On the Road Again...

A total of 1,000 miles and 18 hours of driving provided me with the opportunity to watch two ball games last week, as I was absent to the blog due to my trip to Dodger Stadium and Petco Park. Dodger is a classic, and a place I’d been before, while Petco is state of the art and was a new experience.

Thursday – July 16th
Dodgers v. Astros – Dodger Stadium
Sitting roughly 9 rows from the top of the stadium, I witnessed Manny’s first game back at Chavez Ravine since his 50 game suspension. He was greeted with overwhelming applause and proceeded to go 1-4 with 2 K’s. It was like when Bonds was a Giant, everyone knew he was a cheater, but he was their cheater. It’s becoming depressingly sad that someone sitting out for CHEATING, is still welcomed by fans because ‘roids have become such a part of the game today.


The game itself was not even worthy of the Dodger applause. After 5 innings of a masterful pitching duel between Wandy Rodriguez and Randy Wolf, the Astros jumped out in front on a Humberto Quintero homer to dead center. The Astros tacked-on two more runs, winning the game 3-0, although the Dodgers threatened in a couple innings.


As for Dodger Stadium, it’s just a classic place to see a game. You get the feeling of Brooklyn, Los Angeles, Dodgers-past, and Dodgers-present. It’s also got some of the best in the league. Dodger Dogs are by far the best franks around and Vin Scully is the ultimate listening pleasure. Overall, a must visit for any fan of the National Pastime.

Friday – July 17th
Padres v. Rockies – Petco Park
Since they took the Rockies to a one game playoff in the 2007 season, no one has been worse than the Padres. The Friars showed how a bulimic offense and mediocre pitching is not a combination for success, and sitting only 20 rows behind the dugout, it provided me with the opportunity to see this first hand.


That Friday night, the Pads pushed 3 across on only 3 hits and failed to get a hit after the 5th inning. They Rockies meanwhile hit well and played even better defense. Ian Stewart made ESPN’s Top 10 with a diving stop at the hot corner, Tulowitzki played solid up the middle, and Helton made some great stretches at 1st. Another thrill included seeing Ubaldo Jimenez, the Colorado starter, hit the triple digits on the radar gun. All in all, the Rockies dominated, although only winning 5-3, and the most explosion in San Diego that night was the post-game fireworks.


Petco Park is a great ballpark. It combines luxury with a down-to-earth feel. Modeled as a completely open terrace, it is very welcoming and provides great views of the entire field. Also, they feature a ballpark steal, by offering a 5 for $5 deal that includes a hot dog, popcorn, peanuts, a cookie, and a soda. Definitely a park worth going too.



Overall it was a trip to remember, and definitely helped make this 2009 season one to remember.