4 more stadiums reviewed

Thursday, June 12: St. Louis Cardinals at Cincinnati Reds (Great American Ballpark)

I arrived at 12:45 p.m. for the 1 p.m. tour of the ballpark. I found the $15 cost worthwhile as our group of 20 was given a behind-the-scenes tour of the press box, the field, the club boxes, etc. In addition to the stadium tour, I also recommend visiting the Reds' Hall of Fame. One thing I learned from the tour was that the Reds aren't allowed to publicly honor Pete Rose. And because of that, they have secret memorials to him set up around the stadium. I'll list a few of them here:

*one of the restaurants accessible to season-ticket holders is called the 4,192 Hit Club

*there are two white tropies atop the scoreboard that are each adorned with seven bats (seven plus seven equals 14, which was Rose's number)

I chose to sit behind home plate (what can I say.... I've become a bit of a baseball snob in my years). I was first struck by the angled seats. Great American Ballpark is the first stadium I've been to that has this feature. At first you wouldn't think that this is a big deal. But if you've ever been to Dolphins Stadium, where my Marlins play, you'll know that sitting to the left or right of home plate means turning your neck THE ENTIRE GAME. Despite the cheap price of tickets, it makes for a miserable experience.

This wasn't the case at Great American Ballpark. The leg room was amazing (at least in section 123 it was). I'm a tall guy (6'5) and often find myself bumping knees with the person next to me. Not sure, however, if the leg room is the same in the cheaper seats. Was also impressed with the ushers. Not once did they say anything to me even though I stood next to the dugout taking pictures right up until the first pitch.

You almost feel like you are on the field when you see a game at one of the new ballparks, and this night would be no exception. Lots of food to choose from. I recommend sampling Cincinnati's own Montgomery pork and chicken. It could be the best BBQ in MLB. The home-made potato chips that came with my meal were tasty as well.

I have to add, however, that even though there were Dippin' Dots, they were pre-packaged. Pre-packaged Dippin' Dots just aren't the same as real Dippin' Dots.

Friday, June 13: Minnesota Twins at Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park

I recommend arriving at least three hours before the game. That will give you ample time to tailgate. And yes, folks, in the Midwest, they tailgate. I've never been to a Packers' game at Lambeau Field, but I would imagine that it is something like this. People drinking adult beverages, playing that beanball game (the name escapes me). All in all, just having a good time.

Walking around the stadium, I almost felt like I was in an indoor mall (the same feeling you get when walking around Tropicana Field). VERY clean. I guess that's because the place has only been open a few years. Again, lots of food to choose from. I had one of their famous brats, which I would recommend. However, I understand their Kosher hotdogs are to die for. I'll have one next time. No Dippin' Dots, but some kind of knockoff brand. Kettle Korn was a nice touch, though I didn't sample any. The best place for autographs is along the left- and right-field lines.

This may be the Taj Mahal of baseball stadiums. I would definitely return.

Saturday, June 14: Colorado Rockies at Chicago White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field

Had absolutely no trouble finding the place. But was flabbergasted at the $22 cost for parking (has to be the most expensive in all of baseball). For some reason, the Sox featured bands at two different gates. If the trend is music before ballgames, then I hope the trend continues. Again, TONS of people tailgating. I was alone on this road trip, so didn't have anyone to tailgate with. However, I was pleasantly surprised when two coeds walked over to my car and offered me beer. It was Bud Light, but you still can't turn down free beer from cute girls. Thank you Kaley, Kathryn, and Jordan for making my U.S. Cellular Field experience an awesome one.

Despite my somewhat inebriated state during the game, I can share a few things. First off, the stadium was angled in such a way that the sun shone on the field. And there weren't a lot of structures in the outfield, with the openness giving off an almost oldtime feel. Not only did my new tailgating friends assure me that White Sox fans were more knowledgeable than Cubs' fans, but they also wanted me to remind you that they are a lot hotter, too. I would tend to agree, as Kaley and Kathryn were beautiful :-)

My favorite stadium so far, though I really can't pinpoint why (I surely would've taken more notes had it not been for the beer and the girls).

Sunday, June 15: Potomac Nationals at Frederick Keys at Harry Grove Stadium

Stadium very easy to find from the interstate. No charge to park, which put me in a good mood almost immediately.  I would recommend getting there early for autographs as some Keys' players (particulary stud prospect Matt Weiters) wouldn't sign once in uniform. Not much personality to the stadium. Real Dippin' Dots, along with what appeared to be home-made ice cream that was very tasty. Also had Kettle Korn. Players on both teams, especially Keys' relievers sitting in the bullpen, were very personable. Rehabbing Orioles' pitcher Adam Loewen signed the sweet spot of a ball for me, as did Nationals' prospect Chris Marrero.

Quick rundown

Nicest minor league park so far: Easily the Rome Braves. I won't easily forget Jimmy Buffet night, nor the stadium's personality. It was so nice that I may spend a few extra days there on my way home.

Nicest major league park: Despite the high cost of parking, I would have to say U.S. Cellular Field. Just a wonderful experience overall. Miller Park is a very close second, though I loved the angled seats at Great American Ballpark.

Next up: Tuesday's South Atlantic League All-Star game in Greensboro, N.C. I should have a report a few days later.