Welcome to Regency Furniture Stadium, in Waldorf, Maryland, southeast of Washington, DC. The southern Maryland Blue Crabs are a first year franchise in the independent Atlantic league, a full-season minor league.
The stadium is located literally in the middle of nowhere, in a soon-to-be developing area a couple of miles off US-301. At night, the stadium has the only lights for about a mile.
A seat was $13, a little pricey, but even the worst seats have a great view of the field. Lawn seats beyond the right field fence are $6.
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Up Close and Personal
The stadium has about 4,000 seats, and like a few other smaller parks, the seats in the outfield corners are turned in towards the infield. Makes for a great view of the game, unless a ball is hit into the corner closest to you.
Regency Furniture Stadium is well set up for groups, with a party suite in the left field corner with a large room and skybox style seats in front. The skyboxes behind home plate are also VERY close to the action.
Regency Furniture Stadium is well set up for groups, with a party suite in the left field corner with a large room and skybox style seats in front. The skyboxes behind home plate are also VERY close to the action.
Bumper Boats in the Outfield!
Apparently, the Blue Crabs have decided to go the Arizona Diamondbacks one better, putting a large pool with bumper boats in left field. Kids can pilot these boats like bumper cars, and use the water cannons to soak their friends.
Regency Furniture Stadium
Regency Furniture Stadium is a nice, cozy ballpark, with plenty of good seats. The hot dogs are great, as is the beer. If only the baseball could have been a little better. The Blue Crabs beat the Riversharks 12-8 in nine innings, and the game took over 4 hours!
END BLUE CRABS
END BLUE CRABS
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Jacobs Field- Beyond Centerfield
Jacobs Field sits on the south edge of Downtown Cleveland. Freeways sit to the south, behind the first base stands. A few parking garages, the Quicken Loans Arena, and buildings like this are on the other three sides. This view looks east.
A ballpark neighborhood has sprung up around Jacobs Field, with many bars and restaurants within a couple of blocks of the park for your dining pleasure before or after the game.
A ballpark neighborhood has sprung up around Jacobs Field, with many bars and restaurants within a couple of blocks of the park for your dining pleasure before or after the game.
Jacobs Field- Big First Inning
I've been to many games at Jacobs Field, at least one a year since it opened. I've sat in all kinds of seats, from the bleachers, to the nosebleed seats, to a luxury suite once, but had never seen anything like this!
This is a shot of the scoreboard on August 13th, 2006. take a good look now...
The score is 11-0 Indians, and there is ONLY ONE OUT in the bottom of the first. A Travis Hafner grand slam and nine other hits helped the Tribe get to this point. Shin Soo Choo is batting for the second time.
This is a shot of the scoreboard on August 13th, 2006. take a good look now...
The score is 11-0 Indians, and there is ONLY ONE OUT in the bottom of the first. A Travis Hafner grand slam and nine other hits helped the Tribe get to this point. Shin Soo Choo is batting for the second time.
Jacobs Field- Upper Deck View
This is a view from far left field in the upper deck. The club seats are along the first base side- nice seats if you can get-em! The mezzanine in right field is similar, and a nice place to see a game.
Cleveland Flats
And this is the view to the west from the upper concourse. it really shows off the industrial character of Cleveland, with the Cuyahoga River winding through the picture.
This is looking towards the Flats, an area along the river on both banks just west of Downtown. It used to be an awesome place to go after a game, but has seen some harder times lately, as the party tastes of Clevelanders have changed.
There is a complicated network of drawbridges and a few high-level bridges in this area. A few different railroads serve the businesses along the river, and the street network is confusing to the uninitiated. the river was here first, and still seems to be the best way to get around!
This is looking towards the Flats, an area along the river on both banks just west of Downtown. It used to be an awesome place to go after a game, but has seen some harder times lately, as the party tastes of Clevelanders have changed.
There is a complicated network of drawbridges and a few high-level bridges in this area. A few different railroads serve the businesses along the river, and the street network is confusing to the uninitiated. the river was here first, and still seems to be the best way to get around!
Jacobs Field- Tall Grandstand
One thing I really don't like about Jacobs Field that few people mention is the height of the upper deck above the field. It seems the park was built at the height of the luxury suite boom around the majors. That's THREE leverls of suites between the lower and upper decks. It can be great to sit in the upper deck, and some of the best fans in Cleveland sit there, but it kind of feels like you are detached from the rest of the game and park. From the lower deck, it feels like this huge wall is sitting above you.
But, it probably isn't any higher than the upper deck was at the old stadium!
But, it probably isn't any higher than the upper deck was at the old stadium!
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Silence in Oakland
I learned today that one of my favorite baseball broadcasters, Bill King, passed away yesterday. I've been a little down since I heard the news. Who, you say?
Bill King has been the voice of the Oakland A's for the last 25 years. He also called games for the Oakland Raiders, and the Golden State Warriors, and did all three for a couple of years. I never got to hear him call basketball or football games, but had the pleasure of listening to him and Lon Simmons do A's games on the radio while I was living in the Bay Area. Simmons was inducted into the broadcasters wing of the baseball hall of fame this year, and many will say that Bill King was better.
My memories of A's baseball while I was out there include some great baseball, and some great A's teams, with Canseco, McGwire, Weiss, Steinbach, Stewart, Welch and Eckersley. The Oakland Coliseum was still a decent ballpark, before the monstrosity called Mt. Davis was erected in center field. But I think what I remember most about those times were the voices. The deep voice of Roy Steele, still the A's public address announcer, the baritone voice of Lon Simmons on the radio, and the unique, sometimes staccato, always crisp tenor of Bill King.
I loved how he described the game- smooth and steady, often painting a picture for you. Plenty of humor, with personal anecdotes that never seemed to get in the way of the action on the field. When things got exciting, you never quite knew what he would say, but you knew it would be classic, and would describe the situation perfectly. No matter what, you got the sense that he was really enjoying what he was doing, and who he was working with, which made it all the better.
His most famous call was with the Raiders, the famous "Holy Roller" forward fumble of the early 70's. He capped off his description of the frantic play with "Nothing is real anymore, The Oakland Raiders have won the game!" My best memory of him was a call for a Jose Canseco home run I heard one night. After hearing the crack of the bat, he rattled off in about three seconds: "That one is high! That one is deep! That one is gone!" Then, after a second or two, his trademark "Holy Toledo!" followed by a more detailed description of the homer. Simple, eloquent, and capturing the raw power of the Bash Brothers.
It is often said that fans develop a special attachment to their team's broadcasters, because they hear them so much, because they represent the team, and especially because radio can be such a personal medium. Here in Norfolk, I've enjoyed the last couple of years with Jeff McCarriger calling our Tides games. But the truly great broadcasters stick with you, even when you don't listen regularly. Luckily, thanks to the internet and satellite radio, I have been able to tune in to the A's broadcasts every once in a while over the last couple of years, and listen to Bill King. I think it was almost more important that I was listening to him call the game than that I was listening to the A's game. Next year, I'll be able to tune in and listen to Vin Scully, Bob Uecker and Marty Brennaman, but it just won't be the same without Bill King, one of the best.
Here is a great tribute to King written by Ray Ratto of the San Francisco Chronicle:
http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2005/10/19/SPGD1FANUT1.DTL
Bill King has been the voice of the Oakland A's for the last 25 years. He also called games for the Oakland Raiders, and the Golden State Warriors, and did all three for a couple of years. I never got to hear him call basketball or football games, but had the pleasure of listening to him and Lon Simmons do A's games on the radio while I was living in the Bay Area. Simmons was inducted into the broadcasters wing of the baseball hall of fame this year, and many will say that Bill King was better.
My memories of A's baseball while I was out there include some great baseball, and some great A's teams, with Canseco, McGwire, Weiss, Steinbach, Stewart, Welch and Eckersley. The Oakland Coliseum was still a decent ballpark, before the monstrosity called Mt. Davis was erected in center field. But I think what I remember most about those times were the voices. The deep voice of Roy Steele, still the A's public address announcer, the baritone voice of Lon Simmons on the radio, and the unique, sometimes staccato, always crisp tenor of Bill King.
I loved how he described the game- smooth and steady, often painting a picture for you. Plenty of humor, with personal anecdotes that never seemed to get in the way of the action on the field. When things got exciting, you never quite knew what he would say, but you knew it would be classic, and would describe the situation perfectly. No matter what, you got the sense that he was really enjoying what he was doing, and who he was working with, which made it all the better.
His most famous call was with the Raiders, the famous "Holy Roller" forward fumble of the early 70's. He capped off his description of the frantic play with "Nothing is real anymore, The Oakland Raiders have won the game!" My best memory of him was a call for a Jose Canseco home run I heard one night. After hearing the crack of the bat, he rattled off in about three seconds: "That one is high! That one is deep! That one is gone!" Then, after a second or two, his trademark "Holy Toledo!" followed by a more detailed description of the homer. Simple, eloquent, and capturing the raw power of the Bash Brothers.
It is often said that fans develop a special attachment to their team's broadcasters, because they hear them so much, because they represent the team, and especially because radio can be such a personal medium. Here in Norfolk, I've enjoyed the last couple of years with Jeff McCarriger calling our Tides games. But the truly great broadcasters stick with you, even when you don't listen regularly. Luckily, thanks to the internet and satellite radio, I have been able to tune in to the A's broadcasts every once in a while over the last couple of years, and listen to Bill King. I think it was almost more important that I was listening to him call the game than that I was listening to the A's game. Next year, I'll be able to tune in and listen to Vin Scully, Bob Uecker and Marty Brennaman, but it just won't be the same without Bill King, one of the best.
Here is a great tribute to King written by Ray Ratto of the San Francisco Chronicle:
http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2005/10/19/SPGD1FANUT1.DTL
Monday, July 18, 2005
Wahconah- Old Wooden Grandstand
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.
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.
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.
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