I had been trying for years to make this trip happen. It seemed like every winter, once schedules were released, I would try and make the Visalia-Bakersfield trip a logistical reality. But time and again, I couldn't make it work. The trains couldn't match up or the game times weren't conducive to a multiple game trip. When I moved to California, I committed to making it happen, and now that it has, I'm glad I put forth that effort.
Effort is sure, but I'm sick of driving on Baseball Road Trips. At least the last trip I did in a car I had someone to travel with. I think it is just the fact I can't zone out, read a book, play a game, or sleep when driving. Add to that I just don't get the community study I do when I'm forced to take trains, city buses or walking in the places I visit. I seem to engross myself more in the Baseball Road Trip ideals when I use alternative transportation. But, because of driving, I didn't get to see any of the two cities I visited the proper way.
Visalia has one of the more unique parks I've ever been to. While it may have been tiny, you got the feelings that the community embraced the team above all else. It really was the idea that "Size Doesn't Matter" when it comes to being a center of the community. While it may not be my favorite park I have been to, Visalia had a lot going for it and I would go back again.
The second park I went to, Bakersfield, is an interesting study. The baseball fan in me loved it, but the casual observer thought it was a dump. This juxtaposition is what makes the experience in Bakersfield so unique.
Sometimes, Baseball Road Trips can be more than just baseball and encompass something truly larger. Walking in the footsteps of someone like Cesar Chavez could define that. Seeing Forty Acres and soaking in the ambiance that it had was almost overwhelming. To be amongst that history and see how his efforts shaped not just an industry or the labor movement, but people the world over puts things in perspective. I'm patting myself on the back for going that extra mile and researching out that place to visit. I seem to have really good luck when it comes to visiting sites that are "off-the-beaten-path", so you might say. Forty Acres is one of those places that I'll remember forever.
I no longer find it a coincidence that I continually merge my love for trains with my love for baseball. My two hobbies are interconnected and it has gotten to the point where I can't imagine a Baseball Road Trip without some sort of railroad intervention. I guess I'm not surprised that I was drawn to a place like Tehachapi Loop to satisfy this craving. For the record, it was totally worth it to see the engineering marvel that is the Loop.
Folks, the stage is now set for the beginning of what I consider the core of my baseball season. Every weekend from here on out, with just a couple exceptions, has some sort of baseball happening. Starting this weekend will be the common one as I go to my first Inland Empire 66ers game. Then, on Sunday, I'll go to my first Angels game. This is happening six separate times this summer, seeing a 66ers game on Saturday an Angels game on Sunday.
I'll write up a brief preview on Friday morning of the 66ers team and how I'll approach these general weekends through the summer.
It was a great trip, with great experiences, and I'm glad I went and had fun. So, until Friday...
Always take on a 3-0 pitch ;)
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