The Season Comes to an End.......

Well, it's that time of year again....the end of baseball season. I ended this season with 97 total games that I have been to in my life. I wish I could have gotten to 3 more just to make 100. Oh well, there's always next year (That's what the Yankees are saying right now too). I went to 34 different parks this year, which is a new record for me. I think Richmond County Bank Ballpark in Staten Island was one of my favorites this year. The scenic background makes this park a very enjoyable place to watch a game. It was so relaxing compared to nearby KeySpan Park in Brooklyn, which was probably my least favorite park this year. Also ranking pretty high up on my list of favorites are Dodger Stadium, Clipper Magazine Stadium, Cooper Stadium, and Petco Park.

Weekend Trip to PA

Hello. I took a weekend trip to PA to see a few stadiums. Saturday, I saw a game in Lancaster, the Barnstormers vs. the Newark Bears. The park was nice, see my review on my website for more info. Sunday, I figured since I was only an hour or so away from Baltimore, that I would travel down to see a game there since I didn't have digital pictures of Camden Yards yet. Last time I went, it was before the time of digital cameras. I made sure I took lots of pics. Although, since it rained while I was down there, there isn't much sun in the pictures. I was glad to see that Camden Yards seemed to be in the same immaculate condition that it was in last time I was there. That place is spotless! People actually throw their garbage away rather than just leaving it under their seats. Imagine that! I spent more time walking through Eutaw St. than I did the first time I was there. I took notice of the "Orioles Hall of Fame" located on a wall on Eutaw St. and the plaques of baseballs on the sidewalk. Also, the big numbers that were located near the entrance were pretty cool. I was a little disappointed in the standing room only section because I wasn't tall enough to see over the wall. :( Luckily, I had a real seat, but like to wander around as well. I then headed back up to York, PA, where I had stayed for the night to see the York Revolution take on the Somerset Patriots. The funniest thing was that when I parked my car and got out, the parking lot attendant said to me, "Are you one of the player's wives?". First thing I thought was, 'Wow--he actually thinks I look old enough to be married, and secondly, he actually thinks someone would subject themselves to marry me." After, I laughed, I told him I wasn't. He thought because of my Yankees tire cover that I was there to see my husband since he had heard that many of the Somerset Patriots were ex-Yankees (which, I did not break the news to him, that that wasn't true...unless I was married to the manager, Sparky Lyle). Geez...can't a female go to a game by herself and not be a player's wife. I know when Brian goes to games alone and keeps score, he has been asked if he is a scout. haha...gee, people do go by themselves without having any affiliation to a player or to the league.

Enough is Enough of "Manny being Manny"

Ok, enough of the "Manny being Manny" excuse to justify Manny Ramirez's behavior. I can handle people saying "Oh, well, that's just Manny being Manny" in response to someone criticizing the way he stands and admires his homeruns as if he has never seen one hit out of the park. Ok, now I do understand that I was not there and I did not see exactly the way things happened, but I do feel what I am about to say is justifiable. When it comes to Manny's latest incident involving the team's traveling secretary who could not magically produce 16 tickets for Manny while the Red Sox were in Houston playing the Astros, is just absolutely inexcusable. Each player was entitled to 4 (some sources say 6) tickets for the game. Manny requested 16 at the last minute. When those 16 tickets could not be provided for him by the team's traveling secretary, Manny threw the 64 year old man to the ground. Manny apparently told the secretary, "Just do your job!". Well, as far as I understand it, Manny's job is to play baseball, not to shove elderly men to the ground. So, who's not doing their job here? Hmmmm....let's think.

Now, a few weeks ago Shawn Chacon, formerly of the Astros, was released after a physical altercation took place with the general manager. Finally, someone was dealt with accordingly. The Red Sox claim they will handle "disciplining" Manny internally....which I think translates into, "nothing will be done because winning and making money is the most important thing to the Red Sox organization". The only difference between Chacon's and Ramirez's situation is Chacon is not headed to the Hall of Fame (Not that I support Manny going to the HOF).

Now, I am sure there are plenty of conflicts that take place within teams that we don't hear about and possibly the only reason we are hearing about this is because it involves a superstar (or super idiot, in my opinion). But either way, enough is enough....someone acting like a jerk, just because they are a jerk, is NOT an excuse. He should be dealt with severely. The best headline to sum up this situation actually came from a Massachusetts newspaper: "Manny Crosses Line, surely Red Sox Will do Nothing".

..................And don't even get me started on how Manny had a yelling incident with Kevin Youkilis in which he was telling Youkilis not to throw as much equipment when he is upset. Is Manny Ramirez really one who should be correcting anyone else's behavior?

Cleanliness of Stadiums

Check out this link:
http://www.portfolio.com/interactive-features/2008/05/Foul-Ballpark

Wow....stay away from L.A.!

Where's Spring?

OK, let me first start out by saying that I am not going to be attending anymore cold baseball games this season. Enough is enough. Last night, at the North Pole,....... I mean at the Bridgeport game, the wind chill factor had to have been in the 30's. This is a little ridiculous for baseball season. If I have to be bundled up so tightly that I don't even have a free hand for a hot dog....there's a serious problem.

Opening Day Take 2...

The Yankees managed to come through with their 11th straight home opener win! Although, unfortunately, they were not as successful on April 2nd, which is when I went to the game. AJ Burnett pitched a great game as he managed to silence the Yankee bats. Hopefully, they will bounce back tonight against the Blue Jays in the rubber game of the series. Above is a picture of the All-Star Game logo from the game last night

Opening Day Disappointment

All the anticipation leading up to Opening Day in the Bronx came crashing down, as the game was postponed due to rain. Talk about a disappointment. For now, we will have to wait one more day for the start of the Yankees quest for their 27th World Championship. Hopefully, the weather will cooperate this time.

Get Well, Bob!

Well, it looks like Bob Sheppard, the legendary Yankees PA announcer is expected to miss the majority of the first half of the season. He is still recovering from health issues which began towards the end of last season. Bob is in his late 90's---amazing! His voice will be tremendously missed while he is home recovering. Get well soon, Bob!

Billy Crystal Makes MLB Debut

So, I am sure everyone has seen the highlights by now of Billy Crystal's MLB debut with the Yankees on March 13, 2008. He managed to make contact when he fouled off a pitch before eventually striking out against the Pirates. Very cool! Why can't the Yankees sign me for a one day contract? Oh, right....I'm not famous.

Tampa Bay's New Name, Colors, Logo, and Uniform Good Choice

The Tampa Bay orgnization recently announced a change in their name, logo, and uniforms. Previously known as the "Devil Rays", Tampa Bay is now simply known as the "Rays". They have changed their colors to navy blue and light blue and have introduced a new logo with a bright yellow sun. The former Devil Rays needed a major transformation to increase fan interest in the team. This was a much needed change. I mean, what the heck was a "Devil Ray" anyway? "Rays" just makes a lot more sense now sense they are located in the Sunshine State. Hopefully, their new image will radiate throughout Florida. I'm sure this change in name relates to the "Rays" push to get a new stadium in 2012.