Ballparks Across America

1. “52 Degrees Fahrenheit” at Peoria Stadium on March 21st (Cactus League).  The season began on a cold note in normally warm Arizona.  With: Tim Chambers. Fans Seen Again: Jamie Anderson, Steve Schatlenberg.

2. “Tear It Down” at Camelback Ranch on March 22nd (Cactus League).  Not all Cubs fans find the friendly confines of Wrigley Field to be completely endearing as one wants it torn down.  With: Tim Chambers, Jeffrey Gampinsky.  Met: David Andre, Jill Andre, Becky Moon, Frank Moon.  Celebrity Seen: First Cy Young Award Winner Don Newcombe.

3. “7:05 Surprise in Surprise” at Surprise Stadium on March 22nd (Cactus League).  Fortunately the game was only in the third inning when Tim and I arrived an hour late because we thought it started at 7:05 not 6:05.  With: Tim Chambers.  Met: Leonard Adams, Pat Adams, Brion Beetz, Christian Davis, Nancy Hallett, Denise Heise, Tom Leslie, Joseph Linn, Rozanne Linn, Larry Whitcomb.

4. “You Found Us in 2002″ at Tempe Diablo Stadium on March 23rd (Cactus League).  The answer to a Giants fan confused about the location of the Los Angeles of Anaheim.  With: Tim Chambers, Brett Harmon, Brandon Velaski, Jenna Velaski.

5. “The New Stick” at Salt River Fields at Indian Stick on March 23rd (Cactus League).  Salt River Fields at Indian Stick is known locally as “The Stick.”  With: Tim Chambers.  Fan Seen Again: Susan Price.

6. “Three Generations Iowa Cubs Fans” at Hohokam Park on March 24th (Cactus League).  The strongest Cubs fans in the world aren’t just on the North Side of Chicago.  I found real fans from the state of Iowa, where they have Triple A season tickets.  With: Tim Chambers, Becky Moon, Frank Moon.  Fans Seen Again: John Antonoff, Mark Gallo.  Met: Karen Frank, Faye Senne, Violet Senne.  Celebrities Met: Bert Campaneris, Jim “Mudcat” Grant.  Celebrities Seen: Ferguson Jenkins, Pete LaCock, Gaylord Perry.

7. “High Society” at Scottsdale Stadium on March 24th (Cactus League).  Sat in the first row and saw it was where Scottsdale “High Society” meets.  With: Tim Chambers.  Met: Sarah Peterson.  Fan Seen Again: Shelly Lemonds.

8. “You’ll Be Missed” at Goodyear Ballpark on March 25th (Cactus League).  Displays for Bob Feller and Sparky Anderson are on prominent display after their recent passing.  With: Tim Chambers, Charlie Price.  Met: Bob Brown, Dorothy Brown, Clay “The Maytage Repairman” Jackson.

9. “Can’t We We All Be More Like Vin” at Dodger Stadium on March 31st (National League).  From an overhead banner saying “DODGERS STILL SUCK — FROM SF CHAMPS FANS” to Giants fans being beaten in the parking lot, it’s gone way too far.  Can’t we keep it positive like Vin Scully?”  With: Tim Chambers, Jerry Medina, Margo Rubio, Becca Vaughn, Greg Vaughn, Mark Vaughn.  Met: Tiffany Calderon, Tom Charon, Lowell Delbick, Michael Delbick, Sam Martinez, Steve Ruiz.  Celebrities Seen: Placido Domingo, Tommy LaSorda, Frank McCourt, Jerry Reuss, Vin Scully, Fernando Valenzuela.

10. “Saved by the Club Again” at Nationals Park on April 3rd (National League).  Last season we sat in Club Level seats for a while and then escaped the heat and humidity by sitting in the air conditioned club.  This season we did the same to escape the 53 degrees cold wind.  With: Les Anderson, Vic Bryant, Jr., Jim Marquardt, Mike Minar, Daughter Angela Montgomery, Arthur Payton, Chris Saxon, United States Air Force Staff Sergeant Devin Saxon, Kim Saxon.  Met: James Dahlstedt, Amy Killen, Nick Killen, Amy Mann, Peter Peno.  Fans Seen Again: Mike Armstrong, Billy Roode, Chris Slattery.

11. “Bawlmer First” at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 4th (American League).  There were some firsts this season as a member of the Opening Day Flag Draping Team: the O’s are 4-0 for their best start this century, the crowd was the largest ever for an Oriole Park opener, the temperature hit 80 and I remembered to “duck” my head below the wall after unfurling.  With: Mike Armstrong, Vic Bryant, Jr., Jimmy Chambers, Beverly Coursey, Kevin George, Bob Harden, Mary Klepper, Regina Klepper, Jerry Malone, Jim Menendez, Angela Montgomery, Jennie Sjursen, Greg Warren, Jeff Weimert, Jeffrey Weimaert.  Met: Patrick Huber, Charlie Maranto, Jean Maranto, Marjie Maranto, Debra Zerhusen.  Celebrities Seen: Boog Powell, Earl Weaver.

12. “Useful Gate Giveaway” at Citizens Bank Park on April 5th (National League).  When it’s 49 at game time with a 17-mile-per-hour wind, I needed the Phillies Opening Week tee shirt as a scarf and ear muffs.  With: Lauren Bertuola, Lindsey Bertuola, Brian Cahill, Kevin Finn, John Maglio, Rick Martin, Bill Stinger.  Fans Met: Jenna Dragani, Jaime Hinkle, Gia Luciano, Meghan Maslowski,Lauren McKibbin, Jenna Thompson.

13. “Introducing for the First Time the World Champion San Francisco Giants” at AT&T Park on April 8th (National League).  Northern California fans have waited since 1958 to hear those words over the PA system at a San Francisco home game.  Having watched the Giants from 1958 to 1968 as a Bay Area resident, I had an appreciation for the heartfelt joy of the fans.  The celebration began long before and lasted after the game.  With: Joe Colombo, Joseph Colombo, Jr., Connor Day, Bryan DuPertuis, Mel Fechter, Nadja Fechter, Tiffany Fechter, Krista Fonseca, Nicolo Manlapaz, Jason Mar, Frances Maunder, Jim Maunder, Ai Lin Morten, George Rosko, Matthew Rosko, Derrick Sheetz, Barbara Tongate, Nike Valverde, Michael Varni, John Wimmer.  Fans Met: Rob Dean, Anna Guidry, Molly Haun, Erika Karr, Terry Rillera, Paula Swiatkowski, Denise Tijerina.  Fans Seen Again:  Aom Aphiradee, John McKenna (1), Anita Raabe, Gail Raabe, Carol Stafford, George Stafford, Tai Trong.  Celebrities Seen:  Willie Mays, Jon Miller, Patrick Monahan.

14.  “Back Home” at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on April 21st (American League). For the first time in 2011 I saw my team play at its regular season home.  That meant seeing lots of familiar fans and seeing my Angels lose in extra innings to their nemesis, the Red Sox.  With: Tim Chambers, Andrea Duff, George Durr, Linda Durr.  Fans Seen Again: Chris Adams, Greg Adams, Lauren Bernardino, Taylor McMorris.  Fans Met: Aaron Baker, Abbi Besser, Nick DiCamillo, Christina Joon, Jen Joon, Candace Patch, Shannon Velasco.

15.  “Remembering the Mick” at Petco Park on April 26th (National League). The two-run home run by Chipper Jones in the first inning gave him 1,509 runs batted in to tie Mickey Mantle for second place on the all-time list for switch hitters behind the leader Eddie Murray at 1,917 runs batted in.  With: Tim Chambers, Al Jordan, Gina Jordan, Katie Whitlow.  Fans Seen Again: Van Anglim, Sister Jan Costa.  Fans Met: Anastasia Andriyanova, Joe Blakely, Dominique Deluca, Laurnie Durisoe, Ashley Hastings, Helen Jackman, Neil McCarthy, Peter McCarthy, Layla Pawlak, Lauren Poffenbarger, Lacee Thelen, Leigh Warren, Jacqui West, Eva Wingo, Lisa Yim.

16. “Reality TV at OC Sports Grill” at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on April 27th (American League).  Bartender Babe Bower believes OC Sports Grill should be the next setting for a reality TV show.   With: Tim Chambers.  Fans Seen Again: Babe Bower, Candace Patch.  Fans Met: Rachael Lynne Dyer, Stephanie Lescano, Rick Meumann.

17a. “1964 Revisited” at AT&T Park on May 7th (National League).  In 1964, the Giants were in their seventh season in San Francisco, Willie Mays turned 33 on May 6th, my future wife turned 18 on the same day anf four in our group were about to be Napa High graduates.  With: Gerry Bettencourt, Mel Fechter, Nadja Fechter,Wife Dee Dee Jones, Jason Mar, Barbara Morrow.  Met: Adriane Underwood.  Saw Again: Aom Aphiradee, Tai Trong.

17b. “The Final Player for the 1937 Balboa High School Baseball Champions” Memorial Service and Celebration of the Life of Art Dikas in Millbrae and San Mateo, California on June 30th (In Memorium). Art Dikas, whom I met when he was an usher at AT&T Park, passed away on June 25th at the age of 92. A skillful player, Art is best known for being Joe DiMaggio’s 1935 bat boy and for his constant good cheer. With: Mel Fechter, Nadja Fechter, Alice Lucia, Ai Lin Morten, Paula Swiatkowski. Met: Christina Dikas, Clara Dikas, Mike Dikas, Nick Dikas, Allison Garcia, Elaine Garcia, Victoria Garcia, John Garvey, Ernie Golding, David Lucia. Met Post-Event: Mark Graham.  Saw Again Post-Event: Tiffany Fechter, Trent Hill. Celebrity Seen: Joe Kapp.

18. “Guinness World Record” at Angel Stadium on May 10th (American League).  There were many laughs as 32,673 fans wore Angels wrestler’s masks for 10 minutes to set a Guinness World Record.  Plus the first-place Angels won the game.  With: Joe Culbert, Marty Culbert, Son Kevin Jones, Carley Macneil, Taylor McMorris, Jessica Wasmer.  Fans Met: Joey Armas, Jose Armas, Michael Armas, Jerry Mazenko, Tania Vasquez.  Fans Seen Again: Babe Bower, Andrea Duff, Rachael Lynne Dyer, Fran Mazenko.

19. “Free Day” at Angel Stadium on May 26th (American League).  Tim and I used complimentary tickets from an Angels 5K Race we didn’t run.  With: Tim Chambers, Larry Fogleman.  Met: Pokuaa Enin.

20. “Cousins Reunion” at Wrigley Field on June 19th (Interleague). Pre-game eight first cousins and numerous other family members had a family get-together way down South in Tinley Park, Illinois. With: Ed Carmosino, Tim Chambers, Jimmy Manzella, Mario Narduzzi, Steve Teitelbaum. Met: Paulie Carano, Ann Doherty, Mike Eisinas, Phyllis Emond, Pete Johnson, Anil Kashyap, Cousin-in-Law Jerry Kendra, Kyle Kendra, Zach Kendra, Second Cousin Gabriella Voltolina, Second Cousin Gianna Voltolina. Pre-Game Saw: Mom Marian Carlson, Niece Kelly Jones, Niece Kristie Jones, Brother Ron Jones, Cousin Jeanette Kendra, Second Cousin Anna Marie Lettiere, Cousin-in-Law Barbara Lettiere, Second Cousin Danielle Lettiere, Cousin Debra Lettiere, Cousin Dominic Lettiere, Second Cousin Dominique Lettiere, Second Cousin Elise Lettiere, Second Cousin Michelle Lettiere, Cousin Ron Lettiere, Cousin-in-Law Sheila Lettiere, Second Cousin Allison Luvich, Cousin-in-Law Fred Luvich, Second Cousin Peter Luvich, Cousin Renee Luvich, Cousin George Mulcahy, Colleen Orth, Cousin Diane Piazza.

21. “The Yankees Core Four” at U.S. Cellular Field on June 20th (Interleague).  Tailgated before the game with the “Core Four,” Yankees fans whose 3B motto is “beer, barbecue and baseball,” and seven White Sox fans we met. Then we joined relatives for a Crosstown Cup game that sent Sox fans home unhappy. With: Ed Carmosino, Jeremy Chaloupa, Tim Chambers, Ben Duggan, Larry Loonam, Terry Loonam, Carmelo Maggio, Pete Mankins, Ray Mankins, Jimmy Manzella, Mario Narduzzi, Diane Piazza, Ryan Snow, Pete Tamos, Steve Teitelbaum, Mick Wenkus. Met: Adam Carroll, United States Marine Corps Sergeant Theron A. Carroll, Kelly Smith, Cindy Thomas.

22. “1961 Revisited” at Great American Ballpark on June 22nd (Interleague). While 1961 is known for Roger Maris, Mickey Mantle and a classic Yankees team. it’s remembered in Cincinnati for a National League pennant.  Eight players from that team were honored in pre-game ceremonies. With: Tim Chambers. Met: Suzanne Calcagno, Randy Christensen, Brandon Cutsinger, Brad Damron, Chris Gibson, Chuck Hingtgen, Logan Metry, Bill Nelson. Former Players Seen: Leo Cardenas, Gene Freese, Joe Gaines, Jay Hook, Jerry Lynch, Jim Maloney, Claude Osteen, Jim O’Toole.

23. “Frontier League” at All Pro Freight Stadium on June 23rd (Independent). Luckily I was not the designated driver with 20-ounce $2 beers on Thirsty Thursday in the Frontier League. With: Tim Chambers. Met: Mike Bryda, David Colon, Victor Colon, Sarah Kuhn, Melanie Majewski.

24. “A PNC Park Sellout” at PNC Park on June 24th (Interleague). The Red Sox Nation continues to travel extremely well as I experienced my first sold-out game at PNC Park. Cancelled flights didn’t stop everyone from getting here. With: Ali Ballou, Mike Ballou, Ed Barber, Tim Chambers, Steve Cherington, Ron Chorney, John Coffman, Justin Coffman, Bobby Connelly, Gary Enos, Kelly Frank, Mike Frank, Alan Gerofsky, Don Grohman, Kevin Harris, Amelia Lemke, Christian Lemke, Faith Lemke, Jake Lemke, Mark Lemke, Steven Metz, Amy Oliveira, John Oliveira, Catherine Parente, Denise Roush, Aaron Shwom, Irwin Shwom, Jeff Shwom, Ben Small, Bruce Small, Joel Small, Randy Small, Rick Small, Evan Sokol, Gary Sparr, Mike Tobin, T.J. Tobin, Brian White, Jenna White, Bob Williams, Carl Williams, Justin Williams, Shaunna Wyche.

25. “The 1925 Suite” at PNC Park on June 25th (Interleague). With: Ali Ballou, Mike Ballou, Ed Barber, Vic Bryant, Tim Chambers, Steve Cherington, Ron Chorney, John Coffman, Justin Coffman, Bobby Connelly, Gary Enos, Moe Finegold, Kelly Frank, Mike Frank, Luke Gawron, Victor Gawron, Alan Gerofsky, Don Grohman, Barbara Holt, Amy Klaben, Craig Lawhead, Christian Lemke, Jake Lemke, Mark Lemke, Angela Montgomery, Michael Muffs, Catherine Parente, Karen Pine, Sam Pine, Aaron Shwom, Irwin Shwom, Jeff Shwom, Ben Small, Bruce Small, Joel Small, Randy Small, Rick Small, Evan Sokol, Gary Sparr, Mike Tobin, T.J. Tobin, Bob Williams, Carl Williams, Justin Williams. Met: Diane Marshall, Andrew Stockey.

26. “Put Away the Brooms” at PNC Park on June 26th (Interleague). With: Ali Ballou, Mike Ballou, Ed Barber, Tim Chambers, Steve Cherington, Ron Chorney, Bobby Connelly, Gary Enos, Kelly Frank, Mike Frank, Don Grohman, Kevin Harris, Angela Montgomery, David Morgan, Derek Morgan, Jim Morgan, Michael Muffs, Catherine Parente, Denise Roush, Aaron Shwom, Irwin Shwom, Jeff Shwom, Ben Small, Bruce Small, Joel Small, Randy Small, Rick Small, Evan Sokol, Gary Sparr, Mike Tobin, T.J. Tobin, Bob Williams, Justin Williams. Met: Austin Ellis, Casey Ellis, Dave Hall, Janelle Hall.

27. “Futures and Pasts” at Chase Field on July 10th (MLB All-Star Game). The first game featured minor leaguers who figure to be future majoe league all-stars. The second game featured past major league stars with current celebrities playing softball. With: Boots Byrd, Jess Byrd, Jimy Byrd, Storm Byrd, Bruce Cooper, David Dean, Levi Fetty, James McGill, Stephanie McGill, Chris Montano, Crystal Ortega, Tom Ortega, Brandon Velaski, Paul Velaski, Wendy Velaski. Saw Pre-Game: Step Mom Maxine Jones. Met: Javier Palma, Luis Palma.

28a. “Home Run Derby Golden Balls” at Chase Field on July 11st (MLB All-Star Game). Every batter had a chance to hit a “golden ball” with 24-carat gold painted on one half. While valued at $150, a fan refused a bid of $800 for hers. With: Jeff Glass, Chris Montano, Albert Peach, Brandon Velaski, Derek Velaski, Jenna Velaski, Paul Velaski, Wendy Velaski. Met: Alejandra Armstrong, Barbara Armstrong, Shelley Colter, Jennifer Gilkerson. Saw Again:  Javier Palma, Luis Palma.

28b. “All-Star Day” at Chase Field on July 12th (MLB All-Star Game). My All-Star game day began by watching live ESPN’s Colin Cowherd Show, included lunch with fans in Surprise and ended by watching the game in “Uptown,” the right field area at Chase Field named for Dbacks All-Star Justin Upton.  With: Frank Daniel, Pete Jones, Vicky Jones, Chris Montano, Ted Skroback, Brandon Velaski, Derek Velaski, Paul Velaski, Wendy Velaski. Saw Pre-Game: Diane Barish, Robert Barish. Met: Matt Bial, Colin Cowherd, Steve Rothschild, David Sheridan, Casey Witt.

29. “Man Night” at FirstEnergy Park on July 21st (Minor League). My first game in New Jersey was memorable from pre- and post-game beer at Ruby Tuesday to having dollar beers at prostate cancer awareness night while sitting with the Lavalette Republican Club. Met: Courtney DeBenetto, Alyse Fay, Don Gillmore, Colleen Oliverio, Tony Rocco, Matt Van Pelt, Buddy Wasco, Jamie Wasco, Anita Zalom, Julie Zummo.

30. “Philadelphia’s 2011 Extremes” at Citizens Bank Bank Park on July 22nd (National League). I went from the coldest game of the season in Philadelphia in April to the hottest game of the season on “’80′s Retro Night.” Tailgated with a group of paramedics and went to the bar at McFadden’s post-game to try to cool off after a 103-degree day with a 130 heat index. It’s an annual event for the paramedics.  With: John Adams, Dana Bowerson, Drew Bowerson, Brian Cahill, Amy Corcoran, Beverly Coursey, Gordy Edwards, Kevin Finn, Joe Franzoni, Johnny Gauge, Anne Gillespie, Frank Gillespie, Ally Heiger, Bobby Helmer, Tom Hobbs, Katrina Jansen, Chris Johnson, Tina Johnson, Mary Klepper, Ray Lyons, Gina Madron, John Marcus, Bill Maxwell, Bob Maxwell, Ryan Mohr, Step Mohr, Nick Pedicone, Amanda Robert, Lydia Royer, Meg Salter, Jennie Sjursen, Brandon Speakman, Ashley Steil, Lindsay Thompson.

31. “Tailaxing in Waldorf” at Regency Furniture Stadium on July 24th (Independent League). What better way to describe tailgating while relaxing with family and friends before a game. Some of the tailgaters actually went home without seeing the game.  Too bad, they missed a nice home team win with great fan entertainment. With: Les Anderson, Kyle Bryant, Nick Bryant, Vic Bryant, Vic Bryant, Jr., Camryn Hrina, Trish Hrina, Jerry Malone, Angela Montgomery, Arthur Payton, Earit Powell, Kat Powell, Lexi Powell, Lana Rair, Emily Rowe, Steve Rowe, Kelsi Whalen. Met: Suzi Payton, Heidi Rowe, Austin Will.

32. “A September Win” at Fenway Park on September 19th (American League). The Red Sox began the night with a 4-14 record in September and a mere 1.5-game lead over the Rays in the Wild Card race. The win helped but starter John Lackey couldn’t make it through the fifth inning to add to the pitching concerns. With: Ed Barber, Tim Chambers, Alan Gerofsky, Brendan Guinnane, Brian Hamilton, Angela Montgomery, Jen Murray, Ricky Regan, Ron Spinney, Kathy Tobin, Mike Tobin, T.J. Tobin, Terry Vazquez. Met: Mike Karpowicz, Paul Needham, Gerry Vitti. Saw Again: Christina Andreoli-Hamman, Jessica Bunnell, Robbie Ludwig.

33. “Mixed Feelings” at Yankee Stadium on September 20th (American League). A Yankee loss would have hurt the Red Sox. With:  Tim Chambers. Saw: Jerry Springer.

34. “September Swoon” at Fenway Park on September 21st (American League). Now 5-16 in September, the Red Sox are on the verge of an unprecedented collapse. Today’s bright spot was a doubleheader win by the Yankees over the Rays to leave the Sox 2.5 games ahead of the Rays and Angels. It was still a nervous Fan Appreciation Night. With: Tim Chambers, Randy Curry, Danny Curtis, Chris Durkin, Ruth Flannery, David Friel, Deb Friel, Alan Gerofsky, Don Grohman, Jay Grohman, Cara Haberli, Alida Lawson Montgomery, United States Air Force Tech Sergeant Daniel Montgomery, Todd Rasmussen, Kathy Tobin, Mike Tobin, T.J. Tobin, Terry Vazquez. Met: Alan Hoffman, Pat Sullivan. Saw Again: Jessica Bunnell, Joe Santo.

35. “Postseason Rookie Leadership” at Chase Field on October 4th (National League Division Series (MLB Postseason)). Rookies Paul Goldschmidt and Josh Collmenter led the Diamondbacks charge as the roof protected fans from a rainstorm. With: Tim Chambers, Jeff Walmsley. Met: United States Air Force Captain Christopher Brewer, Kaz Denney, Ben Paul, David Paul, Mike Walsh. Saw Again: Shelley Colter, Javier Palma.

36. “Manic to Mellow” at Hohokam Park on October 5th (Arizona Fall League). Went from the deafening postseason game to the mellowness of a crowd of 200 watching Fall Ball. With: Photographer John Antonoff, Tim Chambers, Larry Fogleman. Saw: Rex Hudler, Tim Huff, John Kazlo.

37. “$13.80 Beer” at Chase Field on October 5th (National League Division Series (MLB Postseason)). The one beer delivered to my field level seat 10 rows behind home plate cost a lot with a 20% service charge, 9.3% tax and tip. With: Tim Chambers. Pre-Game Saw: Jeff Walmsley. During Game Saw: Roland Hemond, Susan Price.

38. “Full Service Guy Mike Trout” at Salt River Fields at Indian Stick on October 6th (Arizona Fall League). The Angel phenom wasn’t in the lineup so he helped out by being his team’s bat boy and the 20-year-old did it in good humor. With: John Antonoff, Tim Chambers, Larry Fogleman. Met: Jim Burrup, Taylee Burrup, Tim Huff, John Kazlo.

39. “NA-PO-LI and the Stash” at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington on October 23rd (World Series (MLB Postseason). The World Series game was dominated by Rangers Catcher Mike Napoli, whose name was chanted repeatedly, and weak mustacioed Pitcher Derek Holland. With: Brian Amsden, Preston Amsden, Jennifer Blinco, Layne Blinco, Adam Davis, Luke Davis, Travis Davis. Met: Norma Aguilar, Michelle Dunais, Cori Kelly, David Norville, Joseph Norville, Buz Wilson.