Just the basics in Pittsfield. Some box seats, which sold for $6 each for this game, and some wooden bench seats that reminded me of church pews. Wahconah Park was built in 1919, and like most older ballparks, has been added onto, subtracted from, and fiddled with; but it maintains its character. It is a fun place to see a game and feel like you are part of a community.
A familiar name is involved in keeping baseball alive in this little gem of a park. Dan Duquette, former general manager of the Red Sox, is president of the Dukes.
Monday, July 18, 2005
Pittsfield- No Sun Delay Today
Wahconah Park has the distinction of facing the wrong way. The sun sets over the outfield fence, in the BATTER'S eye! The game sometimes has to be stopped when the sun gets in a particularly hazardous spot, but the night I was there was not a problem. It was overcast, so us fans could watch the game without squinting!
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
Wahconah- A True Backyard Ballpark
Located in an established residential neighborhood, Wahconah park is literally in some people's backyard, as can be seen here.
Squeezing into a neighborhood means that sometimes a ballpark's dimensions are sometimes a little strange, and Wahconah Park is no exception. it measures 400 feet to the right-field power alley, and 374 feet to straightaway center-field. Normally these dimensions are reversed.
Squeezing into a neighborhood means that sometimes a ballpark's dimensions are sometimes a little strange, and Wahconah Park is no exception. it measures 400 feet to the right-field power alley, and 374 feet to straightaway center-field. Normally these dimensions are reversed.
Wahconah Park- an Old Classic
The second stop on my dad and I's little trip was Pittsfield Massachusetts, and Wahconah Park. It is the home of the Pittsfield Dukes of the New England Collegiate Baseball League.
Over the last 10-12 years there has been a boom in construction of new minor league ballparks, and a flurry of team relocations. The Pittsfield Mets of the New York-Penn League moved to Brooklyn, and have become one of the higher drawing teams in all of minor league baseball.
College summer leagues give college baseball players a chance to play ball all summer long, using wooden bats instead of aluminum. The college leagues have seized a ready-made opportunity, and have taken over many of the parks abandoned by the minor leagues, including Wahconah Park.
Over the last 10-12 years there has been a boom in construction of new minor league ballparks, and a flurry of team relocations. The Pittsfield Mets of the New York-Penn League moved to Brooklyn, and have become one of the higher drawing teams in all of minor league baseball.
College summer leagues give college baseball players a chance to play ball all summer long, using wooden bats instead of aluminum. The college leagues have seized a ready-made opportunity, and have taken over many of the parks abandoned by the minor leagues, including Wahconah Park.
A Midsummer Night at Yale Field
This is the second year for the New Haven County Cutters. Hopefully they draw better than the did the night my dad and I were there. The announced attendance was 905, the actual crowd was something less.
Cutters management does try hard, and has a sense of humor. Their slogan is "Fun is Good." The between innings stunts and promotions are over the top, from the obstacle race to the plunger toss.
I was impressed with the concessions also. "Brew Haven" was a welcome sight, with eight different imports and microbrews on tap. The Bar B Q in the left field corner looked to be in the southern tradition, and even had macaroni and cheese on the menu! Of course, the hot dogs tasted good!
Cutters management does try hard, and has a sense of humor. Their slogan is "Fun is Good." The between innings stunts and promotions are over the top, from the obstacle race to the plunger toss.
I was impressed with the concessions also. "Brew Haven" was a welcome sight, with eight different imports and microbrews on tap. The Bar B Q in the left field corner looked to be in the southern tradition, and even had macaroni and cheese on the menu! Of course, the hot dogs tasted good!
Yale Field Grandstand
In preparation for the Ravens arrival, the grandstand was renovated and modernized. Wooden stands were replaced with metal stands- some of the noisiest stands you will ever hear. The Cutters management takes advantage of this, and encourages foot stomping by the fans at every opportunity.
Yale field has a semicircular grandstand, which means there is a large amount of foul territory. A pitcher's dream!
Yale field has a semicircular grandstand, which means there is a large amount of foul territory. A pitcher's dream!
Yale Field
I took a short trip with my dad right after the 4th of July to visit two old parks. First stop, Yale Field, home of the New Haven County Cutters, a team in the independent Can-Am league. The New Haven Ravens in the AA Eastern League once called Yale Field home, but moved to greener pastures a few years ago. This ballpark is located at the athletic complex of Yale University, across the street from the Yale Bowl football stadium.
The most distinctive feature of Yale Field is probably the open arches in the outer wall of the park. They sit above the top row of the grandstand, and are rather striking.
The most distinctive feature of Yale Field is probably the open arches in the outer wall of the park. They sit above the top row of the grandstand, and are rather striking.
Monday, May 23, 2005
DC: In the Seats at Richmond
There are three tiers of seats at the Diamond. The red seats are box seats, the silver seats are reserved, and the gold seats are general admission. All of the seats are the same otherwise. Bench seats with irritating little armrests that stick out from the somewhat contoured bench-back.
Also notice the luxury boxes down low to the field, as opposed to higher up in most parks. They kind of serve to segregate the box seats from everything else at the ballpark.
The Diamond has had it's share of troubles recently. At the end of the 2004 season, the R-Braves had to play some of their home games at Norfolk's Harbor Park because heavy rains made the poorly draining field unplayable. A good bit of the outfield was under water.
One of my few favorite things about the Diamond? The fireworks! The fourth of July home games are always sold out, and feature the BEST ballpark fireworks I've ever seen. They are so good, that people check in to the motel beyond the left field fence just to sit outside their rooms and watch. just a great fireworks show!
Also notice the luxury boxes down low to the field, as opposed to higher up in most parks. They kind of serve to segregate the box seats from everything else at the ballpark.
The Diamond has had it's share of troubles recently. At the end of the 2004 season, the R-Braves had to play some of their home games at Norfolk's Harbor Park because heavy rains made the poorly draining field unplayable. A good bit of the outfield was under water.
One of my few favorite things about the Diamond? The fireworks! The fourth of July home games are always sold out, and feature the BEST ballpark fireworks I've ever seen. They are so good, that people check in to the motel beyond the left field fence just to sit outside their rooms and watch. just a great fireworks show!
DC: Richmond's "Rough" Diamond
The last stop on my little weekend adventure was an afternoon day game in Richmond, VA. The Richmond Braves played my Norfolk Tides.
The Diamond has the distinction of being built just a few years before the big ballpark boom, started by, among others, the Tides' Harbor Park. What a difference a few years and 90 miles makes!
The Diamond was built in a part of town I'd describe as "warehousey." It is convenient to I-95, and to the surrounding parking lots, but not much else. It was also built very quickly, during one off-season.
It is a very basic, symmetrical stadium, with one huge grandstand. The concourse is accessed by steps, something that always irks me.
The picture shows a massive roof over the stand- a good feature in my opinion. Plenty of cover for those rainy days when they keep playing the game!
The Diamond has the distinction of being built just a few years before the big ballpark boom, started by, among others, the Tides' Harbor Park. What a difference a few years and 90 miles makes!
The Diamond was built in a part of town I'd describe as "warehousey." It is convenient to I-95, and to the surrounding parking lots, but not much else. It was also built very quickly, during one off-season.
It is a very basic, symmetrical stadium, with one huge grandstand. The concourse is accessed by steps, something that always irks me.
The picture shows a massive roof over the stand- a good feature in my opinion. Plenty of cover for those rainy days when they keep playing the game!
Sunday, May 22, 2005
DC: RFK Rain Delay
Having kept a close eye on the forecast, I opted for a seat under the protection of the upper deck overhang. So I was able to stay dry during a rain delay in the sixth inning, and ultimately during the game-ending rain delay in the eighth. Before then, the crowd of 40,000 was treated to what would be a Nationals victory over the Mets.
The preseason buzz about the Nationals was that they may not have the best record in their inaugural season, but they would be entertaining. So far, they have exceeded expectations, performing well for their home crowds, and staying close to .500.
Too bad their grounds crew isn't performing as well! Poor tarp management caused a comedy to break out at the ballgame. It took the crew a half-hour to get the tarp on the infield the second time. Their struggles were entertaining to the remaining crowd. Their struggles also ensured that the infield dirt was saturated and unplayable.
The preseason buzz about the Nationals was that they may not have the best record in their inaugural season, but they would be entertaining. So far, they have exceeded expectations, performing well for their home crowds, and staying close to .500.
Too bad their grounds crew isn't performing as well! Poor tarp management caused a comedy to break out at the ballgame. It took the crew a half-hour to get the tarp on the infield the second time. Their struggles were entertaining to the remaining crowd. Their struggles also ensured that the infield dirt was saturated and unplayable.
DC: RFK's View From Above
RFK Stadium is one of the last multi-purpose stadiums remaining, and it has a couple of uses. The prime tenant, of course, is the Nationals, but the very successful soccer team, DC United also calls RFK home.
Compromises have to be made when trying to accommodate many uses, and for RFK, the compromise is the view from the seats in the outfield. This view from the upper deck in left field shows that the outfield wall is well out of sight. Even the steepness of the deck doesn't help!
Everywhere else in the ballpark, the views are fine, unless you are at the very back of the lower deck, where the overhang of the upper deck osbcures your view of the scoreboard.
Compromises have to be made when trying to accommodate many uses, and for RFK, the compromise is the view from the seats in the outfield. This view from the upper deck in left field shows that the outfield wall is well out of sight. Even the steepness of the deck doesn't help!
Everywhere else in the ballpark, the views are fine, unless you are at the very back of the lower deck, where the overhang of the upper deck osbcures your view of the scoreboard.
DC: The Walk to RFK
During my many trips to DC to visit friends, major league baseball was about two hours away. Fight the traffic from Northern Virginia to the south suburbs of Baltimore, then light rail into Camden Yards.
So it was a pleasure to hop on the Orange line metro and join the crowds in the 1/4 mile walk from the Stadium/Armory station to RFK Stadium. From this distance, the stadium's distinctive up-and -down roof can be seen.
So it was a pleasure to hop on the Orange line metro and join the crowds in the 1/4 mile walk from the Stadium/Armory station to RFK Stadium. From this distance, the stadium's distinctive up-and -down roof can be seen.
DC: A New Era
The second leg of my DC weekend took me to the oldest "new" venue in baseball, where I could witness a new era for baseball in our nation's capital. Washington DC waited 33 years to get another chance at major league baseball, and judging by the turnout, they will do well.
Campbell's Field Grandstand
Campbell's Field is a very nice, comfortable ballpark, made more roomy by the often thin crowds. This was a Sunday afternoon in July, with only about 2,000 in attendance. Like many of the new parks, there are plenty of skyboxes and even a group seating area under the tallest part of the roof.
In Ben's Shadow
Campbells Field has one of the most unique locations in baseball, in the shadow of the Ben Franklin Bridge between Downtown Camden and Downtown Philadelphia. One of the massive suspension cable anchors site beyond the left field fence, and from the first base stands, one can see the span of this huge bridge, and the Philly Skyline across the river.
The bridge dominates the entire ballpark, and provides some interesting views. I for one am drawn to the clatter and rumble of the PATCO trains shuttling across the bridge between downtown Philly and the South Jersey suburbs. In fact, the bridge can be something of a distraction from the main event- the ballgame!
The bridge dominates the entire ballpark, and provides some interesting views. I for one am drawn to the clatter and rumble of the PATCO trains shuttling across the bridge between downtown Philly and the South Jersey suburbs. In fact, the bridge can be something of a distraction from the main event- the ballgame!
Mmm, mmm, Good!
Camden New Jersey is often thought of as the poster child for urban decay. Parts of it can be pretty nasty. But it does have some things going for it. Like Campbell's Soup, which is still headquartered in the city. Like Philadelphia, conveniently across the river by car, boat, or train. Like the Delaware riverfront, and the attractions that have been recently built. The Tweeter Center amphitheater, the New Jersey Aquarium, the Battleship New Jersey, and Campbell's Field, the home of the Camden Riversharks of the independent Atlantic League. Yes, the soup company is the title sponsor of the ballpark, and has added their touch to the place.
The Atlantic League started from scratch, and was able to get cities in the northeast to construct some beautiful new ballparks for their teams. Most of the teams are located in the large metropolitan areas between Boston and Philadelphia.
The Atlantic League started from scratch, and was able to get cities in the northeast to construct some beautiful new ballparks for their teams. Most of the teams are located in the large metropolitan areas between Boston and Philadelphia.
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
DC: Disappointing Delmarva Crowd
I never did catch an attendance figure for the game, but it was easily under a thousand. Quite disappointing for a Friday night, and travel mug night. The threatening weather may have had something to do with it. A storm front was on it's way up from the souuthwest, but didn't hit until a couple hours after the game.
Naturally, in a stadium called Perdue, you can get chicken served any number of ways, and there are two concession stands dedicated to chicken. I still go for the hot dogs, along with a tasty cold beverage!
Perdue Stadium also has some nice picnic areas, including one behind home plate, and a carousel on the concourse in left field for the young kiddies to enjoy.
Naturally, in a stadium called Perdue, you can get chicken served any number of ways, and there are two concession stands dedicated to chicken. I still go for the hot dogs, along with a tasty cold beverage!
Perdue Stadium also has some nice picnic areas, including one behind home plate, and a carousel on the concourse in left field for the young kiddies to enjoy.
DC: Friday with the Shorebirds
I drive up the Eastern Shore of Delaware/Maryland/Virginia about five times a year to see Mom and Dad. The largest city between Virginia Beach and Wilmington is Salisbury MD, considered the center of the DelMarVa peninsula. Chicken rules the roost here, and one passes numerous chicken farms on the drive up US-13. Hopefully the trip isn't spent behind a chicken truck on it's way to one of the processing plants. Tyson, Mountainnaire, and Perdue have plants in the area.
The Delmarva Shorebirds play at Perdue Stadium on the east side of Salisbury. It is a nice, little ballpark set among fields and forests. When driving up the shore in the summer, I try to make it a point to stop, at least for a while, if the 'Birds are in town.
The Shorebirds give you small-town baseball. There is a large percentage of kids and families in a Shorebirds crowd. They may come from Virginia, 40 miles to the south, or Delaware, 10 miles to the north, or the three counties that make up Maryland's eastern shore. Most of them sit in the metal bench seats that make up a majority of the stadium seating. A general admission ticket is all you need to get a good view of the game here!
The Delmarva Shorebirds play at Perdue Stadium on the east side of Salisbury. It is a nice, little ballpark set among fields and forests. When driving up the shore in the summer, I try to make it a point to stop, at least for a while, if the 'Birds are in town.
The Shorebirds give you small-town baseball. There is a large percentage of kids and families in a Shorebirds crowd. They may come from Virginia, 40 miles to the south, or Delaware, 10 miles to the north, or the three counties that make up Maryland's eastern shore. Most of them sit in the metal bench seats that make up a majority of the stadium seating. A general admission ticket is all you need to get a good view of the game here!
DC: A Weekend Trip
At the end of april, I took a quick weekend baseball trip. I had to be up in Washington DC Saturday afternoon for some other business, so decided to make a baseball weekend of it. I would hit three ballgames in less than forty-eight hours, and make a loop around the Chesapeake Bay. Two ballparks would be familiar, and one would be new, to me anyway.
First stop was Salisbury, MD Friday evening. It was only two and a half hours from work, so I only had to leave an hour and a half early. I watched the Delmarva Shorebirds of the single-A South Atlantic League play the Asheville Tourists at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium. Saturday night, I had a reserved seat to watch the Washington Nationals take on the New York Mets at RFK Stadium in DC. After a quick trip down I-95 Sunday morning, (with a stop at Potomac Mills outlet mall,) I caught my Norfolk Tides playing the Richmond Braves at the Diamond.
The forecast was iffy, but I was able to dodge the raindrops for the most part and see some good baseball.
First stop was Salisbury, MD Friday evening. It was only two and a half hours from work, so I only had to leave an hour and a half early. I watched the Delmarva Shorebirds of the single-A South Atlantic League play the Asheville Tourists at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium. Saturday night, I had a reserved seat to watch the Washington Nationals take on the New York Mets at RFK Stadium in DC. After a quick trip down I-95 Sunday morning, (with a stop at Potomac Mills outlet mall,) I caught my Norfolk Tides playing the Richmond Braves at the Diamond.
The forecast was iffy, but I was able to dodge the raindrops for the most part and see some good baseball.
Thursday, April 28, 2005
At the 'Net- Mount Davis
I had seen it numerous times on TV, but was not prepared for how large and dominating the "new" centerfield stands are. They have been called Mount Davis by their detractors. They were constructed by the Coliseum Commission to lure the Raiders football team back from Los Angeles. The Raiders are run by Al Davis, an icon and football legend in his time, but in my opinion, time has passed him by.
Well, Mount Davis has turned the Coliseum from a decent baseball stadium into a marginal football stadium. Baseball in this place now seems to be lost in a huge hole. But the A's persevere, and do quite well, despite the circumstances.
A few things were still the same, even after twelve years, and new owners and management. I was always impressed with the A's marketing strategies. During the glory years of the late '80's, they brought out the white elephant logo, a nod towards their early history in Philadelphia. Last year, it was "A's brand" baseball.
A familiar voice also greeted me at the 'Net. Roy Steele, the Public Address Announcer. His deep, friendly voice and dry sense of humor always added to my experience, and he is still my favorite ballpark voice, (followed closely by the beer guy at Harbor Park!) I always enjoyed the small touch of irreverence at the Coliseum. It just seemed like the A's never took themselves over-seriously.
A couple of other notes: I ran out of camera battery here, so my pix are lacking a little; and met the hot dog I couldn't finish. It was massive- probably a pound- and in this tough, italian roll that should have been holding a large Philly cheesesteak. I got through almost half, and gave up!
Well, Mount Davis has turned the Coliseum from a decent baseball stadium into a marginal football stadium. Baseball in this place now seems to be lost in a huge hole. But the A's persevere, and do quite well, despite the circumstances.
A few things were still the same, even after twelve years, and new owners and management. I was always impressed with the A's marketing strategies. During the glory years of the late '80's, they brought out the white elephant logo, a nod towards their early history in Philadelphia. Last year, it was "A's brand" baseball.
A familiar voice also greeted me at the 'Net. Roy Steele, the Public Address Announcer. His deep, friendly voice and dry sense of humor always added to my experience, and he is still my favorite ballpark voice, (followed closely by the beer guy at Harbor Park!) I always enjoyed the small touch of irreverence at the Coliseum. It just seemed like the A's never took themselves over-seriously.
A couple of other notes: I ran out of camera battery here, so my pix are lacking a little; and met the hot dog I couldn't finish. It was massive- probably a pound- and in this tough, italian roll that should have been holding a large Philly cheesesteak. I got through almost half, and gave up!
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