"Baseball is my getaway ;-)" GL2511's Profile

Feb. 11, 2012:

It's been such a great while since I've been here. I've been busy with work, finishing up grad school, and knocking off ballparks off my MLB list. So far, I have finished 17 stadiums and will complete 21 by July 2012.

Finished:
Angels stadium, Dodgers stadium, AT&T park, Coliseum, Petco Park, Coors Field, Rangers ballpark, Minute Maid park, Busch Stadium, Citizens Bank, Fenway, Old Yankee Stadium, New Yankee stadium, Wrigley Field, Cellular field, Miller park, and Safeco field --and cooperstown's hall of fame :-)

Goal for 2012:
back to detroit for a tigers game, cincinnati reds, cleveland, and pittsburgh (all in a week and 2 days) --In this week long trip, I'll also be visiting Canton (Football Hall of Fame)

I'm pretty excited and feel blessed to have come this far in my baseball journey. I know many others have finished all stadiums in a month or within a year long, but due to my work schedule and grad school - I'm trying to get by and work through everything. And you know, I have no complaints -- things are going very well for me. I hope and pray that this year and the next will bring more joyous travel.

Have a good one all :-)
stay safe.

Stadium tour at Busch Stadium

2010 (May) visit.

I flew myself and my little cousin out here as a special gift for his high school graduation back in '09. He is a great angels and cardinals fan, and what better way to celebrate a wknd in St. Louis where the angels were playing his other favorite team. It was a grand time, considering that I was able to get many autographs from my team as well as the ability to appreciate the field and the team's history through a stadium tour (which I recommend!).

Just down the street, we had a quick lunch at TGIF and little did we know that Joel Pineiro's cousin was working when we were there. Fun stuff to catch a new friend!

We cruised around town and I didn't realize how much the outskirts of this city was demolishing. The buildings are either burned down or abandoned. I'm a sucker for this type of look, especially for capturing its still moments via photography. But, if you just want to hang out at the bars and take in the night life - I recommend you stay in downtown. There are many old bars, and hole in the wall joints everywhere you turn. I personally enjoy this little area across the street from the Arch. It is slightly hidden, but just take a cruise around there and you'll find it :-)

yankees vs mariners memorial wknd

2011 visit on Memorial wknd.

My girlfriends and I flew out here on a holiday wknd. I thought it would be packed in downtown since the Yankees were in town, but that wasn't the case. In a way, I'm glad it wasn't, but at the same time I did wish it was only because I'm a people person and love to come across all kinds of personalities. Regardless, it was still a memorable wknd hanging out with my girls.

At night, it is quite quiet on the streets and the sun is still out around 10PM. I recommend hanging around the streets near the stadium - it is filled with dive bars, live music and nightclubs. That is more of my scene at night versus staying in the hotel room.

During the day, other than visiting the ballpark - we tried out the local outdoor fish market. Loved it! I haven't been in that spot since I was a kid visiting town when my brother used to live in Kirckland, WA. We also stopped by the original starbucks - IT'S ALWAYS PACKED. Good luck waiting in line under the sun. Well, at least it was quite sunny on the day we visited the area. Majority of the time it was somewhat overcast.

The people are extra friendly and are always in tune to anyone's needs. Don't be shy to ask any local a question. Even if you're a tourist in town, they are still just as kind to give a helping hand. I've had some bad attitudes in other states where others knew I was a tourist. Although compared to this town, Seattle is definitely the opposite.

I always recommend a trip to Seattle. It never gets old for me. I'm always meeting new friends when I'm in the area :-)

Rangers versus Angels

2011 visit (late Aug)

Angels vs Rangers

Oh my, what can I say.
I had received a warning that I would be in town during the worst heatwave and humidity time combined together. I mean, who doesn't love that kind of climate right? Pff. I know I'm a California girl and can deal with the heat, but humidity is a no-go for me unless I'm at a tropical area then that's a different case. I was drenched during my whole visit in Arlington. I don't know how my Angels were able to play in this park, but they did it anyway.

I can't say much about this town, just that many here take a lot of pride in their state. I mean, Dallas is just around the corner... ahem...
Endless billboards and signs are everywhere with the word Texas printed numerous times. For a minute there I thought this state had Alzheimers disease.

Would I come back? That is a good question. I wouldn't know if I had the energy to deal with their weather and pride again. But, since I have a good friend living down the street from the park -- there is a possibility to return & hang out with my buddy.
To solely visit the area again? um... I can do without, thank you very much.

A homerun sets off this train across the bridge

Right after the Rangers ballpark visit, we drove 4 hours down to Houston for a game.
(Late Aug 2011 visit)

By far, Minute Maid is on my top picks. Considering the crazy hot, humid weather, this stadium had closed its rooftop to avoid any uncomfortable moments. And oh my, I was extremely impressed as I walked in with the park fully enclosed with suave air conditioning. It was heaven away from the hot hell outside lol.

I felt just right being here. My brother used to play for this team back in '93 and just the fact that I got to finally visit this stadium, gave me such a great smile. I cheered on the Astros no matter what team they played. (Although, now that they will be converting to the American League in 2013, it'll be hard rooting against them when they play against the Angels.)

Other than the refreshing air, the people were relaxed as any other ballpark. The food choices and margaritas were delicious - no complaints. I give this park and the rangers ballpark credit for their jumbo food. It helps fill the tummy haha...
The jumbo screen was pretty tremendous as well and I was pretty overwhelmed by it (in a good way) haha.

"The stars at night.... are big and bright.... (clap clap clap clap) .... deep in the heart of Texas!"
lol I had fun singing and clapping this song during the game....

I wouldn't mind another visit here.... Good times :-)

CITIZENS BANK PARK

Angels v Phillies
6.20-22.08

Excluding the Angels Stadium being my first favorite---Out of all the "away games" I've been to, Citizens Bank Park is definitely on my top picks!

It wasn't the stadium itself that did it for me, but the people there were so much fun! Or maybe, it was my best friend and I that brought the fun? Or was it the fact that I got to see my favorite baseball team out of town WITH my best friend?
I think it was all of the above! I have never flown out of state *WITH* my buddy, but knowing that I influenced her to fly on a plane was just a very cool feeling!
At the game, we were all "angel'd" out- from thundersticks, a little face painting, a HUGE poster, to red hair, etc... We had so much attention- it was ridiculous!
People we didn't know wanted to take pics w/ us - We sat directly behind my team's dugout and the guys from the angels noticed us and willingly gave us one of the game balls!!!! I'm telling you, it was such a magical night! hehe
(Not only that but our team swept the Phillies that weekend and that definitely made our stay a lot more memorable!)

As far as my Philadelphia experience, people have been real nice and so down to earth!
No wonder it's called the city of brotherly love =)
I love Philly!!! I have been there so many times and I will continue to come out there until God knows when -

'Til next time Philly!

The bunch @ FENWAY PARK

Red Sox v White Sox
8.29.08

Boston!!!! I had a blast here!
I arrived at 5 in the morning on a friday and my driver dropped me off at an old buddy's place whom I've known since grade school... She took me around town until the rest of my party arrived there from their NY vacation...

I must say that Fenway Park was something else! Evaluating all the parks I've been to so far, I would say Fenway is by far my favorite stadium... They close off two streets during home games for food/drinks/shopping...well mostly food 'n drinks... It's party fever I tell ya!

In the stadium, it's insane how everyone participates for any little chant, clap, wave, and song... it's ridiculously cool! They're even louder than the music, lol.... Let me tell you... when they sing sweet caroline by neil diamond... it's over! it's beyond over! WAY too awesome!
You just feel the energy and passion from these people - such immense heart and knowledge of their rich history - it's beautiful... (It's a pretty different vibe comparing to the stadiums back west)...
::sigh:: It must be said: Now That's the kind of "baseball" atmosphere *I* wouldn't mind sticking around for a long time...

after the boston trip - we took a mini road trip up to cooperstown, ny to visit baseball's hall of fame....
now that trip was amazing! who would've thought I would make it to the mecca of baseball so soon?! It's been one of my dreams to make it there and really take in the roots of baseball - there are no words to explain how i felt there - as a matter of fact, once i got home--i was already searching the net to find work there; so i can live somewhere in cooperstown to breathe in where it all began - LOL... I know it sounds crazy but that goes to show how astounding it was -- For non or so so baseball fans, it might not be a big deal -- but when it comes to a passionate fan - it means the world...
the town is lovely - full of baseball love: restaurants / shops / parks / etc.
I must admit there isn't much to do as it is a small, quaint town. For a day or two, it is just right :-)

it was definitely *good times*
and what better way to share this magical trip w/ loved ones....
(my bro, cousins, and friends)

yup... good times it was....

My co-worker & I after the game

Angels v Indians
4.7.08 @ Angels Stadium

Good ol' Angels Stadium!
I literally live a few blocks from the stadium...
It only takes less than 5 mins to get there...
If I had the patience, I could walk there =P

It's my home sweet home away from home...
When I'm there, I feel like I'm at a family gathering...
Everyone from the city that I know is there... Every time I turn my head, there's an old classmate from grade school to the college years, cousin, brother, teacher, co-worker, mutual bud etc....

It's a place where everyone gets together and agrees as ONE to cheer on our home team!
We have the rally monkey that gets us all "rowdy'd" up! The cheers, the roars, the music, the stomps - it gets sweeter at every game!
The richness of the color red empowering the stadium is such a crazy picture to see!
The people there are tolerable and definitely knowledgeable of the game...
The staff and guides are marked with smiles =) It's beautiful!

I remember when the Angels were in the World Series back in '02... My best friend and I stood in the middle of the field holding the gigantic U.S. FLAG during the national anthem... I almost had a tear! The privilege to stand tall on that real grass was a very "proud moment" for me...

Now THAT's what I call... good times!

GO ANGELS!