baseball Archives - Reach The Bleachers

May 31, 2019July 30, 2020

Night Time at Navy Yard – Nationals Park: Washington, D.C

**1500 S Capitol St. SE, Washington, D.C. 20003 (8/3/2018) – CB**

Nationals Park, Round 2. After a damp and unsuccessful attempt last summer to view Bryce Harper’s unceremonious farewell tour playing for The District’s nine, I returned and was greeted by a few cherry blossoms, and not surprisingly, more precipitation. But rain, wind or shine, absolutely nothing will stop my tour. Umm, well a hurricane may do the trick. A tornado, definitely. I mean, the flights are only an hour away from home, so I could come back anytime. To an enjoyable, and hopefully drier experience this time around!

*The eyes always have it, no matter the color. (4/26/2019) – CB*

Game Time! (vs. San Diego Padres – 4/26/2019): Fun to arrive 8 months after my previous attempt at viewing D.C. baseball, only to fall right into the middle of a midday torrential downpour, with a tornado warning being the cherry on top. The thunderbolts in traffic didn’t exactly dial up the optimism. However, it appeared that my two Whiskey Punches at The Bullpen became the anti-rain dance that partly cleared the evening sky for baseball. Just in time to fill the skyline with cranes-on-cranes! One unforgettable moment was the Presidential Race in the middle of the 4th. While a tacky tradition to many, it is a bit less depressing and exhausting than the actual presidential race. And no one, and I mean no one should ever forget the bullpen cart! The action in between the lines didn’t disappoint either. With a 10-strikeout game from Scherzer and a down-to-the-wire contest that unfortunately ended in defeat for the home club, robbing us of a sending-off via submarine horn. Even though first time major leaguer Carter Kieboom whiffed to end the game, the top infield prospect for the Nationals did shine bright in his debut, with his first ever hit being a game-tying home run in the 8th inning. But even with the loss of that night’s game (still capped by fireworks), and their ‘chosen one‘ signing a contract with a division rival at the value of Micronesia’s GDP this past off-season, I sensed an excitement from the crowd for some of the young talent they have on the club, possibly hopeful that their team is on the graceful end of the Ewing Theory. Although, in looking at tonight’s standings, the franchise surge is in a bit of a delay.

*Coming in for a little relief, by beverage. (4/26/2019) – CB*

Around the Diamond: Walking under the cranes and wrecking balls that surround Nationals Park, you will notice a site in transition, morphing into D.C.’s place to be in future years. In recognition of the constant construction that has been present since Nationals Park opened its doors, The Bullpen is an establishment literally built of shipping containers, with bars in between. In the greatest of ironies, with the frequent renovation projects of the Navy Yard area surrounding the park, there have been constant rumors of The Bullpen going by the wayside for an office complex. The post-recession construction continues to develop the identity of the surrounding space, with fresh new areas from penthouses to boathouses. And you know your ballpark has made it when it has a Buffalo Wild Wings in close proximity. With all this development between two sporting venues (Audi Field being the other) within walking distance, this particular spot on the banks of the Anacostia are set to rival the neighborhoods that surround parks like Wrigley and Fenway.

Home Runs: Always taking note from the area where it is situated, Nationals Park decided to add new attractions for 2019, with the newest being PenFed Park, a play area for children 10 and under. The concourse flow was also impressive, as there were many accessible vendors. Although, it never hurts to go with a Nats Dog + Devils Backbone combo. Within reach of the stadium lies the Navy Yard-Ballpark Green Line Metro station, which is great if you would like to tour landmarks in the afternoon, then literally roll into the shadows of the ball yard in 30 minutes or less. Or if there aren’t flesh-melting temperatures, a D.C. feature from May until early September, you can take a half-hour stroll from the Capitol building to the ball yard spectacle that awaits. Nationals Park also does an exceptional job in paying homage to its baseball roots, while still letting you know that this place has #Natitude…well, unless the Phillies are in town. From the statues of legends such as Walter Johnson and Josh Gibson to the split upper deck that pays homage to the old National Park (later rebuilt as Griffith Stadium), Nationals Park effectively incorporates Washington’s baseball past through sculptures and subtleties.

*And somewhere beyond that building, is Congress being Congress…yeah. (4/26/2019) – CB*

Flyouts: Even with the presence of the Bullpen, the area around Nationals Park and Audi Field is still in the midst of rejuvenation mode, creating a feel of an unfinished product. Although, with the apparent presence of cranes and cement trucks, this neighborhood will be in full-economic strength sooner rather than later. In fact, there are an extensive selection of restaurants popping up, offering tasty treats from Bavarian sausages to gelatos. There are some fans that don’t exactly revel in its nondescript exterior. But one point of view I took away after my visit is that Nationals Park missed out on some prime sight line opportunities. For example, if you sit in the upper levels, towards the 1st base side behind home plate, you can see the dome of the Capitol and the Washington Monument. However, your view will be in competition with a condo building, a parking garage and possibly a cloudy day like I have experienced on a couple of occasions. As well, once deep within the walls, you will not even be aware of the existence of the Anacostia River. If the park was positioned differently, it may have provided scenery similar to PNC Park.

*Apparently, not enough umbrellas for tonight. (4/26/2019) – CB*

The Final Play: From my memories being in the area when the ballpark opened in the late aughts, it is clear-cut that the construction of Nationals Park succeeded in transforming Navy Yard’s semi-abandoned layout and seedy reputation. Furthermore, the grand opening of Audi Field, DC United’s new home a couple of blocks away, adds new opportunity for the development of Southwest and Southeast D.C. The presence of a soccer stadium nearby also creates a demographic blend, which has been pivotal in making the area between Buzzard Point and Navy Yard as a D.C. sports epicenter for the next generation. The neighborhood revitalization, along with the Nationals consistent, yet sometimes frustrating performances, has brought an average of about 31,600 fans per game from 2013-2018. Yet through all of this growth, one can’t avoid the smell of new steel and gentrification as you step in the most overhauled area in the most gentrified city in the country. Fresh from watching the debut of a potential future star, it made me see an equivalency between Mr. Kieboom and a few of the other recent prospects-turned-pros for the Nats with their current major league home: a ballpark community with a solid foundation and crane-high upside. Here’s to baseball helping to grow the city, hopefully in a positive manner. Also, to avoiding painful first-round playoff exits!

Well, now you know!: As many baseball fans know, the sport has been a part of D.C.’s history about as long as professional baseball has been around. However, our favorite glorified version of stick ball had a 34-year hiatus in the capital until the Expos updated their address in search for larger crowds in 2005. Nationals Park has played its part in being an important driver in Washington baseball’s revival, even on its first night hosting Major League Baseball. On March 30, 2008, Nationals Park opened up the baseball season in front of almost 40,000 spectators with a presidential first pitch by Bush Jr., and ended on a walk-off home run by Virginia’s own Ryan Zimmerman against the Atlanta Braves. To this day, this game remains the most watched MLB opening contest in ESPN broadcast history. And if you have followed the themes of this blog enough, of course this seat is commemorated!

Would you like to get more of a feel of Southeast D.C. and beyond? Take a look at the Washington D.C. gallery here for more sights.

May 16, 2019May 24, 2023

Citi of Seams – Citi Field: New York, NY

***120-01 Roosevelt Avenue, Queens, NY 11368 (9/9/2018) – CB***

I closed out my 2018 mad dash at Flushing, Queens’s shiny new-ish toy. And of course, I would pick the opening week of the NFL season and the day of the men’s final of the US Open to do this! Also, SURPRISE, there may have been a drop or two from a cloudy sky. It was time for me to meet, step right up and greet the Metropolitans’ newest house of baseball, Citi Field. New York, take two.

*Airplane level at the Coca-Cola Corner. (9/9/2018) – CB*

Game Time! (vs. Philadelphia Phillies – 9/9/2018): In this episode of ‘Rain Keeps Trying To Ruin Baseball, But I’m Not Gonna Let It Flood Me Out’, I started my journey at Roosevelt, donning a wrinkly orange long sleeve shirt that had probably been nestled in the trunk of my car for at least 5 years. Apparently, I hadn’t learned anything from my previous trips in 2018 about bringing a proper rain jacket. But hey, Mets colors. Even before approaching the gates, the old-school feel was apparent. Yes, the old Shea Stadium Apple does make an appearance once you enter the lot. However, the exterior screamed of a different era. It is no secret that Citi Field was built as an homage to Ebbets Field, the former home of the Brooklyn Dodgers from 1913 to 1957 (Owner Fred Wilpon is from Brooklyn). Once I finished my Tripper Bocker from Mikkeller, I grabbed my complimentary Mets chip bowl and took my pre-game saunter through as much of the seating chart as I could. Neither the light chilly rain, nor the roaring jet engines from LaGuardia would impede my progress. Admittedly, the latter did not bother me as much as I thought before entering the gates. The game itself was more of a formality, with a Mets team light years away from their 11-1 start to the season, against a Phillies team that was in the beginning of an 8-20 September swoon. The Apple did make its rise on a Michael Conforto home run, and my good pal Dante became a super fan-for-a-day for Phillies center fielder Odubel Herrera. So, I guess the magic of baseball and $16 cheese steaks always prevails. And nothing wrong with a victory song from a former member of an iconic rock band to get you to groove home, or in this case, back to Mikkeller (Ya’ betta’ believe!).

Around the Diamond: If an assortment of of beers on tap and organic tots are your thing, Mikkeller Brewery is your place. Although, much like Kansas City, the grounds surrounding the park is essentially a garden of parking lots. And unless you are looking for new tires or to replace your muffler before the game, you will have to get back on the train and head west for any additional New York activities. However, if you pick the right time of year, you can experience a doubleheader of sorts by attending a tennis match at Arthur Ashe Stadium, part of the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center where the US Open takes place each year. But you may want to turn a blind eye on the poor reviews of the place if you dare enter.

*Time for some childhood classics, at 5 times the price! (9/9/2018) – CB*

Home Runs: As with many hot spots in New York, the stadium is very accessible by public transportation, with a direct stop via the 7 train. Of course, Citi Field’s old-school allure is evident and enough to attract purists and casual fans alike. From the Ebbets-like facade, the revival of Shea’s orange foul poles and the green seats reminiscent of the Mets’ original home, the Polo Grounds, Citi Field is as much of a tribute to New York baseball as it is a home for the Mets and their passionate, oft-tortured fan base. Sitting in the bleachers with a great view of the park and a satisfying degree of comfort never hurts, either. Also, out of the parks I’ve experienced so far, Citi Field has the most diverse collection of culinary options from Alpine Brats to ice cream-stuffed egg waffles. Citi Field may also have the greasiest popcorn ever, which for the sake of this article, I will call a plus. And it never hurts to have a Shake Shack on site!

Fly Outs: As you may expect from a New York sporting venue, the concessions don’t exactly have economy-styled pricing. In fact, other than the aforementioned Mikkeller Brewery, there isn’t really anything to pick and choose from in terms of pre-game snacking, which potentially leaves you more susceptible to the heart attack you will get from the money you have to dish out for grub inside, or from the food itself. I feel that a park situated where the country’s top media market resides could have a bit more bells and whistles outside the park to appease the incoming pack. I can’t knock on my game being at half-capacity, considering the raw weather, the competing teams being out of contention and that there were brighter stars shining over the sports world that weekend with what football and tennis had to offer. Lastly, this wasn’t a total negative, but with the Ebbets Field influence and one walk through the Jackie Robinson Rotunda, you can say that the park brings out more of a Flatbush vibe than any home for the Mets.

*An Ebbets with escalators! (9/9/2018) – CB*

The Final Play: The one thing I’m learning as I tour all of these venues is that is if park has enough going for it inside, it can make up for the lack of niceties around the park. Citi Field is yet another venue that aptly blends modern times with nostalgia, even if some say it pays homage to the wrong New York baseball franchise of old. Unfortunately, I was never able to experience the distinct charm of Shea Stadium. However, there’s a feeling that Citi Field is similar to a new baseball glove in that it is still being broken in. For example, the Mets have altered the fences on multiple occasions in their stadium’s brief life in order to resuscitate the power numbers of the sluggers on the team. As well, besides from a craft beer bar connected to the stadium, there are not really any distractions to make you stick around the brick walls of Citi Field for very long. I expect this to change as Citi Field ages in years and in charm. Ed Sullivan may not be announcing any super-famous British quartets to a sell-out crowd anytime soon. But with its throwback look and a couple of future Mets miracles in the mix, it’s my true belief that Citi Field can be just as iconic, if not more iconic of a home as Shea was. Now, go Dodg…, I mean Mets!

Well, now you know!: Even though there have been only 10 full seasons at Citi Field, there has been has been plenty to celebrate, including a Midsummer Classic, a World Series, the Mets franchise’s first no-hitter and hosting the Impractical Jokers, a feat Fenway or Wrigley have never accomplished. But did you know that Citi Field is the only park that opened with a home run from its first batter? On April 13, 2009, Padres outfielder and leadoff hitter Jody Gerut slugged a 1-1 pitch over the right field wall to add yet another dubious achievement for a franchise full of them.

Want to see more of Citi Field and Gotham? Click here to get linked up to the New York gallery page to see more photos of the park and the city.

May 2, 2019May 2, 2019

Ribs, Rain & Royals – Kauffman Stadium: Kansas City, MO

1 Royal Way, Kansas City, MO 64129 (8/16/2018) – CB

Next city: Kansas City. A land where the glorious smell of barbecue is only topped by its fall-off-the-bone flavor. The aroma of Blackburne Mud, beer and sausage is not far behind. Kauffman Stadium is the destination, located in a city that is as deep in baseball tradition as any city in the Midwest. Seeing the Royals in their home is kind of like a homage to the dawn of my life, seeing a game in a city with an underrated passion of my national pastime, in the building where the home team won their 1st World Series on the day I was born (Hint: Not the recent one in 2015). Read with enjoyment, some spicy sauce and a Wet-Nap.

George Brett, batting a few raindrops. (8/16/2018) - CB — **George Brett, batting a few raindrops. (8/16/2018) – CB**

Game Time! (vs. Toronto Blue Jays – 8/16/2018): After a evening of gluttony at Gates, we rolled our way to the Truman Sports Complex anticipating a little rain, and hopefully 9 innings of ball. I strolled into the Royals Hall of Fame to escape the humidity, and absorbed knowledge on the impact the game has had on the City of Fountains. Free entry and central air also does well for business. After my ritualistic pre-game stroll, the skies weren’t too promising. About 2 hours of bolts buckets threatened to wash away my Kauffman experience, making me ponder of possible ways to revisit Kansas City, via another future arena excursion. Mercifully, the rain let up, and the couple of thousand waterlogged spectators remaining had a chance to enjoy baseball in dark skies. Close to half of the spectators were Blue Jay fans, and if they had come from Canada, I don’t blame them for their tenacity or perseverance. I too, had a 3-hour flight to the Midwest to see the final game of this series. I was going to end my night with a continental breakfast if I had to. Even with the buckets of rain that fell prior, I did not regret my aqua-air conditioned investment of bleacher seats in front of the fountains. After all, the humidity lingered with us, and I’m sure the players on the field, who were at that point in the season just playing for a paycheck based on where they were in the standings. But if GordoNation (RIP) can keep the fervor alive, there was no excuse for me to ride back into Independence without putting in my 9 innings, wet seats and all.

Wondrous (8/16/2018) - CB — **Wondrous (8/16/2018) – CB**

Around the Diamond: Umm. Hmm. Well…if you are like Brennan Huff and Dale Doback, you would love the plentiful space for activities! Other than the two stadiums located at the complex, there is not really anything to do or see after the game. I know I also was robbed of a tailgating experience due to Mother Nature’s plans. Then again, surrounded by highway with no other walkable attractions nearby, the dearth of watering holes and late-night munchie carts may win out as the wiser idea. If you would like to pay homage to the AFC, you may stop over to Lamar Hunt’s statue, situated outside the Chiefs’ home at Arrowhead Stadium. So, that’s something. If you do make the trek downtown, a visit to the Negro League Museum at historic 18th and Vine is a must for any sports or history buff.

Home Runs: Kauffman Stadium is one of the more kid-friendly parks around. The Outfield Experience offers an eclectic package of a carousel, a playground, a mini-golf green and areas where the kids can make Sluggerrr proud by hitting, running and pitching their way to sharper attention spans. Or maybe an early nap. Either way, an easier night for the parents. As the fourth oldest baseball stadium, The K is an important historic relic of baseball in a city where Jackie Robinson and Satchel Paige played professionally, and was the city of the Athletics’ franchise’s second home in their almost 120 years of existence. Located within its walls is arguably one of the most appeasing yards around, with the color-changing fountains meshing harmoniously with the blue-seated backdrop. Maybe due to the recent performance of the club, getting a cheap ticket for a good seat in the secondary market is more than a guarantee. However, in speaking with a couple of the locals, the spectator experience had increased in cost over the last several years due to hosting an All-Star Game and 2 World Series.

The choices are endless (8/16/2018) - CB — **The choices are endless. (8/16/2018) – CB**

Fly Outs: Unless you are enthralled by the quantity and possibly quality of the modern parking lot (I wouldn’t know), there’s not much to enjoy outside the ballpark. Okay, there’s actually nothing to enjoy. There are sporadic tailgaters here and there, but the pregame hoopla of the the downtown ballpark is about as nonexistent as Chris Gaines’s award collection (Never forget!). Being 7.5 miles from downtown doesn’t help the scene much either, unless frolicking on I-70 is what you live for. There have been recent talks of moving the club downtown, which could boost attendance for a team that has been in the bottom-third of attendance in the American League 16 times since the year Y2K bunkers started aging real poorly. However, with the lease not expiring in over a decade, and competitive real estate near the hustle and bustle, a new park will be stashed away as a future luxury. Right along with the flying cars we still haven’t received from movies 50 years ago.

An award fit for the kings and queens of KC (8/16/2018) - CB — **An award fit for the kings and queens of KC. (8/16/2018) – CB**

The Final Play: The K is a park that definitely catches, then soothes the eyes with how the blues mesh with the natural Bermuda grass. I also appreciated the rebelliousness it represented, a baseball-only facility built in a time when multi-sport facilities and cookie cutters were the norm. I feel like I had a bit of a diminished experience due to the deluge, and with two clubs going nowhere that season battling out in front of the same quantity of people that admitted to watching Wild Wild West…and enjoying it. However my appreciation for the venue as a city icon didn’t lessen. Hate to get back at this, but if they were able to create a few pockets of lively ambiance on the outskirts, it would definitely enhance the non-game experience. It doesn’t have to be Patriot Place (Sorry, Chiefs fans. I know it’s still too soon). However it would be exciting to have a rib joint or two for a pre-game meal, or create a micro version of what is in South Philadelphia. Or maybe they can bring back the petting zoo and the mechanical rabbit that was present at the old Municipal Stadium!

Well, now you know!: Fenway isn’t the only baseball venue that’s lucky enough to contain a red seat. All seats in Kauffman Stadium are painted in Royal blue, with the exception of one seat in Section 127, Row C, Seat 9. The seat is dedicated to the honor of Negro League and overall baseball legend Buck O’Neill, who played for the Kansas City Monarchs from 1938 -1947 and was a scout for the Royals. But no random spectator can just go on SeatGeek and claim ownership for the night. Members of the local community who embody the spirit of the late O’Neill get nominated to receive the honor to take a seat on the padded perch and enjoy the game how Buck would’ve.

Can’t get enough of Kansas City baseball and brisket? Click here to get linked up to the Kansas City gallery to experience more of The K, as well as photos from around KC!

August 9, 2018May 10, 2019

Fathers’ Day Fan Trip – Rogers Centre: Toronto, ON

***1 Blue Jays Way, Toronto, ON (6/17/2018) – CB***

My next stop: the only active major league ball park of the Great White North. But just because this was in Canada, it wasn’t exactly a frigid experience. If I had predicted that I would have got my first solid tan of the summer, I should have also bet some of my hard-earned Canadian money at the casinos of Niagara…and still would have lost it all, but at least I’d be rich in Vitamin D, for whatever that is worth. Here’s to baseball in my mind, Canada in my heart and poutine in my stomach!

A Futures' Game of sorts. (6/17/2018) - CB — **A Futures’ Game of sorts. (6/17/2018) – CB**

Game Time! (vs. Mont… ehem, Washington Nationals – 6/17/2018): Fresh off of my visit to the Hockey Hall of Fame and the CN Tower in the previous afternoon, I psyched myself up for the main event of my Ontario trip. The place where Joe Carter did indeed hit the biggest home run in his life. Before the game, I took a journey to the upper deck in left field to get a good view of the diamond, as well as to be in the presence of where the ‘Sky’ in SkyDome came from, thanks to a few majestic home runs that have been hit. With a few of these, I can safely assume that some chemical assistance was required. By the time I got to my seat in the other end of the park, the clear Toronto sky replaced the concrete sunblock above. With the sudden splash of heat, I had a hunch that more beer was in my future, maybe even sneaking in a few before I got to relish in the sounds of two national anthems. I admired the sections of fans (I assume were from Quebec) that were donning their dusty Expos gear and grasping on to “Welcome Expos” signs as they watched the more Americanized, and arguably the more underachieving version of their old team. A fun part of this ballpark adventure is learning about the teams I am watching, and a Fathers’ Day game gave me a nice window into some of the players. For example, I learned that the song that reminds Aaron Sanchez of his dad was ‘Cats in the Cradle‘, which is undoubtedly the most ironic song for Fathers’ Day. Although, ‘Father of Mine’ gives it a run for its money. A nice touch was in the 7th inning stretch, where this Randy Newman-esque rally song blasted through the speakers, and perhaps powered the Jays to victory, with the 3 homers they hit in the 7th and 8th innings. I may not have had as good of a day as Randal Grichuk, but I felt joyful that I was able to enjoy a ballgame in a different nation with some like-minded fans of this grand ole’ game. Also, Mexico defeated Germany that day in the World Cup, so that was a plus. Just don’t remind of the recent USMNT qualifiers, and we’ll be good friends!

Home Runs: The presence of the dome guarantees at least a comfortable environment every game. Although on a sunny day, the Field Level seats are possibly the premier place in the city for a good sun bathing session! In addition, Rogers Centre is well-positioned, being about a 10-minute walk from just about everything you want to see in a dynamic and alluring city like Toronto, with places like Ripley’s Museum, Chinatown, Air Canada Centre, Toronto Harbour and about 27 fine Tim Horton’s establishments. I’m kidding… I think. It’s something about watching my beloved game in a locale with the metric measurements on the walls that gives me hope the baseball will still have a strong presence in the North American sports scene for years to come. Although known for it’s lagging attendance numbers for about the past 2 decades, this park drew the most fans out of any American League ball park for 2 consecutive years in 2016 and 2017 while the team was a solid contender in the American League. As a result, I imagine that many games created a sound wall that only a roadie for a death metal band could be accustomed to. I could only envision how lit this place gets indoors when the dome is closed, and the leaves turn colors outside.

Flyouts: Even though it does not produce the same wacky bounces as the old stuff, I still can’t get used to baseball on an artificial grass. Probably helped accelerate my burn by a shade or two, as well. With a near Fenway-sized crowd of 35,000+, I witnessed an engaged crowd peppered with jerseys of Donaldson, Stroman and Pillar to name a few favorites of the local 25. However, just like with the Trop, I felt like I was in a more unique situation with the crowd of the game in that it was a Fathers’ Day game, which generally brings in more fans due to summer-like temps and sentimentality. Like with other parks in striking distance of the powerhouses in the AL East, the larger crowds for this park will generally appear when the Red Sox and Yankees come into town, and overthrows the ratio of home and away supporters. I’m guessing that a Blue Jays – Mariners contest in August won’t generate the same buzz, unless Toronto is firmly in contention. It’s a shame, because from their recent playoff appearances, one could argue that a game at The Rogers Centre has one of the more insane environments for a baseball game in the optimal situation.

Safe to say, no gloves needed here. (6/16/2018) – CB

Around the Diamond: If you want to feel on top of the world in a touristy way, you are only a few paces to the CN Tower, where you can get a bird’s eye view of the game (An open-domed game, of course), while getting a solid view of Toronto and the many blues-and-greens from the glass of their tall buildings. A personal favorite spot of mine was Hunters Landing, which is situated a little over a half-mile (1.1 km for you internationals) away from the stadium. You have to praise a place that provides an outdoor bar on a nice day, along with a 30 oz. stein of grog before a game. Not a bad place to watch a World Cup, too! For a little fun of the electronic variety, located a line drive over the fence is the The Rec Room, which is basically a Canadian version of Dave & Buster’s. The scene around the Rogers Centre is a little more spread out, but there seems to be enough out there if you’re a professional tourist, or one of the dedicated barroom warriors looking to be boisterous.

Well, if I have to... — **Well, if I have to…(6/17/2018) – CB**

My Final Play: Even though Rogers Centre is a couple decades away from receiving their AARP card, the park is a bit of an historical relic, in that it was the first motorized retractable roof stadium built. That alone is worth a trip to this crown jewel of The Six. However, you can argue that a lot of the park’s natural character literally comes from up top. Like with Tropicana Field in Florida, the drab concrete exterior doesn’t exactly draw eyeballs. As you can imagine with a team that had a significant playoff drought (At least until a couple of years ago), and a recent regression from the club, the crowds may not be as consistently electric as they were for…let’s say an ALDS game against Texas. As talk of expansion becomes louder within Major League Baseball, my thoughts linger over to the return of baseball in French Canada. With a starving fan base, and hopefully with a stadium that’s actually made for baseball, the presence of a Montreal team could generate an inter-divisional, regional rival (in the new AL North, perhaps?), which could potentially generate increased crowds for both of ‘international’ cities in the biggest league in the sport. While there, I sensed an enormous pride among the fans for representing the one team up north of the border. A national team, of sorts. The Expos Part II strategy definitely won’t be the singular move to boost attendance numbers for all parks, but maybe it may take a two-team rivalry up north to create more Canadian clout, and more importantly generate more decibels on a regular basis in the future. After all, it’s the only way to have Toronto baseball.

Well, now you know!: Wanna watch baseball, but don’t feel like getting out of bed? The Rogers Centre has the only hotel located in a major league sports stadium. The Renaissance Toronto Downtown Hotel has 70 rooms with a stadium view (348 total), all located within Justin Smoak-home run distance over the wall in center field. The hotel’s greatest contribution to history is that it helped give this ballpark the colorful moniker of The SexDome. If your imagination is a bit slow, let’s just say the fans were not looking at the scoreboard.

Wanna see what Toronto is all about? How about getting up close and personal with a somewhat popular waterfall 130 km south? Check out my Toronto gallery here for more pictures.