Around The Major Leagues (And Other Adventures)

Chase Field

Hit The Lights!

Metallica's "Big 4" show in Indio, CA.

Whoops!

Joshua Tree National Park is completely different from any National Park I'd been too before. There were lizards running around, and tortoises too. I didn't know I wasn't supposed to pick them up until I saw the sign later. Sorry about that!

Time For A Walk

I took a quick break at a rest area on the way to Phoenix from LA. I'm sure you're thinking the same thing I did when I saw it. "Time for a walk!"

What's In There?

This was on my poisonous snake/insect walk. I'm disappointed I didn't see anything.

You See All Kinds Of Things On The Road

2011 Opening Day In Tacoma

Miller Park -- Get It?

My last name is Miller. There you go, now you got it. Ha-ha.

US Cellular Field

I liked The Cell a lot more this trip. They'd changed up a lot of things in the park since the last time I was out here.

Great Hanging Baskets

I like the hanging basket additions it really classes up the place. Seriously, I thought they looked great.

Told You I Don't Leave Early!

This was one of those nights that would have been easy to bail early on. But, I don't leave early, so on to extra innings. 12:31am w/a 6am flight!

My Dream Woman

Sorry Rosie, I'm married. I'll keep your number though, just in case.

Midnight Sun Game -- Fairbanks, AK

How many people do you know that have been to the Midnight Sun game in Fairbanks, AK? You know one now. It ended around 1:30am in extra innings. The game was called... due to darkenss. Irony, I know.

Ah... Fenway

Fenway is my favorite park. It's gorgeous to look at and oozes nostalgia. I love the history of the game - and this park has a lot of history.

Yes, I Went Down The Coke Slide. Twice.

I don't care how old you are. If you're at AT&T park, make a point of going down it. Try going down with a frown, it won't last.

Ballpark In Arlington Is Like A Gorgeous Movie Set

One thing that really stood out in Arlington is just how big the park is. I know, it's the old "Everything's bigger in Texas" saying, but seriously, it's huge. It's also really nice. It reminds me of a movie set. I'm looking forward to going back.

One Of The Greatest Ever

Joe DiMaggio is one of those players that was bigger than the game. His teammates worshipped him even thru his surliness. DiMaggio was about one thing: Winning. If you weren't there to win, get out of the way.

Game 1 Of A Day/Night Date w/Shea

I plan a lot of mulitple city or game trips. Leave contigency space if you can. I schedule a lot of night followed by day games to plan for potential rainouts.

Game 2 Of A Day/Night Date w/Shea

The train from the Bronx couldn't have been any smoother. I watched Rivera close it out at Yankee Stadium and made it to Shea in plenty of time to see Mets/Phillies.

Piece Of Advice...

Tip for all you married guys. If you ever have the chance to have your picture taken with Erin Andrews, and your wife is at the game with you... Pass.

Time Square At Midnight

I remember hitting Time Square in the afternoon and thinking "This isn't so great." It all changes after dark.

Tiger Stadium -- RIP

Walk out and touch the flagpole. Stand on the field, and run the imaginary bases. When I went there they had gates up. If they're still there, they're really more of a guideline.

Joe Mamas snicker

Proof that Toronto has a sense of humor.

How Can You Not Love The Indians?

Cleveland has 4 Mascots, and 3 of them are hot dogs. You just can't beat that.

World Baseball Classic -- A True Classic!

The Japan/Korea final of the World Baseball Classic was amazing. It ranks as one of my all-time favorite games.

Even In Defeat -- Still Fun!

The crowd at the final WBC game was awesome.

RIP Jose Lima

It's always hard seeing a player leave so soon. There were few players as engaged with the fanbase as Jose Lima.

Nuff Said

Western Metal Supply Co -- Not A Gimmick!

I thought the Western Supply Coin San Diego would feel forced, but it was actually really cool! Go early and get your name on the list for the later innings. You already get to stay up there longer than the first shift, and it looks better at night.

Have Fun With This One

Kansas City has a fantastic carousel in their kid zone. It's 10 times as cool as Detroit's. Their kid zone as a whole is pretty impressive. You can see the carousel doesn't have a weight limit, so get in on the fun! (You know you want to.)

Education Too!

Don't pass up the chance to learn too, kiddos! Philly is a fantastic city to just walk thru. There's so much history. Be sure to leave extra time when you're planning your trip. (The same goes for Boston.)

Citizens Bank Ballpark - Philly

I Like The Color Filter On This Shot

Busch Stadium is a no-nonsense ballpark. They don't have a lot of activities for kids and their concourses are enclosed, so get your food quick or you'll miss the action. Expect a sea of red for every game.

Great View For Cubs/Cards

Hey I Could Watch The Game Up Here!

They're a bathroom short in the Arch, otherwise they could include the game in the admission price.

Oh, I Guess That Makes Sense

The guy at the ticket counter looked at me like I was high when I asked for the riverboat tour ticket. "Um, it's flooded out." I had no idea, but once I was up in the Arch it all made sense.

Summer Rookie Ball In Phoenix

Watching summer Rookie Ball in Phoenix = Hardcore baseball fan, or man with a problem.

Beautiful Day For A Ballgame!

A Win In Corvallis - Go Cougs!

Post game after a great win in Corvallis.

Ah... Wrigley

There are two parks left in baseball with history and an aura to them: Wrigley and Fenway. Both parks and their neighborhoods are very different, both in good ways.

100 degrees In Tucson

The field is in tough shape. I wish the Padres were still in Portland. I bet the players do too, it was 100 degrees at 7pm gametime.

I'm Feeling Better About My Hairline

Nothing like the Friar to make me feel better about my hairline.

Years Of Dents

Take the Fenway Park tour while you're in Boston. They won't let you in the wall anymore, but you can still get up close and personal with the rest of the park, including the Monster.

Boston Park Plaza

If you're planning a trip to Boston try to stay somewhere different. Sure, you could stay at a Holiday Inn, but why do that when you can stay in a building with some history? The Park Plaza has the original doors mounted on the exterior of the room doors - it's weird to see how much smaller they were. You'll see a lot of that as you tour the area.

Beautiful Day In Phoenix

Pedro At Fenway

There are worse things than seeing Pedro Martinez pitching on a sunny Saturday afternoon, and striking out 12 in Fenway.

Coors Field

Can. Not. Resist.

Who can resist an opportunity to ham it up in San Francisco?

Minute Maid Park - Houston, TX

Katrina Aftermath

My friend Ted and I were on our Texas tour when Katrina hit. By the time we made it to Houston, every hotel in town was sold out. We had reservations, so we were fine, but there were people fighting over rooms in the parking lot and the police were called. We felt bad, we could have afforded a better room, and would have given our room up to someone else, but everywhere was sold out. The parking lot was full of Louisana plates, including a bunch of taxis and vans.

Wrigley

Harry Carey's

Fantastic steaks at Harry Carey's and a fun atmosphere. Sorry though, Cubs Fans. Mike Shannon's joint in St Louis was better!

PNC - View At Night

Clemente

Nuff said.

West Field - Old Negro League Park

This is all that's left of West Field, one of the few Negro League Parks that haven't been completely plowed or built over. It's wild to think that Josh Gibson or Satchel Paige might have played here. There are some really interesting old neighborhoods close by, and an urban area with old theaters and businesses that are out of business and in disrepair. It's sad, because there was a time these were a cultural hot bed in Pennsylvania. The posted sale signs were advertising for Women and Minority owners.

PNC Park

Hard To Beat The View @ PNC

PNC is one of those parks that looks fake on television. The setting and views of the bridges are so perfect that you can't believe it's real.

Mile High

This is at the mile high cutoff at Coors Field. They spotlight it with a row of ugly purple seats that rim the park.

Go Cougs!

I spent a lot of afternoons at the ballpark in Pullman. Playing? No, I wish. Just watching. I missed Scott Hatteberg by a year, but I did see Mike Kincaid and Mark Hendrickson play before they made it to the Majors.

Wrestlemania!

Hulkamania ran wild at Safeco Field. Make fun all you want, it was a great time!

Minor League Baseball Is Awesome Too!

Oh Canada

Travel tip. If you're going to Canada for a short-season A team, be prepared to explain why you're going on a night when the Mariners are in town in Seattle. Also, be sure to have some idea of who the team is playing in Canada. It will make your life much easier. Oh, and don't do all of this on Canada Day. I guess they watch that stuff closer, it's like their 4th Of July or something.

Shot Of The Field In Vancouver

Drift Run

I got to ride passenger for some drift laps. Thanks for the ride, it was fun. This was leading into a Formula Drift event.

Go Mariners (Except For Maddy)

Maddy roots for the Yankees. I don't know why, but she's cheered for them since she was 2 years old. I'm just glad she likes the game, so she can root for whomever she wants to.

What Happened To Hockey Night In Canada?

This was at the Canucks game on Election Night. There were crowds around every station watching election results as they were coming in.

Election Day - Obama Wins In Canada

I did what every American did, or should have done, on Election Day 2008. I voted. Then I went to Canada to watch the Canucks. They announced that Obama had won the election and the arena erupted in cheers.

Griffey Returns

When the Mariners brought Ken Griffey Jr back into the fold I knew two things. 1) I was taking the kids to see him, so someday they can see they did and 2) They were getting shirts. As timing goes, when I went to get the shirts they were changing out the window at Safeco Field.

Play Ball

Opening Day. In Pasco, WA

Hardcore? Driving to Pasco, WA for Opening Day of short-season Single A ball.

Las Vegas

So Close

Brandon Morrow took a no-hitter into the 8th against the Yankees. Damn, so close!

Eugene, OR

Eugene - I Like The Wood

As much as I hate the Oregon Ducks, I'll give them kudos for having a really nice place to play. It doesn't hurt when Phil Knight owns the team... well, not literally, just figuratively.

The Crater

The aptly named Crater in Salem, OR. It's one of the more miserable places to watch a game. The seats are all sunfaded, and it's hot as hell there when the sun is beating down on you.

Um, What Are You?

Have you ever seen a more confused mascot? What are you?

RIP Greg Halman

Greg Halman was tragically killed during the 2011 offseason. I had a chance to meet Greg and talk with him for awhile. He was a good guy with a great sense of humor. The player on the right is Mike Wilson, another good guy. Both had a chance to play with the Mariners in 2011.

2010 Opening Day In Tacoma

Louisville Slugger Museum

The Louisville Slugger Museum is worth the trip! My friend Ted was traveling with me on the trip and decided to sleep in. I told him he missed out. He said "I bet." See, even he knows he missed out!

Fly Away!

A Catch With The Girls

I'm No Junior

I hit with Ken Griffey Jr and Ted Williams model bats. It's interesting to see and feel the difference both in weight and torque.

Turner Field - Atlanta, GA

Ah, Royston

If you're driving thru Royston, Georgia you can see Ty Cobb's dentures at the Ty Cobb Museum! There's not much else to see in Royston. No offense, Royston.

Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum - Greenville, SC

If you're driving through Greenville, SC be sure and see the Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum. It's right behind Fluor Field. Check the schedule or call ahead though, they have limited hour. Say "Hi" to Arlene for me!

Shoeless Joe Museum Interior

The Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum is in the house Joe Jackson lived in when he died. Arlene has done a nice job trying to restore it both in colors and furniture.

Fluor Field - "Little Fenway"

The Greenville Drive are a Boston Red Sox affiliate. They modeled Fluor Field off of Fenway. They have their own monster, and the field dimensions are the same. How would you like to own one of those condos?

Greenville Riverwalk

OK, so I showed you pictures of the Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum and Fluor Field. If that wasn't enough, how about a shot of Greenville's Riverwalk? It's a real pretty area. Check it out if you're on your way to or from Atlanta.

Shoeless Joe Statue - Greenville, SC

Nice statue down the Riverwalk in Greenville, SC.

Cheney Stadium Reconstruction/Remodeling

Cheney Stadium Demolition/Remodeling

Ice, Ice Baby

I told you there would be more than just baseball. I wish Seattle would get an NHL team. *Sigh*

Huntington Park - Columbus, OH

Huntington Concessions

I like the open view fo the field from the concessions at Huntington Park. They have some pretty good food choices too, it's worth the stop.

Rawr!

Some people think that Comerica is a little overboard with the Tiger motiff. I like it!

Comerica Park - Detroit, MI

Rogers Centre - Toronto, ON

Flat Megan and Flat Maddy At Niagara Falls

The girls had me take flat versions of them with me on my trip a few years back. Brad Ziegler, Matt LaPorta, and a few mascots took pictures with them which I sent home to the girls each night. Megan thought it was hilarious. One of my favorite shots is them at Niagara Falls. The Canada side is way better than the US side by the way. Take the trip!

Toledo Mud Hens

Toledo is kind of a sad little town. It has a gorgeous AAA park, but most of the town is out of business. The attendance is good, so they must have jobs somewhere. You would think a new park would revitalize downtown.

Ben Cheney Statue @ Cheney Stadium

When my kids were younger they would want to visit the Ben Cheney statue during every game. Megan would apick imaginary peanuts out of the bag and eat them. She was getting pissed when we were leaving a game and my wife didn't understand what her deal was. She hasn't visited "The Peanut Guy" yet.

Barbaro

Churchill Downs

We hit Churchill Downs so my friend Ted could get a souvenir for his son and HEY look at that , it was a race day. Churchill Downs is gorgeous.

Great American Ball Park - Cincinnati, OH

I really like Great American Ball Park. It's refreshingly different than the rest of the parks that were built those few years. It has a AAA feel to it, in a good way. I'm looking fowrad to going back.

They Made Me Leave The Next Day...

Kirby And Ichiro

It's always weird going back through pictures, especially when you see a shot you forgot you took. Here's Kirby Puckett talking to Ichiro at the All Star Game warm-up.

2001 All Star Game

Yikes - That Was A Long Time Ago

This was my first non-Seattle ballpark. Edison, now Angel Stadium.

Boom Goes The Dynamite

Last Game In The Kingdome

This was the Mariners last game in the Kingdome. Ken Griffey Jr hit a home run and robbed a home run with a glove over the wall. A nice end to a miserable place to watch baseball.

Feral Cat Alley - You Can't Make That Up

This was at PGE Park in Portland (before they booted the MiLB team and brought in MLS). I wonder if the Ferral Cat Alley is still there.

AAA All Star Game - Portland, OR

It's pretty weak that Portland gets the AAA All Star Game, then moves the team. I liked that park, and it was cool to have another choice outside of just the Seattle-local teams. I think Portland lost any hope of an MLB team when they turned their back on the Beavers.

Nom Nom

The girls thought the San Diego Chicken was hilarious. We waited over an hour to meet him and it was worth every minute of it.

Drive To Yakima

Nice view on the drive to Yakima, WA (to see another Single A short-season team).

Yakima Bears

Rawr!

I have pictures with Tigers and a Bear. I'm one animal short of an "Oh My!"

AAGPBL In Milwaukee

I think it's great that they have a display set for the AAGPBL in Miller Park. I'll be honest, I had zero idea that Racine was in Wisconsin until I saw it.

Lamest Slide Ever

So you're a kid at Miller Park. You walk into the ballpark and see the field and the first thing you think is "WOW, Dad can I go on THAT slide?!" (Pointing to the slide in LF.) No, Sonny, but you can go on this one. Lame.

Ugh... Next Time, Cougs!

Ugly Apple Cup loss in Seattle in 2011. This is proof that there are Cougs that stay to the bitter end in defeat. We'll be back. Go Cougs!

Rocking The #1

I made fun of my wife for rocking the #1 when we were getting blown out in Corvallis a few years back. I get my picture taken with Butch and what happens? Yep, we're #1! Amy thinks I'm mocking her in the shot, I'm not, I just love the Cougs!

Yeah, Rancho Cucamonga!

Rancho Cucamonga for some baseball! Jealous? Hey, it was on the way to Phoenix. I couldn't just keep driving, it's not in my nature.

Clemson Vs South Carolina At Fluor Field

Work had me in for meetings a day after the Clemson/South Carolina series was set to end at Fluor Field. Thanks to Mother Nature, they were making up a rainout the day I got in. Nice!

Go Rainiers!

Metallica - Big 4

This was at the Big 4 show in Indio, CA. Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, and Anthrax. Yes please.

Go Cougs In Corvallis!

Martin Stadium - Go Cougs!

I love the changes they've been making to Martin Stadium. And now with Mike Leach on board, things could get even better. Go Cougs!

Happy Birthday, Dad

Strike A Pose!

I take my Dad to a Seahawks game for his birthday. Next thing I know he has locker-room and field passes for us from a guy he knows. Um, Happy Birthday? Very cool!

Next Time, Cougs!

Tough loss at the Rose Bowl, Oklahoma absolutely dominated us. It was still awesome to be there though!

Go Cougs!

Great win against UCLA in Pullman!

"Wicked" Tip For The Married Man

Here's a free tip for the married man. Your wife will be infinitely cooler with multiple ball games if you invest in a Broadway show. She may tell you that the tickets are too expensive (because you'll have to go thru a ticket broker for the hot shows,) but she's probably lying.

Yankee Stadium

100th Apple Cup

I've been to quite a few Apple Cups, but few have been as up and down emotionally as this Cougar win!

Around The Major Leagues (And Other Adventures)

Chase Field

Hit The Lights!

Whoops!

Time For A Walk

What's In There?

You See All Kinds Of Things On The Road

2011 Opening Day In Tacoma

Miller Park -- Get It?

US Cellular Field

Great Hanging Baskets

Told You I Don't Leave Early!

My Dream Woman

Midnight Sun Game -- Fairbanks, AK

Ah... Fenway

Yes, I Went Down The Coke Slide. Twice.

Ballpark In Arlington Is Like A Gorgeous Movie Set

One Of The Greatest Ever

Game 1 Of A Day/Night Date w/Shea

Game 2 Of A Day/Night Date w/Shea

Piece Of Advice...

Time Square At Midnight

Tiger Stadium -- RIP

Joe Mamas *snicker*

How Can You Not Love The Indians?

World Baseball Classic -- A True Classic!

Even In Defeat -- Still Fun!

RIP Jose Lima

Nuff Said

Western Metal Supply Co -- Not A Gimmick!

Have Fun With This One

Education Too!

Citizens Bank Ballpark - Philly

I Like The Color Filter On This Shot

Great View For Cubs/Cards

Hey I Could Watch The Game Up Here!

Oh, I Guess That Makes Sense

Summer Rookie Ball In Phoenix

Beautiful Day For A Ballgame!

A Win In Corvallis - Go Cougs!

Ah... Wrigley

100 degrees In Tucson

I'm Feeling Better About My Hairline

Years Of Dents

Boston Park Plaza

Beautiful Day In Phoenix

Pedro At Fenway

Coors Field

Can. Not. Resist.

Minute Maid Park - Houston, TX

Katrina Aftermath

Wrigley

Harry Carey's

PNC - View At Night

Clemente

West Field - Old Negro League Park

PNC Park

Hard To Beat The View @ PNC

Mile High

Go Cougs!

Wrestlemania!

Minor League Baseball Is Awesome Too!

Oh Canada

Shot Of The Field In Vancouver

Drift Run

Go Mariners (Except For Maddy)

What Happened To Hockey Night In Canada?

Election Day - Obama Wins In Canada

Griffey Returns

Play Ball

Opening Day. In Pasco, WA

Las Vegas

So Close

Eugene, OR

Eugene - I Like The Wood

The Crater

Um, What Are You?

RIP Greg Halman

2010 Opening Day In Tacoma

Louisville Slugger Museum

Joe Mamas snicker