Akron RubberDucks

One thing I do miss about living in northern Ohio is all of the access to great baseball.  You can see just about all of the Indians farm teams with a short drive.  I have enjoyed Captains and Scrappers games (had partial season tickets for both teams).  I used to catch the Clippers a couple times each season (they weren't affiliated with the Tribe at that time though) and I used to work walking distance from Canal Park, where the Akron Aeros played.

I always thought that the name "Aeros" was kind of goofy.  I never liked it.

Well, the team is NOW the Akron RubberDucks!  And yes, I absolutely love this name!

I remember the team asked fans to vote on keeping the Aeros name or going with a new one several years ago.  The Rubber Ducks name was an option, but fans voted on keeping the Aeros name.

Still, I think this is a team in desperate need of rebranding, and I think they have done a good job....  so far!

akronrubberducks.com

Joe Kruzel and Modern Woodmen Park

http://www.stanleyconsultants.com/markets-we-serve/water/water-resources/modern-woodmen-park-flood-protection/

I was thinking about some of my favorite baseball experiences over the last few seasons.  One of the all time coolest minor league parks is Modern Woodmen Park in Davenport Iowa.

See my previous post on it, but there have been some flooding issues (see link above). 

I sent former hitting coach Joe Kruzel a photo to sign that I took of him at the park.  I love his inscription!

The El Paso Chihuahuas

http://www.milb.com/index.jsp?sid=t4904

The Padres' new AAA team is the El Paso Chihuahuas.  I KNOW there are some people upset about this, but I absolutely love this team name!  El Paso just got bumped up on my "areas to visit" list.

I am a Chihuahua person (I have had one all of my life) and I love them!

Also, I think it is just cool that a team is going with this name.  There is something tough about it- kind of like when a team wears pink.  It's kind of like saying, "we're so tough, we are going to call ourselves the Chihuahuas!"

Alfredo Aceves- Red Sox Pitcher

Alfredo Aceves sent a very nice note to me recently during this hectic season!

He told me that playing for the 09 Yankees and pitching at the highest level in 2 countries can't compare to anything!

The A's were a favorite team growing up, and his favorite book is the Bible!

Thanks Alfredo!

Hoover Metropolitan Stadium- Hoover Alabama

Rickwood Field- Birmingham Alabama