The Angels of Anaheim

Over six days, I saw five games in four ballparks on a trip through Southern California and Monterrey, Mexico. My first stop was Angels Stadium in Anaheim. As interested as I was in the Angels of Anaheim, I was most interested in finally seeing Mike Trout. Trout is considered the best player on the planet and I have barely seen him play.

Marketing Mike Trout

How could a devoted baseball fan, not see the game’s greatest player? Baseball has a series of problems marketing stars like Trout:

Tim Clayton/ Sports Illustrated

Timing

He plays on the west coast, so many on the east coast are asleep when he is playing.

Availability

MLB relies on local television to broadcast each team’s games. Fans can subscribe to see any game, and there is also the MLB Network. However, there still is the timing issue. Moreover, the casual fan is not a subscriber, so they will not be exposed to his greatness. Of course, post season play would increase the player’s exposure. Unfortunately, the Angels have not been in the playoffs in a while.

Opportunity

It’s not a sure thing that a specific player will have the chance to do something memorable. Other sports benefit because their stars have constant chances to display their skills. In comparison, a baseball player comes to the plate only four or five times per game and at specified intervals. Exhibiting his defensive prowess is limited because it requires a ball hit in his vicinity.

Baseball is Difficult

You expect failure in baseball. Consider that a measure of excellence is to bat 300. The “300 batting average” sounds much better than “30% hitter,” however, the terms are synonymous. The sad fact is that fans can turn in to watch a celebrated player and he will fail. In Trout’s case, if you watched all his 4,822 plate appearances 1; you would have seen him make 2,761 outs2 That is not what the uninitiated would consider exciting.

With that said, Trout does so many things well. If you keep your eyes on him, you will be amazed by the way he attacks the game. He brings everything to his hitting, running and fielding. If you focus on Trout, you’ll see something you’ll remember for years to come.

Needless to say, one of my goals on this journey is to see as much of Mr. Trout as possible.

Mike Trout – a Primer

The 25th Pick

My take on Mike Trout is that he snuck up on the casual fan. He was the 25th draft pick in 2009. Not first, not second – 25th! Why so low? One theory is that he’s from New Jersey and as such considered a risky choice. Northern players don’t play as much winter ball, and thus they are lesser known3

AP Photo/Elaine Thompson

Many teams missed him. A quick review of the list of players drafted before Trout shows a few all-stars. Stephen Strasburg was 1st, Aaron Crow 12th, A.J. Pollock 17th, and Shelby Miller was 19th. Strasburg has been better than many think, Pollack is a solid star, but neither has reached Trout’s heights. No one has. Then there are the others on the list: Donovan Tate, Dustin Ackley, Jacob Turner, etc. Their only baseball achievement to tell their grandkids may be that they were drafted ahead of Mike Trout.

His progress was quick. Before 2010, baseball ranked him the 3rd best prospect in the Angels system and 85th in baseball. By July they increased his ranking to number two. At the end of the year, he was the youngest ever to win the Topps Minor League Player of The Year. Before the following season, ESPN’s Keith Law and MLB’s Jonathan Mayo ranked him the number one prospect in baseball.

Trout’s Major League Career

Trout’s first seven years in the major leagues could be the best in history. A summary:

  • 2012: In his first year, he posted one of the “best statistical seasons ever. His 10.9 “Wins Above Replacement (WAR)” 4 that year is tied with Ted Williams for 21st all-time in a single season. The only other outfielders who have posted a better WAR in at least one season are Babe Ruth, Barry Bonds, Carl Yastrzemski, Ty Cobb, Mickey Mantle, Stan Musial, and Willie Mays. Not surprisingly, he was the youngest and 18th unanimous Rookie of the Year Award winner. Trout finished second in the MVP balloting. Miguel Cabrera, the first player to win the triple crown award in 45 years, won the award.
  • 2014: He was the second youngest and 17th unanimous winner of the MVP award.
  • 2015: Became the youngest to reach 100 home runs and 100 stolen bases. He is also the second to win four Silver Slugger Awards 5 in the first four years of his career. For the third time in four years, he finished second in the MVP balloting. He was the first player since Barry Bonds to finish in the top three places for four consecutive years.
  • 2016: He won his second MVP Award.
  • 2017: Trout became the seventh player to hit his 200th career home run before the end of his age 25 season. He also recorded his 1,000th career hit.
  • 2018: He finished fourth in batting average (.312), first in on base percentage (.460) and third in slugging (.628) 6.

WAR

The best way to codify a baseball player’s comprehensive skill set and compare him to others is to examine his “WAR.” “WAR” (“Wins Above Replacement”) scores players based on their calculated value compared to a minimally viable player 7. What’s nice is that the score can be used to rank current players and historical ones.

Photo by Lindsey Wasson/Getty Images

As I mentioned above, Trout’s first-year WAR was one of the best in history. He’s continued to post high scores since then.

Trout’s career WAR shows him on a trajectory to be an inner circle Hall of Fame inductee. In 2016, Trout achieved the highest career WAR in an age 24 season since 1913. The next four highest at that age are Mickey Mantle, Mel Ott, Jimmie Foxx, and Ted Williams. Good company.

His 67.3 career WAR ranks 126th on the all-time list. His only behind four active players. All of them – Zach Greinke, Robinson Cano, Miguel Cabrera, and Albert Pujols – have played at least eight years longer than Trout. In only his seventh season he already has had a better career than almost every other current player8.

Watching Mike Trout Play

Trout is on a historic run, one that fans need to experience. If the Angels are on television, watch it. If they’re not, stream the game. Most of all, if you are in a city where the Angels are playing, go. Don’t ask questions, go. If you live in L.A., go a lot!

It’s best to see him live. The problem with television is that the director decides where the viewer should focus their attention. Just focusing a camera on a single player is not an option. And you can’t just watch a game that Trout plays in as if it was a typical game. In those games, you focus on the interplay with the pitcher, catcher, and hitter. You then turn your attention to the lead runner or where the ball is hit. However, when the Angels play, you must keep your eyes on Trout.

Trout is a guy who is focused and always in the game. He hustles. Watching him ground out is a revelation. He sprints down the line as fast as possible, no matter how sure an out the ground ball is. In comparison, most players including the $300 million men, Bryce Harper, and Manny Machado trot. If there is an error, they will be safe at first. If the ball goes past the first baseman, they will make it to second. Not Trout, he sprints and makes the easy play close.

Making Things Happen

I saw him sprint through two ground outs when I saw him for the first time on Thursday. Later, he doubled and hit a home run and had a pretty good day. However, it was Sunday in Mexico, where he really impressed. In the third inning, the leadoff hitter, David Fletcher singled. Trout walked, creating a situation where men were on first and second with no one out. The next hitter, Brian Goodwin, flew out to center. That’s when the fun started.

https://the comeback.com

As expected, Fletcher advanced to third. The centerfielder – George Springer’s – play was to throw to second. The theory is that a good throw will keep the runner on first in so doing, avoiding a second player in scoring position. Most runners understand the theory and assume that they won’t get to second safely. Instead, they proceed halfway and then go back to the safety of first when the throw is made. Not Trout. He sprinted and slid headfirst into second, beating the throw.

Did it mean anything? Not really. The Astros retired the next couple of hitters, no runs scored, and they came from behind to win 10 to 4. But it happened, and it’s why we watch. It’s why everyone should watch.

There are the players we wish we saw or at least wish we remembered seeing. I barely remember Clemente, Mays or Mantle, even though I saw them and I never saw Joe DiMaggio or Jackie Robinson. I am just a little too young to have experienced their greatness and I regret it. In the future, people will wish they saw Mike Trout. You don’t want to be one of them.

Along Came Andrelton Simmons

On Thursday, it was Andrelton Simmons’ play that I will always remember. Simmons also seems to fly under the radar. Only devoted fans know of his prowess. I assume that he might be more popular if he still played in Atlanta. The issues with his popularity are the same as Trout’s.

However, Simmons is one of the best shortstops in the game. MLB The Show ranks him the 4th best shortstop in baseball 9. He’s astute and very talented. He displayed both facets in one play on Thursday night.

AP Photo/Steve Nesius

In the top of the sixth, the Angels were ahead by a seemingly comfortable margin of four runs, 5 -1. However, Eric Sogard led off the inning with a walk and scored when Randall Grichuk doubled. Then Justin Smoak walked.

So, there was one out, and Brandon Drury representing the tying run was at bat. Moreover, pitcher Tyler Skaggs was faltering and the team needs someone to “step up.” Drury lofted a short fly toward second base. It wasn’t high enough to be considered an out under the infield fly rule. The expectation was that Simmons would catch the ball and record the second out with no runners advancing.

Instead, Simmons let the ball hit the ground and then pop into his glove. He quickly stepped on second to force the runner on first out. He then chased the man on second into a rundown for a fantastic double play.

Some shortstops would have thought to let the ball drop, but don’t have the skill to turn that double play. Others have the talent but wouldn’t have thought to do it. Simmons is unique, he did both.

However, I don’t think anyone noticed.

Angels Fans

The reported 40,064 that supposedly attended the game were preoccupied. I’m going to guess that most didn’t realize that Simmons instigated the rundown.

No offense intended. Angels fans don’t seem much different than other fans. They don’t seem to pay attention to the finer points of the game. On Thursday, they drank some beer, ate some food and seemed to have a good time. When the scoreboard said “make noise” they made noise. They did the wave, played with their phones and waved them late in the game to light up the stands. Although they seemed to follow the game and cheered appropriately, I doubt that many realized Simmons’ direct influence on the play.

Angels Stadium

The stadium itself is the fourth oldest in the major leagues, and it feels like it needs a remodel. The ballpark has gone through many renovations. In the late 1970s, the ballpark was enclosed to add 20,000 seats to entice the Los Angeles Rams to play their home games there. At the same time, they moved the iconic Big A from the scoreboard area to the parking lot. After the Rams left in 1994, the stadium was reconfigured to support only baseball, and seating reduced to 45,000.

The “Big A”

While it’s a fine place to see a game, the renovations may have cost it its character. The stadium doesn’t have a unifying theme and is missing some of the amenities of newer stadiums.

For example, there are a few flourishes of Disney’s influence in Anaheim. There are a few statues but not enough to make a difference. I realize that Disney no longer owns the team, but either you need more Disney influence or remove it all. After all, if you think Anaheim, you think Disney. Moreover, I didn’t see play areas as I saw at Citizens Bank, Petco or Marlins Park. Put that concept with Disney, and you have something.

I passed some excellent beer stands that offered a series of craft beers. I liked the Bud Patio, Coors Light Cold Zone and the Picnic Area. If I were in Anaheim, I’d spend too much time out there before a game.

Time For A New Stadium?

However, walking through the stadium made me feel like management keeps trying to add new things where they can to try and stay relevant. It’s like they keep trying to retrofit the stadium to fit a new sensibility. So the food areas are scattered through the stadium with little rhyme or reason. The experience is like walking through an old mall that is trying to stay relevant and compete with the new one up the street.

There is a much different feel at San Diego’s much newer Petco Park. It’s like the new mall.

The team is considering moving to a new stadium, and that seems to be a good idea.

Bad Night for Hot Dogs

I blundered in my quest for the best MLB ballpark hot dog! I went against my stated criteria and should not be surprised that I was disappointed.

At the start of the journey I said, “at some point, you’re eating something someone did to the dog and not just a dog.” My goal was to stay away from hot dogs that had excessive toppings that overwhelmed the basic hot dog. So why did I choose a jumbo dog with bacon, caramelized onions and apple cider sauerkraut from Crafty Dawgs?

Somehow, I understood that the place to go was the Legend Dog stand near the Bud Patio for an excellent grilled Jumbo Dog. It was only open on weekends so I couldn’t get one and a guard suggested Crafty Dawg.

Shame on me, the Angel Dog from one of the other stands was probably the way to go and what I will do next time. Most of all, I’ll do more research.

For the record, the Crafty Dawg had some of the criteria I was looking for:

  • tasty
  • not sausage
  • crunchy, with some char
  • possibly a sturdy bun – it couldn’t handle the weight of all my toppings, but what could?
  • unique toppings

The problem is that I should have bucked the trend and just ordered the dog with the apple cider sauerkraut and some honey mustard. In total, to my taste, it was a below-average dog, but I should have known better. Moreover, others seemed to enjoy the experience.

Next stop is Monterrey for the Mexico Series!

Continue ReadingThe Angels of Anaheim

North of the Border & Vlad Guerrero Jr.

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.

Clint Hurdle – “This Year’s Phenom”

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. 1

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.

The Griffey’s

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. 2

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.

Chris Carlson/ AP

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

Peameal Bacon Sandwich’s

Carousel Bakery

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

Home of The “Montreal-style Bagel”

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.” 3 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.

www.kozlik’s.com

Something I did not know – Canada is the second-largest mustard producer exports more mustard seed than any other country in the world.4

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.

My New Purchases

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. 5

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!

A Really Good Hot Dog!

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.

It Doesn’t “Has To Be”

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.

Continue ReadingNorth of the Border & Vlad Guerrero Jr.

A Lost Weekend In Florida

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.

Marlins Park in Miami

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.

Marlins Park Entrance

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! 1

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. 2

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. 3

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. 4
  • Additionally, many of these transient fans leave Florida in the summer. 5
  • 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. 6
  • 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. 7

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 8

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. 9

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.

Hank Aaron Wore #5 in 1954

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.

Molina and Wainwright

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!

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.”

My Scorecard

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.

The Rain

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.

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.

Continue ReadingA Lost Weekend In Florida

A Cold Night in Philadelphia

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?

Highlights Before The Game

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.

The Scoreboard Tells The Story

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

Jackie Robinson and Ben Chapman
via New York Times

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. 1

Curt Flodd
via Wikipedia

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.” 2 He sued the league and the rest is history. Yes, Flood hated the Reserve Clause 3 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.

https://www.jackierobinson.org

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

Batting Practice

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 Yard

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.

At The 3rd Base Gate

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.” 4 Yet, there’s Bryce, still in right field. I’ll never forget that.

The Great Hot Dog Challenge

Campo’s Steaks

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.

Campo’s Basic Cheesesteak
Steak, Provolone and Grilled Onions

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.5 I chose Campo’s and got the basic cheesesteak. Steak, provolone and grilled onions on a delicious bun. I loved it.

“Boardwalk Eats”

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.

“South Philly Dog”

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.

Continue ReadingA Cold Night in Philadelphia

Let The Great Hot Dog Challenge Begin!

Read more about the article Let The Great Hot Dog Challenge Begin!
Hot Dog's and Baseball via Adobe Stock

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

Humphrey Bogart 1

Hot dogs and baseball seem to go hand in hand, even though neither has hands per se. The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council (NHDSC) estimated that 18.3 million hot dogs would be enjoyed at baseball stadiums in 2018. Another 4 million sausages were expected to be sold as well.2 Hot Dogs are sold in all stadiums and are a staple of the sport. So, I figure, why not rate the hot dogs I eat in each ballpark. I’ll eat at least one hot dog and report as I go.

I list my criteria for a great hot dog and “rules” for my contest below. However, if you want to jump ahead and see the results to date, follow this link.

By the way, check out NHDSC’s great MLB Hot Dog guide.

Hot Dog and Baseball History

The origin of the hot dog we eat at ballparks’ is an oft-debated topic. According to the NHDSC, it is likely a descendant of a “widespread common European sausage” brought to America by “butchers of several nationalities.”

The first use of the hot dog bun is also up for debate. There are stories that a German immigrant sold dogs with buns from a pushcart in New York’s Bowery in the 1860s. Most disagree with the idea that the hot dog served on a bun for the first time at St. Louis “Louisiana Purchase Exposition” in 1904. More than likely the hot dog bun merely is a descendant of the German practice of eating so-called “dachshund sausages” with bread.

The “Columbian Expedition”
via Wikapedia

The essential fact is to note is that the hot dog was popularized at 1893’s Chicago “Columbian Expedition.” The same year, Chris Von de Ahe, a German immigrant, bar owner, and owner of the professional ball club the St. Louis Browns introduced the hot dog to baseball parks in 1893 in St. Louis. 3

The rest is as the kids say, “history.” From then on the hot dog and baseball were synonymous.

The Great Hot Dog Challenge

Those who have met me or have seen my picture will admit that I like to eat. I also love hot dogs and agree with Bogart’s opinion. However, I’ve never eaten at Ritz. Assuming the Ritz is/was an excellent place to eat, I agree.

There, I said it; I like a good hot dog. I feel a great weight lifted now that I have admitted this deep dark secret. As much as I love the Pat Lefreida Steak Sandwich at Citi Field, just give me a good old hot dog. I’ll be fine. You can have your ballpark sushi, garlic fries in San Francisco or the Blooper Burger in Atlanta. Just give me a good hot dog, and I’m fine.

The keyword is “good.” A bad hot dog is an abomination of all that is holy. It’s a waste of the $5 -$10 you pay to eat the horrible thing. Moreover, you can’t get the time you spent purchasing the hot dog back. It follows that mediocre hot dogs are bad as well.

Haute Dogs and Fries – “BANH MI” Hot Dog
from Nationals Park

I already had my first MLB dog of the season at Nationals Park on opening day. The dog of choice was the “BANH MI” from Haute Dogs and Fries. I also include in my rankings my spring training hot dog adventures. I had two – a “Dean Dog” at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, FL. I don’t remember the name of the other, but I had it was a grilled 12-inch dog with peppers and onions with brown mustard at First Data Field in Pt. Saint Lucie, FL. It was a good, possibly above average dog. However, the bun broke, and I dropped part of the dog onto my shirt and camera. Thus, it was disqualified from the contest.

Follow this link to see the results of the contest to date.

Ranking Criteria

Follow this link to see the results of the contest to date.

via Adobe Stock

I fully understand that everyone will have an opinion about what constitutes an excellent hot dog. It might be a bit more challenging to define the criteria for judging hot dogs across the country. What are the most appropriate toppings? Does the dog need to be in a roll, or can it be on a stick? What type of meat is appropriate? Do chicken, turkey or veggie dogs count?

These are my criteria for what constitutes a great hot dog:

Unique

I want a hot dog unique to the stadium. Sorry, Nathan’s, you make a pretty good hot dog, but I can get a Nathan’s dog in many stadiums. So, I’m not including you unless your hot dog is my only choice. I feel the same about a dog from the Shake Shack. I love Shake Shack, but it is in many stadiums and thus, disqualified from my challenge in my mind.

Beef or Pork Only

Only Pork or Beef
via Adobe Stock

For argument’s sake, I’ll accept that one can make a hot dog out of turkey, chicken or vegetables. However, these dogs belong in another category, and I can only eat so much. I’m sticking to beef or pork.

Not Sausage

Yes, a hot dog is a descendant of and has all the fundamental elements of a sausage. However, at a ballpark, you have a choice of a hot dog or a sausage. I’m judging hot dogs not “sausages.” Caveat – I’ll bend my no sausage rule for a Milwaukee Brat.

Crisp Skin

I want the dog grilled on a flat surface so that it gets a little charred and crunchy. Steaming and boiling are out.

Sturdy Bun

Looks Good
via Adobe Stock

The bun is oh so important. It needs to have some crust; texture and it also needs to be sturdy. However, the bun can’t overwhelm the hot dog. The dog’s texture and taste needs to merge with the bun.

Assembled When Purchased

The dog loses points if the counter people don’t transport it from grill to bun in front of me.

Brown Mustard and Unique Toppings

Brown Mustard
via Adobe Stock

A tasty topping makes a hot dog unique and beautiful. In general, some sauerkraut is all I need on top of my hot dog. However, for this contest, I’m looking for something unique in each ballpark.

To me, the real condiment question is “how good is the mustard?” I don’t like yellow mustard; I don’t even understand yellow mustard. Honey mustard is fine, but I don’t see how it works with a hot dog. I’m looking for good brown mustard.

Chili Dogs Need Not Apply

A Chili Dog
via Adobe Stock

Chili Dogs are wonderful, but they are out, sorry. At some point, you’re eating something someone did to the dog and not just the dog. My rule of thumb: if it drips or is so unwieldy you need a knife and fork it’s in another category.

Now – the true aficionados at the NHDSC will argue that you shouldn’t eat a chili dog with a knife and fork. It’s not necessary, and it is embarrassing. Instead, there is a five-step method to eating the chili dog:

  1. Positioning – give yourself a lot of room.
  2. Grip – use two hands one on each end of the dog and don’t squeeze too tight. A tight squeeze will allow the juices to slip out and thus make a mess.
  3. Level Lift – keep it level, so the chili doesn’t fall out.
  4. Enter – you need to put the dog in your mouth at a 45 to 60-degree angle.
  5. Bite – using your canines so that you can bite right through the skin for an explosion of tasty juices. 4

I understand the theory, but I’m still not including the Chili Dog in this discussion. I just want to have a good dog.

My no chili rule is why I chose the “BANH MI” Hot Dog from Haute Dogs and Fries and not the “iconic half-smoke” from Ben’s Chili Bowl when I was at Nationals Park.

There’s a point where a hot dog crosses from an easy sandwich to a meal requiring a knife and fork. The division is between toppings that are additive to the dog as opposed to a meal that just includes the dog. Chili tends to put the hot dog on the wrong side of the line. My opinion only.

Follow this link to see the results of the contest to date.

Continue ReadingLet The Great Hot Dog Challenge Begin!

Opening Day, The Tale of Two Cities, and The Great Hot Dog Debate

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 Friar1.” 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.”

Incognito

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.

Two Hats!

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 2

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.

Introductions

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 3

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

1907 – 1911

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.

1912-1927

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.

1928 – 1929

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.” 4

1930 – 1951

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:

1952 – 1956
  • 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. 5
  • 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. 6
  • 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. 7

1946

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. 8

In 1933 and 1934 the Royals were the AA Affiliate of the Philadelphia Athletics.9 Then in 1937, they became the AA affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates.10 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

1969 – 2004

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.11

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.

“Wave that flag, wave it wide and high.” 12

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 Craig13

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.

First Pitch – Nationals’ Season

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.

First Pitch – Mets’ Season

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.14 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. 15

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 16

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.

Haute Dogs and Fries – “BANH MI” Hot Dog”

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
Continue ReadingOpening Day, The Tale of Two Cities, and The Great Hot Dog Debate

Spring Training – “Beware of Darkness”

Saturday morning was cloudy – and the clouds never really went away. Not an auspicious start to Spring Training in normally sunny Florida. We found the Beatles station on Sirius as we made the short drive from the West Palm to Jupiter. Along the way, we compared notes about our favorite albums — we both like their middle period starting with Revolver. However, I lose a little interest around Sgt. Pepper, not enough guitar – too much orchestration.

Then the subject turned to George Harrison, All Things Must Pass and one of my favorites – “Beware of Darkness”:

Watch out now, take care
Beware of falling swingers
Dropping all around you
The pain that often mingles
In your fingertips
Beware of darkness

Watch out now, take care
Beware of the thoughts that linger
Winding up inside your head
The hopelessness around you
In the dead of night

Beware of sadness
It can hit you
It can hurt you
Make you sore and what is more
That is not what you are here for

George Harrison1

It occurred to me that the long winter was over and was time to look ahead. What started with the indifference displayed as the powers that be laid me off — the bleakness and dread that followed was over. It’s now spring, the season of baseball’s resurrection. “Beware of Darkness” indeed!

Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium

Home for the week is Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium – a nice little ballpark in Abacoa – a seemingly manufactured town in the middle of Jupiter. Yes, I am a Mets fan, but as I mentioned in a previous post, Jupiter works for us. We’ll see the Mets play three times this week along with the Cardinals, Marlins, Nats, Phillies and Yankees.

Roger Dean “Chevrolet” Stadium

Roger Dean Stadium was built in 1998, for $28M which equates to $43M in today’s dollars. It is one of only two stadiums in Florida to host two major league teams – the other is FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches which opened in 2017. 2 Since the two stadiums are only roughly 20 minutes apart, there are four teams to choose from. The Cardinals and the Marlins in Jupiter and the Nationals and Astros in West Palm Beach. Also, the Mets are only 30 minutes north of Jupiter so there is a critical mass of five teams in a small area.

The entire Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium complex is about 100 acres; each team has six practice fields each. Their two separate clubhouses border the outfield fences making a nice target for the hitters.

The Roger Dean Chevrolet Complex via Google Maps

The Cardinals and Expos were the original tenants. The Cardinals moved from St. Petersburg because MLB agreed to let the Tampa Bay Rays train there instead. In 2002, the Marlins replaced the Expos as part of their sale to Jeffry Loria.

Saturday – Mets vs. Marlins “WTF Seth Lugo?”

I’m a superstitious Mets fan – I’m sure others are as well. The deal is, if things are going well, don’t move. Don’t go to the bathroom, don’t get something to eat – don’t move! It’s spring training, I’m not in true game form and I simply forgot.

Everything seemed fine, the game started under cloudy skies but only a little drizzle at times. I was pleased that the Mets jumped ahead 6 – 0. Jason Vargas was throwing well and Conforto was raking. He hit a two-run blast two get the scoring started. Along the way, the Mets implemented a “hit and run” possibly a second one as well – I honestly didn’t know that the hit and run was used anymore. They also attempted a squeeze bunt.

Jason Vargas

A “Dean Dog”

Then I forgot the admonition – “don’t move if things are going good.” I was hungry and got a wonderful “Dean Dog” and all hell broke loose. A “Dean Dog” is a classic hot dog. It is 100% beef and cooked on a griddle so it gets nice and crunchy on the outside. Although it’s optional, I recommend the sauteed onions and peppers. Finally, brown deli mustard is available. Need I say more? Anyway, during the season I’m going to have to remember to not jinx fate by breaking the spell with food etc. Even if it is for a great hot dog.

Of course, Seth Lugo didn’t help. In one inning he allowed three hits and four runs. He also made a nice little catch on a short pop up but promptly threw the ball past first base letting the runners advance.

Refreshments and Dinner

At that point, the clouds started to really darken, and we made our getaway: out the stadium and down the street to the Civil Society Brewing Company where we sat through the resulting downpour drinking some interesting IPAs created on site.

Later, we ate dinner at Captain Charlie’s Reef Grill – a place that should not be missed. We met Ross, the owner a few years ago and make a point to reserve seats at his station. Then we let him choose a series of small plates that are delicious. Everyone should go and skip the large plates for a series of assorted small ones.

Not a bad first day. “Beware of Darkness” indeed.

Sunday – Cardinals vs. Marlins

The weather was much improved for day two – St. Patricks Day. The Cardinals wore green, the Marlins wore pastel blue. I sported my old green and orange Mets cap bought six years ago on another spring training St. Patricks Day game.

We worked out in the morning – trying to absolve some of the sins from the first day’s eating and beer drinking. Then we headed for Roger Dean – that’s just about all I have.

Paul Goldshmidt

The Marlins actually no-hit the Cardinals for eight innings. Yes, that never happens – teams don’t get no-hit in spring training. However, Trevor Richards started and pitched six innings of no-hit ball, striking out six and not walking anyone. Drew Steckenrider and Austin Brice followed with an inning each of no-hit ball. In the top of the ninth, Dexter Fowler hit a sharp single to right off Tayron Guerrero, Paul Goldschmidt did the same and we headed for the hotel pool.

No-Hitter in Progress

Under the heading – “Utter Minutiae:”

Could anyone design uglier socks and hopefully they are only worn for St. Patricks Day? Although why would anyone want to offend St. Patrick with said socks?

We had a “Mad Hungarian” sighting.

Al Hrabosky – “The Mad Hungarian”

And saw Derick Jeter in the flesh – seemingly pleased to own the Marlins.

Derek Jeter
Continue ReadingSpring Training – “Beware of Darkness”