Wild Pitches

Yes, I know, we are all itching for some baseball. I love the thrill of going to a new town and having the chance to explore their minor league park. Going to a new park, walking in for the first time, and mingling with the locals before the gates open.

During the winter months I spent time staring at the map and trying to figure out what new parks I can hit this season.

I also look forward to visiting my personal "home" parks. I see the Lexington Legends and the Florence Freedom whenever I can.

I am really in need of a trip to the park right now!

Anyway, while we all wait for April, let me recommend a couple of blogs I recently found out about.

"Dodger Blue World" seems to focus on classic moments in Dodgers history. Its a well done blog with cool photos. Dodgers fans and baseball fans in general will appreciate it. Check it out-

http://crzblue.mlblogs.com/

Also check out "Baseball Cards Come To Life!". This is a fun blog about baseball cards. The blogs author often does a little digging to find out odd facts about the cards and the players.

http://borosny.blogspot.com/

Wild Pitches

I just wanted to take a moment to mention Gary Carter. Do a quick search or check any of the news sites. It looks like his condition is getting worse.

Carter was easily my favorite player growing up. He has always been cool and classy.

Detroit Tigers- Comerica Park

Comerica Park is easily one of my favorite major league venues. I would rank it in the top 3.

It has a big spacious feel. There is a lot going on on the inside, but you don't feel packed in like at some other parks.

I know a lot of purists hated to see the old park go (and, there is nothing sadder in my opinion than the death of a great old ballpark) but this one is lively. The staff was great and the fans were on.

Outside of the park was a little iffy. We did park within a few blocks, and we were hassled a little on our way in. I was cussed at by an aggressive scalper whom I ignored, and several people asked for change. A couple of guys claiming to represent a veterans group asked for a donation, and a guy tried to sell me literature about an alien invasion from space. Seriously. I did not make that up!

That is part of Detroit's charm, I guess. I did see plenty of cops so the whole thing felt safe.

Still, when we got inside of the park, there was the stadium photo guy who asks to take your picture, so you can buy prints online later. Our party was in such a state of continuously telling people "no" and trying to walk away that we continued that with the photo guy.

Once we got in and got settled things were great. I casually chatted with several vendors and staff people who were all helpful. The fans were fun and the atmosphere was exciting.

I love the great tiger statues around the park. The growl and glowing eyes of the two on the scoreboard are just too cool. The huge stone ones outside of the front entrance have to be looked at in person. These aren't just cool statues of giant tigers at the ballpark, they are complicated works of art.

We walked all around the park and there was something exciting to see at every angle. You can see a lot of the city and the old buildings from about any seat. Detroit does have an amazing skyline. Plus, Comerica Park has a lot of rides and lights. It has a bit of an old carnival feel in some areas.

I would call this one of the best MLB parks for several reasons. Seating is comfortable. If you have been to a lot of parks, you know that at some you feel like you are looking down at the action if you have seats in an upper area. Other parks space the seats out better. You feel like you are looking across at the action, even if you are looking down. Comerica is that way. You don't feel like you could fall straight down at any moment.

I also like the vibe inside of the park. With the skyline and the fans, you never forget that you are in Detroit. Along those lines, I appreciate the odd characters outside of the park too.

Toledo Mud Hens-Fifth Third Field Toledo OH

Toledo is one of those towns I just find myself in ever so often. About once a year we do try to make it up there to catch the Mud Hens.

There is a great baseball tradition here. The Mud Hens have been around forever, and it seems like they have been affiliated with the Tigers forever.

I always have fun in Toledo. The town's art museum can compete with any similar museum in larger cities. Tony Packo's is a great place to stop for some unique food before a game. In fact, I think it might be safe to say that the Mud Hens and Tony Packos are the face of Toledo.

Here are a few pictures I took at a game right before the end of the season.

Wild Pitches

Just thought I would mention a couple of baseball items while we all wait for pitchers and catchers to report around the middle of next month.

I read that the Louisville Slugger Museum has added some cool stuff. One of the new things you can do there is buy a personalized baseball card of yourself! I think thats novel. I do like the personalized bat thing that they do, but bats are bulky.

Have you ever tried to collect baseball bats? How for did you get? I picked up a few game used ones here and there (mostly at minor league ballparks) and stopped after about 5. They are just so darn hard to display and store.

Oh, if you are in Owensboro this Saturday night (January 7th), the Zooperstars are going to be at the Sports Center for the Kentucky Wesleyan Game! I don't think the Zooperstars have made their way to Owensboro before, so check them out!