I needed an excellent rebound from the Lost Weekend in Florida. Luckily, I planned an early season trip with Mrs. Nomad to Toronto to see the Blue Jays and relax a bit. From a trip planning perspective, I wanted to get this one out of the way. The Rogers Centre is domed so the weather wouldn’t be an issue. Why not get the trip done before the schedule got crazy? As it turned out, the trip was just at the right time. It was relaxing, fun and rejuvenating. Mrs. Nomad and I have always had fun in Canada, and this trip north of the border was no different. Vlad Guerrero Jr.’s first weekend in the show was an added plus.

Vlad Guerrero Jr. – Ken Griffey Jr. or Clint Hurdle?

When we drove north on Friday, I was feeling much better. So much so that I suggested that we try and see Friday night’s game too. After all, it was Vlad Jr.’s first game. However, I got the look – not that Mrs. Nomad doesn’t like baseball – but this was an overly aggressive idea. We were both tired.

“Discretion is the better part of valor” is my new motto. So, instead of testing fate, we decided to have a quick dinner and watch the game on television. Predictably, I fell asleep in the middle of the game and missed Vlad Jr.’s ninth-inning double and Brandon Drury’s home run to win the game.

Hazel Mae is a member of a seemingly excellent Blue Jays’ broadcasting team and seems to be a good reporter. So, I mean no offense. However, she said something on Friday that struck me as odd. While recounting how Vlad Jr., a weak fielder, was working diligently on his defensive skills, she said it was his “next step on the road to greatness.”

I thought about Clint Hurdle. Then I thought about Ken Griffey Jr. Each had a different career arc, and the appropriate question is “which road is Vlad Jr. on?”

Clint Hurdle

My first memory of Clint Hurdle was the cover of the March 28, 1978 issue of Sports Illustrated. Clint was on the cover – smiling broadly. The headline read “This Years Phenom.” Unfortunately, Clint was anything but a can’t miss rookie. He missed badly.

In ten years, he hit only 32 home runs, batted a mediocre .259 and only played more than 80 games in two seasons. He had a severe back injury that affected his play for a long time. He partied and may have battled alcoholism. Some suggested that they rushed him to the majors too quickly. ⁹

Hurdle is now the very successful manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Happy with his life and apparently the saga of his playing days a distant memory.

Ken Griffey Jr.

I don’t remember when I first noticed Ken Griffey Jr. It may have been his broad smile or the way he casually wore his cap backward. Possibly it was the understanding that Reds and Yankee outfielder, Ken Griffey had a namesake that played the game and was going to the bigs.

Griffey Jr. had the pedigree and was gifted. However, lineage is not a determinant of talent, and there was the chance that Griffey Jr. would not be that good.

He was more than good, he was great!

His 22-year career that started in 1989, when the 19-year-old Griffey Jr. was third in Rookie of the Year voting. It ended as a 1st ballot inductee into the Hall of Fame with 99.32 percent of the vote. The highest percentage until a guy named Rivera was a unanimous electee. In his career, Griffey Jr. hit 630 home runs and slashed .284/.370/.538. ¹⁰

Vlad Guerrero Jr.??

Vlad Jr. has the pedigree. He has his dad’s swing and has a presence on the field and seems to be a natural leader. Additionally, he enjoys the game and plays with as much joy as enthusiasm. Very highly regarded, he is either the number one or number two prospect in the game.

My only point is that his success is not assured. We shouldn’t be ready to engrave his Hall of Fame plaque at this point in his nascent career. I remember an old saying (that I can’t find a reference to anywhere) “There are two types of ballplayers – the ones that have been embarrassed and the ones that will be embarrassed.” Nothing is certain, especially in baseball.

If Vlad Jr. fulfills his destiny, remember that his success was not a sure thing. It took a lot of work and dedication to get to Cooperstown. On the other hand, if his career doesn’t pan out as expected – remember that he worked just as hard, it just didn’t happen.

I hope he enjoys the road he is on, regardless of the destination. He’s a good guy and deserves that much.

Note that I am not going to discuss the fact that the Blue Jays likely manipulated Vlad Jr.’s service time so that they can control him for an extra year. It’s not a good practice and hurts the players. However, I discussed the practice in a previous post, and I’m sure there will be time to do so later. Let’s stick to the game and fun weekend in Toronto.

Saturday Morning in Toronto

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Peameal Bacon Sandwich’s

What do you do when you have a free morning in Toronto? We decided to go in search of the St. Lawrence Market in Old Toronto. The market opened in 1803 and has been a centerpiece of Toronto’s culinary tradition for almost as long and was just a short walk from the hotel. We were in search of a Peameal Bacon Sandwich for breakfast. The best ones are from the Carousel Bakery, “The fabulous sandwich has been often imitated but never duplicated by many competitors.” The sandwich is an adult does of pork on a soft bun. I liked mine, but couldn’t quite finish it.

Montreal Bagels

After we finished our sandwiches, we walked through the market. Past incredible seafood stands – a woman ladling mussels out of a big bin filled with water. Then we went by the meat stands – fantastic steaks, chops, and sausages on display. There were specialty shops, candies, chocolate, “Montreal Bagels” at St. Urban Bagel. A Montreal-style bagel in comparison to the New York-style bagel is “is smaller, thinner, sweeter and denser, with a larger hole, and is always baked in a wood-fired oven. It contains malt, egg, and no salt, and is boiled in honey-sweetened water before being baked.” ¹¹ We tried a delicious poppy bagel.

Canadian Mustard!

And then we found the Kozlik’s Canadian Mustard stand. Kozlik’s is family owned and operated since it opened in 1948. They say that their recipe and process to produce hand-maid mustard in small batches has not changed in 60 years.

Something I did not know – Canada is the second-largest mustard producer exports more mustard seed than any other country in the world.¹²

Kozlik’s had numerous mustards on display. Very few were yellow. They segment their mustards into three groups, Spicy, Sweet, and Savory. As far as I can tell, the traditional Canadian mustard is a lovely shade of brown.

Imagine my concern that the Rogers Centre feature’s yellow mustard. See my comments regarding hot dogs below.

On To The Rogers Center

The game started at 3:00. We arrived at around 1:30 and headed straight to the team store. Unlike the other team stores that I have been to, they had numerous, friendly and cheerful salespeople to assist. I dutifully purchased my Blue Jays’ hat and broke down and got a Guerrero Jr. #27 jersey. Today’s a once in a lifetime event when you see a likely future baseball great in his opening weekend. Might as well commemorate the occasion.

Then we walked the perimeter of the main level. It had been a long time since we were there. The last time was in the early 1990s. The Rogers Center is not a ballyard, it’s a stadium. It feels like a domed arena. The dome is impressive, and it was more than good to be in from the cold. However, it is a closed-in domed stadium without the beautiful windows featured in Marlins Park. as a consequence, there was not a connection to the outside. A fun time, but we felt like we were in an arena – not a relaxing ballyard.

However, if I lived in Toronto, I’d go often. The wave through the smallish crowd during the later innings was silly but quaint. And Rogers Centre is the only major league ballpark that can offer “Loonie Dogs Night” since the “loonie” is the Canadian dollar. So every other stadium can only try “Dollar Dogs Night” which just doesn’t seem to be as much fun.

The Game

“You never know what’s going to happen… And that’s the fun of it!! That’s what baseball’s all about!!”

Keiichi Arawi

The Blue Jays are playing a new style (for them) of ball. They’ve lost their power hitters (e.g., Josh Donaldson, Edwin Encarnacion, and Jose Bautista”) and so they have turned to “small ball.” The change is likely due to new manager Charlie Montoyo who coached for Tampa Bay when they played similar ball. ¹³

The Blue Jays won 7 – 1. Guerrero Jr. went 1 for 4 with a walk and two strikeouts.

We saw a safety squeeze play in the second inning when Eric Sogard pushed a bunt up the first base line allowing Danny Jansen to score from third. Pretty play.

We saw some excellent defense too. Teoscar Hernandez saved the day with two outs in the top of the fifth inning. The Jays were ahead 4 to 1, and Matt Chapman was the tying run at the plate since men were on first and second. Chapman hit a scorching line drive to the gap between left and center field that Hernandez barely reached, stretching to catch the ball. If he missed the ball, Chapman would have been on second (if not third) with both runners scoring.

Here’s something I’ve never seen in a game. In the top of the seventh, Nick Hundley hit a ground ball to the left of the second baseman, Brandon Drury. Drury started moving to his left and collided with umpire Larry Vanover, allowing the ball to go through and Hundley to be safe at first.

The Great Hot Dog Challenge – We have a new leader!

Toronto’s hot dog offering was a very lovely rebound from my choice at Marlin’s Park! Schneider’s franks are the official hot dog of the Blue Jays. They were founded in Canada in 1890 by JM Schneider. So first criteria met – they are unique to the area!

Moreover, the dogs are big not just long – a very meaty feast. They are tasty – with an exciting mix of spices. The dogs are grilled at a specialty stand and assembled as needed. They are on a soft bun with a little crust that works nicely with the crispy dog.

Additionally, they offer grilled onions and a series of condiments from raw onions, relish, chorizo sauce, pickled peppers and more.

So I am giving the Rogers Centre’s hot dog offering high marks and moving them to the top of my burgeoning list. However, I need to deduct some points for their choice of mustard.

How is it possible that in the real home of mustard the mustard of choice is Heinz Yellow Mustard? Moreover, how can they taunt me with the slogan “It Has To Be?” No, it doesn’t “have to be!” Call the folks at Kozliks and offer their mustard, please. Doing so will restore my faith in what is possible.

Next stop is Southern California and Mexico.

I planned to fly into Miami on Friday afternoon and see the Marlins that night. On Saturday, I’d drive the three and a half hours to St. Petersburg and catch the Rays. On Sunday, I’d drive back to Miami and fly home. In so doing, I would visit two ballparks I’d never been to before and have some fun. The resulting post would discuss why Florida’s baseball franchises are troubled and my thoughts on the ballparks I visited. That didn’t happen. Instead, it was a lost weekend in Florida, and I never made it to St. Petersburg.

A Rough Start

My game day flights leave early, around 6:00 AM, which means that I am up around 4:30 and out by 5:00. Thus I expect to be tired all day. Friday was no different. I landed in Miami around noon, got to my hotel and promptly slept until it was time to go to the game. This is not the way I roll. I might be tired but never so much that I require an afternoon nap, no. However, I felt odd, out of it and very tired. That night, after the game, I was up every couple of hours with stomach issues.

By Saturday morning I knew I was in trouble. I was a little dizzy, felt feverish my stomach was still bothering me, and I was somewhat short of breath. , I wondered if the pneumonia I had the previous week was back, even though I thought I felt better on Thursday. I didn’t want to drive to St. Petersburg, and I considered taking a train. I didn’t know they had trains between Miami and Tampa.

The timing for the train wouldn’t fit my schedule so I “soldiered on.” I left the hotel around 10:00 and started driving north.

Soldiering On

“Soldiered on?” Isn’t this going to be the trip of a lifetime, every baseball fan’s dream? Yes, the journey of a lifetime and something I desperately want to do. However, that doesn’t mean that every day will be enjoyable and the travel easy. There will be days when I don’t have it all together when things don’t go smoothly.

Moreover, there is no turning back. Thirty ballparks and 42 stops is not a goal, it’s a commitment I’ve made to myself, and I don’t plan on failing. Which means I will need to push myself at times, and so I did.

The drive seemed to be going fine. When I was about 100 miles out, going west on I-75 and just entering the Everglades, I decided to take a break at a rest stop. My sense was that rest stops would be few and far between, so it was a good time to stop.

I didn’t realize how sick I was until I got out of the car and stood up. When I did so, I felt dizzy and didn’t think I had the energy to walk the 100 feet to the men’s room. So I sat on a bench near the car while I gathered my strength to try the walk. In the men’s room, I was hot, sweaty and thought I was going to pass out.

Remembering that “discretion is the better part of valor,” I decided to stop and drove back to Miami. I slept for most of the next 24 hours and flew home.

I’ll go to St. Petersburg on September 7th. I’m soldiering on.

Friday Night at Marlins Park

I may not be the most objective soul out there. I’m a baseball fan and will probably like most of the ballparks I visit. I like Marlins Park and find it sad that more people weren’t there. The Washington Nationals are in town on a Friday night and only 8,000 or so people are in the park. Many of them were wearing Nationals gear; I’d guess that no more than 60% were Marlins fans.

Miami’s attendance is so bad that they didn’t even sell tickets in the upper deck. It’s closed.

My take is it’s a great place to go. I don’t need the Marlins Mermaids dancing during the middle of the third inning, but it’s fun. There is Cuban music playing, Cuban food offered around the park, the bobblehead museum and a beautiful view of Miami through dramatic tall glass windows in left field. Just imagine if the place was packed, the music was blaring and the fans rocking. It would be impressive.

So what went wrong?

What’s Wrong With Florida Baseball?

Florida baseball attendance is awful. In 2018 the Rays ranked 29th (1,155k) and the Marlins 30th (811k) in attendance. Their combined attendance of 1,966k would rank 20th! ¹⁴

The Marlins have been among the worst five teams in average attendance in 18 of the past 19 seasons. The Rays have ranked last in six straight seasons. ¹⁵

The poor state of Florida baseball surprises people since it is one of the two states to host spring training. However, many of the fans who attend the “Grapefruit League” are on vacation and not Florida residents. They are not there in the summer. ¹⁶

Most of the articles I read point to both macro and micro issues with Florida baseball.

On the Macro side, consider that:

• Florida fans are transient, many move there from other parts of the country. Baseball fans bring their original allegiances with them. So there may be baseball fans in Florida, but a small proportion are Marlins or Rays fans. ¹⁷
• Additionally, many of these transient fans leave Florida in the summer. ¹⁵
• The teams are not successful; they have only reached the playoffs six times in their 45 combined seasons. Competitive teams tend to draw more fans. ¹⁶
• They don’t spend a lot of money which makes it hard to keep their best players. Currently, the Marlins rank 28th and the Rays 30th in team payroll. ¹⁸

The Marlins’ Problem

On the Micro side, both teams have their distinct issues. I’ll discuss the Rays in September when I finally get to the Trop (Tropicana Stadium). The Marlins problem is that they have a long history of trading their best players.

The team has gone through four distinct fire sale periods in the last 20 years. They sold off critical assets after their 1997 world championship and did so again two years after their 2003 title. This bizarre strategy seemed designed to minimize goodwill and long-term fan investment and failed to capitalize on the rare feat of winning it all. After spending big to coincide with the opening of Marlins Park in 2012, the team once again traded away nearly every major league asset after a disappointing season. Dismantling the team again was probably the last straw for baseball in Miami, especially after the taxpayers of Miami-Dade County had chipped in a staggering and unconscionable $500 million to help build the stadium.

David Faris ¹⁷

In 2017, the Marlins had one of the best outfields in baseball and traded all three away as part of a historic selloff. That year they traded players that accounted for more WAR (Wins Above Replacement) than any other team in history. ¹⁹

My Visit To Marlins Park

I got to the park a little early. My assumption was that the gates would open two hours before game time. Nope, the gates open 90 minutes before the game so I waited a bit.

Once I was inside, I took a walk around the perimeter of the first level past the various food stands. There were many Cuban selections, and I wished I was hungry. I wasn’t in the mood for beer either, so I wasn’t too concerned that the beer selections seemed to be similar to most ballparks. Goose Island seems to have made a push into all the stadiums because I see them everywhere.

I visited the bobblehead museum – its big enough to be impressive, yet I assumed it was more prominent. However, where else can you see a Don Drysdale bobblehead, or a Hank Aaron one wearing number 5 as he did in 1954. There are many Mets bobbleheads and two Rusty Staubs. One in a Mets uniform the other in classic Expos garb. My favorite may have been one where Yadier Molina faces Adam Wainwright after winning the World Series. The manic bobbing of the two heads in unison is transfixing and a little disturbing all at the same time.

They Uglified Centerfield!!

As much as I like the ballpark, I was disappointed with what they did to centerfield. Since the ballpark opened in 2012, a very odd 75-foot statue that lit up after the home team hit a home run, dominated centerfield. It was behind a green wall that curved creating a kink in the wall. So it wasn’t just straight. The wall also displayed the out of town scores. I loved it!

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Evidently, the new ownership including Derek Jeter didn’t like the statue. I’m also sensing that Jeter is knowledgeable about how franchises can ruin ballparks after his experience playing in the new Yankee Stadium. So the statue is gone and so is the curved green wall. In their place, a three-story plaza where fans can stand and watch the game and a boring straight wall. There is an empty section behind the wall covered in what looks to be fake grass.

Without the statue and the oddly shaped wall, the outfield loses its unique character.

Where’s The Statue?

My understanding was that they moved the statue outside the stadium. So the first thing I did when I got to the park, was to look for the icon. The attendee at a customer information desk laughed and said that the statue was disassembled and stored in the stadium, somewhere.

Further research suggests that the statue will be rebuilt outside in the winter before the 2020 season. I’ll believe it when I see it.

Scorecards

I’ve rekindled my passion for scoring the game!! It’s a beautiful tradition that keeps your head in the game. However, the one thing you need to score the game is a scorecard.

As I trudged around the stadium, I kept asking this question. Where are the guys selling scorecards and giving away the little golf pencils? I can easily find them at Citi Field, and I thought I saw them at Citizens Bank Park and Nationals Park. Is scoring a ballgame such a dying art that we don’t sell scorecards anymore?

Finally, I asked an attendant at the New Era cap kiosk, “do you sell scorecards, anywhere?” The answer, “they may have some at the team store.”

I head back to the team store where I had already purchased my souvenir — a fitted Marlins replica of the cap they wear at home. I didn’t see scorecards. So I went to the counter, where the salesperson said: “welcome back.” I guess I’m more memorable than I thought.

She had two versions of a scorecard. One was in a small program type affair. The other was printed on an 81/2” by 11” piece of printer paper. I took them both.

I now carry my own scorebook which will enable me to score the games to my heart’s content — counting pitches and keeping tabs on all the other detail I crave.

The Rain Came

The massive wall of windows in the outfield that displays a dramatic panorama of downtown is even more impressive during a rainstorm.

Yes, around the seventh inning they announced that they were canceling the outdoor-after-game-party due to impending bad weather. Who knew? Bad weather?

Then the lightning started. Through the outfield windows, we saw lightning illuminate the night’s darkness. Loud bursts of thunder followed it.

When we got outside, it was pouring. A classic Florida downpour. Not sheets of rain. Just a steady downpour that soaked me while I tried to find my ride. It’s challenging to get a Lyft or an Uber using your phone in the rain in the confusing, designated “shared ride lot.”

I loved the stadium and am looking forward to going back, but Marlins management: please work on the shared ride experience.

The Great Hot Dog Challenge

Marlins Park is not a hot dog paradise. I headed for “Top Dog” as I assumed these would be more unique than the dogs sold at the general concession stands. If they are unique to the ballpark, they are still not special. Just an assortment of Nathan’s Hot Dogs. I chose the “Slaw Dog.” The basic Nathan’s Hot Dog with brown mustard and slaw. Very good, but also very run of the mill.

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I asked if there was another stand with other hot dogs, “not really” they said. Later I saw them! At certain beer stands, they have grills with nice big dogs and sausages with grilled peppers and onions. I almost got one of those which I assume would be better than my “slaw dog.” However, I wasn’t feeling well, wasn’t hungry and figured that I had similar at Roger Dean Stadium. My favorite, the “Dean Dog.”

Note to Marlins management: they’re called signs. You write in big letters that you have grilled dogs and sausages along with the beer, and people may buy them.

I rated the hot dog experience as average. It was okay, but nothing special.

The Game

I don’t tend to discuss the games I see in my posts since they are more than adequately covered all over the internet including my favorite home away from home www.mlb.com.

My recap is that the Marlins’ Caleb Smith struck out eight and led them to a 3 to 2 victory. Smith is in his second season and was picked up from the Yankees. He is one of the young guns that could make the Marlins competitive soon. Hopefully, the Marlins will fulfill that destiny. If they do, I hope the fans will give them another chance and start attending games as they should. If they do, they will find an excellent baseball experience awaits.

Next stop is the doctor and then Toronto and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

They said it would be warmer. I was thinking early 60’s, a lovely spring night. Then I heard it was going to be windy. So, there I was with four layers sitting in low 50’s weather with the wind blowing. It felt like the temperature was in the 30’s. At least that was my impression. I’m just recovering from a bad cold that my doctor told me on Friday might be “pneumonia.” A cold night in Philadelphia, indeed, but I had to observe Jackie Robinson Day in a ballpark.

These are my impressions of the rather short night.

Jackie Robinson Day

Remember, I planned to go south in the early part of the season and avoid the cold northeast. I slightly amended my plan because of the Jackie Robinson Remembrance.

Los Angeles would have been a better choice. Jackie was a Dodger, and it would be warm in L.A. However, I tied my L.A. trip to the series in Mexico so I couldn’t go in mid-April as well. Philadelphia seemed easy – I could drive. The Mets were playing the Phillies, why not go?

I needed to remember and celebrate Jackie Robinson in a ballpark, finally. My last post “My Father and Jackie Robinson’s First Game” should have made it clear how special I think Jackie is. I had to see everyone wearing the same number 42. And I had to join the baseball community and pay my respects.

I didn’t drive. I wanted something easier. So, instead, I used some points to fly to Baltimore and drive up to Philadelphia. Baltimore is much more affordable than Philly, and it’s an easy drive to and from. Moreover, I would offset the cost of my rental car by losing a night in a hotel. I was so happy I made that choice. Driving six hours from Rochester to Philadelphia while recovering from pneumonia would not have worked well at all.

It’s a beautiful sight. Tonight, the out of town scoreboard that lists the probable pitchers by number only contains the number 42. Oddly, all except for Los Angeles which is showing a number 22. Obviously, a mistake, but I’m standing there saying “WTF Kershaw.”

Then the players appear wearing number 42 with no names on their backs. We are all equal, no? Honorable mention goes to Bryce Harper who wore UCLA (Jackie’s alma mater) Bruins accessories.

All in all, I was moved.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia is an interesting place to celebrate Jackie’s debut. After all, in 1947, Philadelphia was managed by the notorious Ben Chapman. Chapman’s insulting taunts were awful, one of the few times Robinson reconsidered his no retaliation promise with Branch Rickey. When the Dodgers got to Philadelphia, Chapman was forced to make nice grudgingly. Sixty-nine years later the city apologized. ²⁰

Additionally, the Phillies and Philadelphia had a long history of poor relationships with the black community for a long time. In 1969 Curt Flood would not accept a trade from St. Louis to Philadelphia. “The Phillies were a second division club known for their hostility toward black players.” ²¹ He sued the league and the rest is history. Yes, Flood hated the Reserve Clause ²² and the idea of being forced to change teams, but the idea of moving to Philadelphia was galling.

The point is that times change. More importantly, people change.

It was moving to see black families happily enjoying an evening at the ballpark. I watched as they posed for pictures next to a statue of Jackie. But it was also moving to see everyone enjoy the moment. “Moving?” you likely will ask. It is the anniversary of the event that instigated the change. We celebrate the occasion together. We rejoice in it.

History Normalizes Events and Attitudes

History normalizes things. Most of us were born and raised in an integrated society; to us it is normal. To some, it may be either embarrassing or insulting to remember those bad days. It was so long ago.

Really, how long ago?

• It’s the 72nd anniversary of Jackie breaking the color barrier. Roughly the same for the integration of the armed services by Harry Truman.
• It’s 65 years since Brown vs. Board of Education in 1954
• 62 years since the Montgomery bus boycotts
• 56 years since the Letter from the Birmingham Jail and the March on Washington
• 54 years since the Voting Rights Act
• 51 years since Martin Luther King’s assassination
• 48 years since the forced busing decisions

I could go on, but clearly, the days of segregation were a long time ago.

But think about it this way. The so-called “Gentleman’s Agreement” that segregated baseball can be traced to 1887. Segregation was a 60-year tradition that was as normal then as integration is now. Yet the practice ended. And when it broke, there was a tidal wave of other changes that followed.

However, I sense that in hindsight we assume that integrating baseball was a fait accompli. That we just needed a Branch Rickey and Jackie Robinson to come along to make everything right. I don’t think so.

What if the player chosen wasn’t a great player? Robinson was. What if the player selected didn’t understand the mission and had overtly challenged the forces of resistance? Robinson understood his task. What if the player chosen couldn’t handle the pressure? Robinson could. What if the player selected didn’t draw fans and make the owners money? Robinson did.

That’s what made me emotional. Segregation didn’t have to end. We have Jackie Robinson to thank for the world we live in.

Citizens Bank Park

I like it! It’s a bandbox, but I like it. The promenade around the stands is fun. The food selections in “Ashburn Alley” are good. I love “The Yard” where kids can play in a small version of the stadium. There is leg room between the rows – so much room that I, frankly, couldn’t believe it.

The scoreboards are where scoreboards should be. They provide great information.

The stadium is not too loud, it’s not too quiet.

The fans seem to know what’s going on. It appears to be a community. As I was hunkered down under my four layers of clothes trying to stay warm, I heard a woman yelling behind me. It’s her grandmother’s birthday. Grandma is sitting there under a few blankets looking like she may have been a young adult when Jackie broke in. The woman asks us to all sing happy birthday, and we do. Fun!

Bryce Harper

Don’t tell anyone, but I like Bryce Harper. I’m not sure he’s worth the money they paid for him. He is a bit full of himself, and he isn’t Mike Trout, but I like him. It was a cold night, a lot of empty seats, but not in right field, where Harper plays. Those seats seemed full. I enjoyed Bryce charging out to right, his dramatic bow and then pumped fists inciting the fans.

I also like that when I watch him hit, I see a little bit of Babe Ruth. He starts with his feet back in the box and as the pitch comes in and he starts to swing, his entire body flows into the act.

Finally, I like his commitment. A few years ago, we saw the Nats – with Bryce – play the Mets in Spring Training. It’s the seventh inning. All the starters have hit the showers. To quote Bob Dylan “as the crowd thinned out, (and) I’s just about to do the same.” ²³ Yet, there’s Bryce, still in right field. I’ll never forget that.

The Great Hot Dog Challenge

I’m trying to watch my weight, so I’m trying to be careful. However, I did commit to testing a hot dog in each ballpark. So, I need to find a unique one that fits my criteria. I also need a Cheesesteak. I mean we’re In Philadelphia – how can I not get a cheesesteak. Also, how many ballparks ensure that the food they are known for is in the park? Rhetorical question, we’ll find out this summer.

I have two cheesesteak choices – both in Ashburn Alley. Ashburn Alley is the section along the left field side that opens early for people to hang out, take their kids to “The Yard” and stuff their faces with unhealthy things that make one glad to be alive. My choices are either Tony Luke’s or Campo’s Steaks.²⁴ I chose Campo’s and got the basic cheesesteak. Steak, provolone and grilled onions on a delicious bun. I loved it.

The Hot Dog is from the “Boardwalk Eats” section. Instead of the “Phillies Frank,” I choose the “South Philly Dog” a dog with “sharp provolone, roasted red peppers, and broccoli rabe. Is broccoli rabe a south Philly thing?

The South Philly Dog isn’t bad – the broccoli rabe provides a bitter counterpoint to the sweet red peppers. It comes on a doughy, crusty bun. Complaints? The dog isn’t crispy enough for my taste, the bun is a bit too big, so it overwhelms the dog, I couldn’t taste the cheese, and there is only yellow mustard. Not bad, I would do it again. I’m ranking it slightly behind Washington’s offering.

The Game

Yes, there was a game. Possibly due to to the cold, the Aaron Nola – Noah Syndergaard matchup did not materialize into a great pitching duel. Nola is still trying to locate his breaking pitches and gave up five runs in four innings. Syndergaard was dominant in the first inning but gave up a three-run lead in the second and another two-run lead in the third. He was gone after five innings.

The Mets finally won in the eleventh on a Rhys Hoskins error. By then I was back at the hotel, having hung up my authentic Jackie Robinson jersey that no one saw since it was the second of four layers.

I’m glad I went to Citizens Bank Park but I need to go back when it’s sunny. After all, there is a cheesesteak from Mr. Luke’s to try. Next stop is two games in sunny Florida, one in Miami and the other in Tampa Bay. I’m guessing I’ll be able to watch more ball there.

On Thursday, many teams played their first game with 161 more to go. I visited the first stadium of 30 I will see this season. My story recounts the day – the glory of opening day, the National’s odd legacy “The Tale of Two Cities,” and my first installment in the “great hot dog debate”. Yes, I also had visions of the “Swinging Friar.”

When designing my travel schedule, I originally didn’t consider going anywhere on Opening Day, but how could I not go? I couldn’t say I did it all (baseball-wise) if I didn’t go to Opening Day. Then I saw that my Metsies were playing the Nationals in Washington and I like Washington. Most importantly, I knew in November that the Mets opening against the Nationals likely meant a Scherzer vs. DeGrom encounter. That could not be missed! And long after I purchased my ticket I found out my pitching matchup hunch was right.

Opening Day – Morning:

5:00 AM Rochester International Airport – TSA Pre Check Line

I’m in the security line when I pass a priest (maybe a monk – but in Rochester? Do we have monks?). He’s decked out in full regalia (no offense intended) in a full cassock, skull cap, big cross, and rosary beads. I’m only thinking about baseball. Thus, my first thought is:

“He must be heading to a San Diego Padre’s game dressed like their mascot the “Swinging Friar²⁹.” All I have is my Nats hat and my camera. What if he plans to go to all the stadiums dressed like the home team’s mascot? That’s more than I’m doing.”

5:15 AM Rochester International Airport, Gate B1

I realize I’m going incognito, I’m a Mets fan in a Nationals cap. I bought the hat last year during a family outing to a Nats game and a weekend in DC. That was when I was trying the slow approach to “collect ballparks.”

At the gate I see the usual — a few Yankee hats but no Mets gear. How do I explain if asked? “Going to Opening Day? Are you a Nats fan?” Do you think they will play the Yankees in the series?”

“Actually no, I’m a Mets fan going to DC for the game. I’m wearing the cap because my goal is to get a selfie in the home team’s cap at every major league stadium. I have a blog, and I’m raising money for youth baseball.”

7:00 AM Delta Sky Club LaGuardia Terminal C

I’m eating the standard hard-boiled eggs and bagel surrounded by business people and vacationers. The business people are talking on phones and pounding keys on their laptops. I used to do that – might do so again. Today I don’t miss it and wonder how many of them want to join me at the ball game instead of doing business.

11:30 AM Outside Nationals Park

I can’t do it. My misgivings started when I saw all the fans at the L’Enfant Plaza metro station. Most were in Nationals attire, but a significant few were wearing Mets shirts and hats. Today, I’m not representing appropriately. I don’t feel like I am part of my tribe. I can’t greet my brothers and sisters and wish them luck for the season in a Nats cap. I’m somewhat embarrassed, somewhat ashamed of myself.

Luckily I pass a street vendor selling Nats and Mets caps for $10. The caps have a tab back so I can expand the Mets one to fit over my original Nationals one.

Other than taking my ritual selfie with the Nats cap, I spend most of the day, wearing two hats. I have no place to put the Nats hat except on my head, so I cover it with the Mets cap. The sight draws attention. “So, you’re a Mets fan, but live in Washington?” Or “you’re a fan of both teams, how is that possible?” I explain:

“Actually no, I’m a Mets fan, only in DC for the game. I’m wearing the cap because my goal is to get a selfie in the home team’s cap at every major league stadium. I have a blog, and I’m raising money for youth baseball.”

The explanation is getting redundant, but the spectacle enables me to pass out a few cards and maybe garner a few more followers – all is good.

Later, on the way out, I pass the vendor who sold me the Mets cap. “I remember you,” he says. I express my thanks, “you saved my day.” I’m superstitious, wearing the Nats cap may have jinxed the Mets season and my journey. He’s my mythical angel.

Opening Day – The Day Before

To prep for Opening Day, I am thinking about three things – the bliss of Opening Day, the history of the two cities that spawned the Nationals, and hot dogs.

Opening Day

“There is no sports event like Opening Day for beating back the forces of darkness and the National Football League.”

George Vecsey ³⁰

Previously, I wrote that life begins anew when the pitchers and catchers report to spring training. While that is true, spring training only happens because of the impending baseball season. Spring training is only the first sign that winter is over and that it’s time for baseball. Opening Day confirms our spring training thoughts, that the sun will shine, and all things will be good again. Or, when things aren’t good, you can endure the hardship at a ballgame with a beer and a dog.

Moreover, Opening Day is a time of optimism. On day one, anyone’s team has a chance to win it all. Everyone is undefeated and the future is bright.

Baseball is glorious and Opening Day is rebirth:

“In our sun-down perambulations, of late, through the outer parts of Brooklyn, we have observed several parties of youngsters playing “base,” a certain game of ball … Let us go forth awhile, and get better air in our lungs. Let us leave our close rooms … the game of ball is glorious.”

– Walt Whitman, from the 23 July 1846 edition of the Brooklyn Daily Eagle ³¹

Baseball is back in all its glory. I am partial, but the first game of the NFL, NBA or NHL is just that – a first game. Opening Day of the baseball season is rebirth, time to enjoy the summer’s warm air and relish in the optimism.

Washington and Montreal: The Tale of Two Cities

The Misery Index

Despite many great players and some successful seasons, the Nationals represent a long history of sad baseball. Depending on how you calculate it, the Nationals heritage includes two cities and four to six franchises. Over 160 years they have won only one major league championship, and that was 95 years ago. To be fair, their Montreal antecedents won some minor league championships. However, so did the precursor to the major league San Diego Padres and their fans long for more as well.

Think of it this way. The last time a Washington team played in the World Series was during the summer before my father was born. He lived for 86 years without seeing a team from Washington or Montreal in the World Series.

This history is why The Atlantic listed the Nationals third on the “Fans Misery Index.” They are behind only the Padres (yes those Padres) and the Mariners.

Washington’s Sad Baseball Legacy

Before the musical “Damn Yankees” George Washington was considered “first in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen.” The play transformed the saying to describe the Washington Senators’ sad legacy. The Senators were “first in war, first in peace and last in the American League.” ³²

Unfortunately, the current version of the Washington Nationals has continued to disappoint somewhat. Even though they have won four NL East titles, they have never won a playoff series. They are also the city’s third franchise (possibly fourth depending on how you classify the 1901 incarnation).

A Brief Washington Chronology

Consider this brief history:

• 1892 – 1899: The Washington Senators play in the National League until the league reduces from 12 teams to eight.
• 1901: The Senators join the new American League. I’m not sure why this team is not counted as the second Washington franchise.
• 1905: The “Senators” change their name to the “Nationals”, but everyone continues to call them the Senators.
• 1925: The lowly Senators win their only World Series
• 1926: They win their last pennant but lose the Series.
• 1955: The aforementioned “Damn Yankees” opens on Broadway and becomes a hit. Note that the play references the “Senators” even though the team name has been the “Nationals” for 30 years.
• 1956: The Nationals officially change their name to the Senators but continue to play in front of increasingly fewer fans.
• 1960: The Senators move to Minnesota and become the Twins. ³³
• 1961: Version two (three? see 1901) of the Senators replaces the first one (second?) but is not successful either.
• 1972: After eleven years of difficulty, the team moves to Arlington and becomes the Texas Rangers.
• 1972 – 2005: The city tries to lure a new franchise to the capital. ³⁴
• 2005: Washington’s third (fourth?) franchise is born when the ownerless Montreal Expos move to the capital and become the Nationals. They play in a new stadium, and the team is popular.
• 2005 – 2018: Although winning many games, and four division championships, the Nationals never win a playoff series.

Montreal – A Prouder Tradition?

Others may disagree, but my read is that Montreal has a prouder tradition than Washington but ultimately suffered a similar fate.

Montrealers started playing baseball in 1860. They formed the Montreal Base Ball Club (MBBC) in the 1870s and an amateur league in 1898. ³⁵

Professional ball started in 1897 when a minor league team from Rochester, NY moved to Montreal and became the Royals. After disbanding in 1917, the Royals reformed in 1928. They soon started affiliations with major league teams, most notably the Brooklyn Dodgers. ³⁵

In 1933 and 1934 the Royals were the AA Affiliate of the Philadelphia Athletics.³⁶ Then in 1937, they became the AA affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates.³⁷ In 1939 they started their famous association with the Brooklyn Dodgers, serving as their top farm team through 1960. Between 1935 and 1958 the Royals played in 11 league championships winning seven of them.

As you can imagine, the Royals’ association with the Dodgers enable Montreal to host many future hall of fame members. Campanella, Robinson, Drysdale, Snider, and many more greats (including Roberto Clemente) played in Montreal and thus offered the city a great brand of baseball. I didn’t know that Clemente played in the Dodgers organization. Talk about the one that got away!

The Montreal Expos

Due to baseball’s continued popularity in Montreal, the Expos were formed in 1969 as the Leagues expanded. Their history is fraught with inadequate financial and municipal support. However, they were able to develop and acquire a stable of excellent ballplayers and future hall of famers. These include Gary Carter, Andre Dawson, Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez, and Tim Raines.

Although it took ten years to achieve their first winning record, the Expos won 95 games in 1979. In 1980 they almost won the National League East and in 1981 came within one game of the World Series.³⁸

After an uneven rest of the 1980s, the Expos developed another strong team. In 1994, they had the best record in baseball (74 – 40) when the players went on strike. Since the strike canceled the rest of the season, playoffs and World Series, the Expos’s never capitalized on their strong team. The strike discouraged fans and attendance dwindled. Ten years later the Expos moved to Washington.

Montreal is now in the barren, baseball purgatory that Washington was in for 32 years. They are lobbying for a new team to play in their city.

Hope Springs Eternal – A New Start?

Despite the sad history and losing Bryce Harper to free agency, many still predict them to do well in 2019. Most think they are better than the Phillies who engaged the priceless (“bryceless“) one for the next 13 seasons. I think they are right.

The Nationals have pitching, Victor Robles, Juan Soto, and two new catchers. The Phillies are good, but I think they’re overrated. Sure, they have made many additions, more than just Harper. But winning the offseason doesn’t always mean you will win a pennant.

Opening Day – Reactions to the Game

Tale of Two Pitchers

”There are opening day pitchers, and pitchers who start on opening day.”

– Roger Craig⁴⁰

What many misunderstand is that a great pitching matchup is like a “Mano a Mano” heavyweight fight. Each pitcher goes out to outdo the other with as few pitches as possible. The fans anticipate who will get hit first, possibly “knocked out” of the game.

I don’t know if today’s game was the greatest Opening Day pitching matchup, but it was impressive and record-breaking.

I have nothing but respect for Max Scherzer. Scherzer is relentless as he storms around the mound like a bull, breathing steam out of his nose. Today he was no different. He dominated the Mets striking out 12. However, the Mets were able to plate two – one in the first and one in the eighth.

Jacob DeGrom is brilliant, but today in a less commanding way than Scherzer. DeGrom pitched six shutout innings, striking out 10. However, he faced more challenges than Scherzer, as he had to deal with more men in scoring position. He was able to keep the hitters off balance with an assortment of pitches including his amazing fastball and changeup.

For the record, today’s game was the first time in almost 50 years that both opening day starters struck out at least ten men.⁴¹ DeGrom also extended his streak of consecutive games allowing three or fewer runs. He’s now at thirty and passed Jake Arrieta for the most in history. ⁴²

Robinson Cano

The Mets acquired Robinson Cano for his power bat and leadership. Mets fans question how much he has left. Today he proved his worth:

1. He homered off Scherzer in the first to give the Mets the early lead – all that was needed.
2. He singled in the eighth to produce the Mets’ second run and the insurance they needed.
3. Most important, he was “pivotal” (pardon my pun) in the 5-4-2-5 double play that ended the third inning and the Nationals’ biggest threat. It’s worth reading Anthony DiComo’s piece about Cano’s day and this play

The Great Hot Dog Debate

A hot dog at the ballgame beats roast beef at the Ritz.

– Humphrey Bogart ²⁵

I’ve decided to taste and rank hot dogs from each ballpark this summer.

In the next few days I will post the rules for the “contest”, but in the meantime lets discuss Washington’s entry.

I tried the “BANH MI” Hot Dog from Haute Dogs and Fries. The “BANH MI” is a beef dog on a grilled New England style bun, with sriracha mayo that is topped with a Vietnamese style slaw made from Jalapeños, cucumber, carrots, and cilantro.

I found it to be quite good, a nice way to open the hot dog season. The dog had a nice crunch, the grilled bun had a wonderful buttery taste and the slaw was nice and spicy. A refreshing change from the traditional sauerkraut.

However, Haute Dogs and Fries loses points because their signs don’t describe the dog choices. It would be nice to review the menu and know what you are ordering without having to ask. Imagine how many times the counter people had to explain what the “BANH MI” was. Also, the service was slow. They had a great group of people handling the orders but only one cashier.

Opening Day – Midnight:

I fall into bed roughly seventeen hours after I left home on this wonderful day.

The Mets and Nationals have 161 games to go. I have 29 more ballparks and 40 more stops to go. Can’t wait. Philadelphia is next on April 15th.

”The game of ball is glorious”

Walt Whitman