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.

Nate Kaeding Golf Tournament - The Video

Based on my profession I tend to produce videos that have more of a look for tv than they do for a part-time blog. However this is a very short video on the outing.

Nate Kaeding Golf Outing

One of the highlights to Summer in the Iowa City / Coralville area is the annual Nate Kaeding Golf Tournament. The 2009 edition was the fourth annual and my third straight year of playing in the event. It is definitely a unique event as Thursday is the pre-event "Par-Tee" which includes an auction, food and entertainment. Friday is the golf outing with a different activity on every hole along with the golf tournament.

Par-Tee participants Jackie Kaeding (Nate's Sister), Matthew Engelbert, John Mills, Bob Rahfeldt, and Dana Engelbert.

The Live Auction underway, with items such as season tickets in the club level at Kinnick Stadium, University of Iowa Golf Cart, and a life-size Nile Kinnick painting among other items.

A table for the silent auction which includes private parties at the Cedar Rapids Kernels, MC Ginsbergs, Nate Kaeding Framed Signed Pro Bowl Jersey, Jason Baker signed mini-helmet and a package of wines from local Muddy Creek Wineries among other items.

Many of the Par-Tee members engaged in the Live Auction.

While the Live Auction was in process, many others enjoying the social activities.

A change to the golf outing for 2009 was allowing two foursomes to play simultaneously on the same hole allowing our two groups to play together. XOS Technologies sponsored the two teams and they included: Justin Moen, Chic Ejiasi, John Mills, Matthew Engelbert, (host) Nate Kaeding, Charlie Bullen, Bob Rahfeldt, Kevin Foor, and Joe Marinaro.

The Marriott of Coralville provides food and drink on many of the holes at Brown Deer Golf Course.

What makes the tournament different from others is the involvement of the Iowa City / Coralville Community. Here the Holiday Inn Express Suites of Coralville sponsors the 14th hole with a bean bag game giving players the opporuntiy to a whirlpool suite. Others sponsoring holes were FryFest, University of Iowa Sport Medicine, Cedar Rapids Distillery, Arctic Cat, Coralville Nissan and many others. The title sponsor was Corridor State Bank.

Joe Marinaro of XOS Technologies, the sponsor of our two foursomes

The afternoon group of golfers ready to go. There were 36 foursomes in the morning and 37 in the afternoon.

Nate had many ex-Hawkeyes participate as well as current San Diego Chargers, Nate's current NFL team. Among the Chargers who participated were Mike Scifers, David Binn and radio analyst Hank Bauer. Jason Baker, former Hawkeye and current Carolina Panther also played in the event.

Proceeds from the event go to the Hope Lodge located on the University of Iowa campus.

The Battle for the Wall

In what has become at least a yearly battle, Indianapolis and San Diego have played each other either in the regular season or post season, or both. Each team has a number of ex-Hawkeyes. Bob Sanders and Dallas Clark for the Colts. Nate Keading, Mike Goff and Scott Chandler for the Chargers. Dallas and Nate have each signed a picture of them in action for their respective NFL teams which hang on the wall in my office. For the past two seasons, the player's picture which is on top belongs to the winner of the game. As many of you know, the Chargers won the most recent battle and now Nate is the top picture.