New Target Field

 Over the weekend we had the opportunity to see Minnesota's new Target Field first-hand. It is self-proclaimed as the nicest ballpark in all of the major leagues. It is hard to argue that statement as it has done well what some other ballparks missed on. It reminds me much of Citizen Bank Ballpark in Philadelphia with a touch of northwoods. It is definitely a field that Minnesotan's can be proud of.

As with many newer ballparks, Target Field is built downtown in an area that locals are either trying to clean up or revitalize. The people of Minneapolis built this park near the warehouse district and is right next to the Target Center. A new light rail system has many lines running to the ballpark and the downtown area. And the park takes advantage of many bars and restaurants that were built to as an entertainment district.

 As we walked in at the gate behind home plate we were greeted by one of the ballpark's bars. This is Hrbek's, named after the first baseman of the '87 and '91 World Champion Teams.

Batting practice was just ending, but a criticism of the new park is that of the home run dimensions. To deep center the dimensions are 411 and 403, but the walls are high making it more difficult for Twins all-stars Mauer or Morneau to hit one out. Deep center are Minnesota Spruce Trees and right field features an overhang onto the field of bleachers.

 An early shower cleared the way for a beautiful sunset on the downtown skyline of Minneapolis. Rain and sunsets are something new to baseball fans in Minnesota. The Twins have played indoors since 1982 at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome. The dome still stands today as the home to the Minnesota Golden Gopher Baseball team and Minnesota Vikings of the NFL. Prior to the move inside, fans in the Twin Cities would go to the present site of Mall of America and Metropolitan Stadium for both the Twins and Vikings.

The left field bleachers were built in the style of bleachers from old Metropolitan Stadium. Flags atop these sections signify both division and world championship years.

Local favorites are found all around Target Field. Locally brewed beers, root beers touting one of the Twins most known sluggers, Harmon Killebrew as well as hot dogs and sausages. Kramarczurs is the provider of Target Field's bratwursts and polish sausages. The $6.50 meats were grilled alongside onions as you waited, the my brat was one of the best I've had at any major league game.

The Twins honor their history with retired numbers hanging just beyond the left field foul pole. Alongside Jackie Robinson's 42 that is retired by all MLB teams are Kirby Puckett, Kent Hrbek, Tony Oliva, Rod Carew and Harmon Killebrew.

One of the best retro-logo in major league baseball is that of the Minnesota Twins. Here "Minnie" and "Paulie" shake hands across the Mississippi River representing the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Upon a home run this sign lights up frantically.

Lights are built within the roof that runs from right field behind home plate to left field one set atop the replay board in left field. The lighting does a nice job of showcasing a beautiful ballpark.

And we enjoyed our trip to major league baseball's newest field.

Another Week of Home Openers

So Long Metrodome and Indoor Minnesota Baseball

The second full week of the season and more home openers on the way. In Minnesota they will experience their first outdoor home opener since the Twins moved inside for the 1982 season. The Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome has provided the Minnesota Twins memorable moments including two different World Series Championships but fans in the Twin Cities are looking forward to creating new memories in Target Field.

Petco Park in San Diego

One of the "quirkiest" of the new ballparks is San Diego's Petco Park. Built in the heart of downtown, this stadium has a little for everyone. Some seats are built into an old warehouse while some are able to watch from a family area consisting of a play area outside center field. Definitely one of the treats of the stadium are the Fish Tacos as a trip to the ballpark wouldn't be complete without them.

Dodger Stadium

Amazingly one of the three oldest ballparks in the major leagues, Dodger Stadium has been home to Los Angeles' National League team since 1962. Fans arrive to this ballpark "fashionably late," but it is due to the large amount of traffic in the area. However my biggest complaint is that there is little to do at or around the ballpark prior to the game. Parking is plenty, but there is nothing to do until gates open...and tailgating is a foreign idea to the Southern Californians. It is easy to feel post-season baseball sitting in Dodger Stadium. So many playoff and World Series games have been played here that even in May it is easy to feel like it is October. Dodger Dogs are the must treat from the concession stands.

Beautiful Wrigley Field

There is absolutely nothing like a game at Wrigley Field. Although the Cubs have never won a World Series while playing in the "Friendly Confines," there is no venue in all of baseball, or perhaps in all of sport like Wrigley Field. Currently there is little advertising, no replay board and the scoreboard is hand operated. Located in a Chicago neighborhood, apartment complexes surround it as well as the many bars and restaurants that help give the area its charm.

Busch Stadium home of the Cardinals

In the heart of downtown St. Louis resides the newest version of Busch Stadium, home of the Cardinals. It's accessibility makes it easy for a family to attend, and recently has been home to one of the most talented teams in all of baseball. Hotels are located within blocks, with many interstates dropping you off at the door. The open outfield gives fans a great view of downtown as well as the Arch. While it has been tough for a Cubs fan to enjoy the greatest rivaly in baseball over the last few years in St. Louis, this is a great place to watch it.

Citizen Bank Park, home of the Phillies

Citizen Bank Park in Philadelphia is one ballpark that was done right. There is always a good view of the field whether you are in your seats or walking to them. All concourses allow for a view while getting to the concession stands or restrooms. Escalators quickly move fans from one level to another and advanced ticket windows can also be found on the top level, something I haven't seen in any other ballpark. Along with ticket windows located throughout the park, there are also different children play areas giving parents the opportunity to go a short distance for the son or daughter to play. The only drawback is the limited number of seats in the shade, but those that are provide a nice breeze on a warm Summer day.

Play Ball

Opening Day in Major League Baseball. The Cubs are in first place, for today, and all fans dream of post-season baseball in their parks. Starting today I will post photos I have taken of ballparks where teams are opening at home.

Busch Stadium, home of the Stl Cardinals. Colin and I took friend Scott to see the Brewers play during the 2008 season. Today the Cardinals lost to the Pirates 6-4.

PetCo Park, home of the San Diego Padres. These seats were courtesy of Nate Kaeding. The Padres opened up against the Dodgers and dropped the season opener, 4-1.


The Ballpark at Arlington. This has been a few years, but one of the rare afternoon games of the Texas Rangers. Cleveland was the opening opponent and lost to the Rangers 8-1.

The Metrodome. The final year that it will host the Minnesota Twins. Of course the above picture was taken during the Iowa - Minnesota game of 2008, but my trips to see the Twins pre-dates affordable digital cameras. The Twins dropped its last home indoor opener to Seattle, 6-1.

Matt Leinart...your 10 minutes of fame may be over. You'll be remembered more for a picture depicting you doing a beer bong with coed college students than playing for the Arizona Cardinals....But then again, who'd want to be remembered for playing for the Arizona Cardinals. Point goes to Leinart.

CBS Sports...nice way to finish your golf season. An audio glitch had us missing the last 8-10 minutes of audio on their last golf tournament of the 2008 season. No Jim Nantz to explain why Sergio Garcia got relief from his poor lie. I found out a day later that this problem was limited to our broadcast area. Thanks, KGAN

The Yankees and Red Sox play this week. It is hard to believe this is the last series between the two until the final weekend. What will ESPN do for a month? And can ESPN handle a series more important than the Yankees and Red Sox playing on the final weekend? Say the Brewers and Cubs?

Best baseball is being played in the midwest. Although the Cubs have a 4 1/2 game lead on Milwaukee, it is far from over. The battle for the NL wild card may come down to the Cardinals and Brewers. In the American League, it is important to check the standings daily. One day the Twins may lead the AL Central, and the next it could be the White Sox. The next two weeks are very important to the race. The Twins are on the road for fourteen days due to the Republican Convention in the Twin Cities. If Chicago is to have a sizable lead, now is the time.