Mets

It’s really hard for me to grasp how I fully feel about Citi. It tries to be a retro yard but does not quite blend with it’s neighborhood surroundings. As for it’s attempt at a retro yard, it may have been a decade late upon it’s 2009 opening. I remember when I went to new Busch Stadium in 2006 telling my buddy Josh that I felt we’re at the point that parks are trying to “out-retro each other”. Also of note. Their current “Home Run Apple” beyond the CF fence. Aside from the Apple perhaps the Mets could have brought over some other elements of Shea Stadium?

OK. So Citi does pay some respects to old Shea with this pedestrian bridge that connects the right and  center field stands above the bullpens…

The skyline that once highlighted Shea Stadium’s right field scoreboard, now above the Shake Shack in the outfield concourse. Note the ribbon on the Twin Towers…

As I like to do when visiting a yard for the first time, I like to take in the various vantage points. 

High above left field from the last row. Just a bit high and distant of an outfield location for my preference…

Back behind home plate. Middle 7th and on this night, 9/11/2019, God Bless America…

On this evening, the Mets would come out of the gates quick with a big 5 run 1st inning. On this night, 9/11, they would end up winning 9-0 on...9 Runs and 11 Hits. 

Back to The 9/11 Memorial, Tribute In Lights

With the game out of reach I leave after the 7th inning to head back to the 9/11 Memorial Pool to check out Tribute In Light. Tribute in Light first debuted on the 6 month anniversary of the attacks and has been on display every year on 9/11.

It was a point for me to also check out Tribute in Light from the 9/11 memorial. The lights can reach upward to 4 miles and is visible from a 60 mile radius. There are probably other magnificent viewing points throughout the city but on this day, as well as any 9/11 day, the location was appropriate. 

When I visited New York in 2006 the footprint of Twin Towers was known as Ground Zero.

Ground Zero, May 2006…

The area around the towers continues to draw people from around the world. Though many come to reflect, many also come to meet people and share stories. Proof that no matter the magnitude of the tragic events of 9/11/2001, the spirit and unity of folks around the world and the citizens of New York will never be broken. 

Recapping My Day in NYC, 9/11/2019

New York City, regardless of whether your staying a day or a few days, is not the type of city you’ll do everything you want in one stay. Fortunately for me, I’ve done enough solo traveling and utilized many forms of public transit where navigating The Big Apple was anything but daunting. My itinerary was simple, check out the 9/11 Memorial, grab a pastrami at either Katz’s or Sarge’s (went to Katz) and catch a Mets game. 

With the Dodgers actually scheduled to play the Mets in the upcoming weekend, a few Mets fans kiddingly chided me, telling me I was a couple days earlier. One Met fan asked me if I could tell Dave Roberts to have our bench players start all 3 games over the weekend since we had the West clinched already and the Mets we’re in need of wins to stay alive in the Wild Card. A few Mets fans told me to beat the Yankees in the World Series, something I’ve heard a few times between the Mets and Orioles fans. Of course, let’s get there first…

New York in One Day in Pictures…

This slideshow requires JavaScript.