At opening night this season, Ken Young, the Tides owner, mentioned that it was the 19th opener at Harbor Park, and I was stunned. First, because I can't believe it has been that long since I moved here, but also because this ballpark, which was in the vanguard of the modern "retro" minor league parks, still looks great. People in Columbus, Chattanooga and Corpus Christi can in part thank The Norfolk Tides, the Mets, and the City of Norfolk for setting the standard.
Here are a few reasons I think my home park is one of the best:
RAMPS- As I mentioned below, you enter the ballpark by climbing a ramp. A nice nod to older major league parks, and something I haven't seen in any other minor league parks. Much better than climbing a couple flights of stairs.
BOATS AND TRAINS- You can take the ferry to the ballpark, and next year, you will be able to take the Norfolk light rail line, called the "Tide" to a station behind the third base stands.
BEER VENDORS- How many minor league ballparks have beer vendors? I can't think of many others. Willie the beer man is one of my favorite baseball voices. When he booms out "ICE COLD BEE-YAR!" you can hear him all over the park. One day he sold peanuts and crackerjack, and fans asked him to do his beer call, just because!
TUGBOAT SALUTE- On opening night, tugboats from the busy harbor line up behind the right-field fence. Once the last notes of the national anthem are sung, the boats blast their horns. When the park first opened, it was a 21-tug salute, but now, it is usually between 5 and 10 tugs. throughout the season, tugs will pull up and watch an inning or two when they have a little time.
SCORES- The Tides keep updated major league and International League scores scrolling on a board in right field. Again, I can't think of another minor league park that does this.
Some little things, but sometimes the details matter. Most of all, it is just a fun place to see a game, and it is my baseball home.
It's baseball season! Enjoy your home park.
