I decided to do the drive to Phoenix a little differently this time. Instead of driving and spending the night at a skeezy rest area, I left Highland before sunrise and headed east on the 10 freeway. While I was a tax groggy at that time of morning, I was able to sip on my coffee, watch the sunrise over the desert, and put in place a nice plan for the day. I got into Phoenix at about 10, which set me up perfectly for the day.
As with all Baseball Road Trips nowadays, the bike plays a huge role in my travel. This trip is no different as I rode my bike from here in Tempe out to Scottsdale for the first game. I rode along the Indian Bend Wash Path, which is an off-street path from Tempe up into Scottsdale. It parallels the Tempe Town Lake for about a mile before jutting due north to traverse a couple parks and a good course. Round trip from here in Tempe to Scottsdale Stadium was just about twenty miles, and was great riding.
This was the second time I had been to Scottsdale Stadium in as many years. Home to the San Francisco Giants during Sprig Training, Scottsdale Stadium is unique in the Spring Training ballpark realm in that it seems to appear from the midst of a neighborhood. Located on the outskirts of downtown, Scottsdale Stadium is a quaint venue that really feels small and initmate. You would think that the incredible success the Giants have had the past couple years that there would be calls to build a larger park for their Spring home. I think it fits in just fine, to be honest.
It's not often that what I read comes true, but when it comes to the fans who go to AFL games, it's the truth. These games really only draw out the diehard fans. There aren't families or drunk college students there. Just the dedicated baseball afficiandos. For this first game I went to, the announced attendance was just over 400. However, I saw more people keeping score and researching players than I have ever see at any MLB game I've been to. I think this is known to the organizers of the leagues as the games are some of the most low-key affairs I have ever been to. All general admission seating, no sound effects, no vendors in the stands, etc. It really is a "chill and watch baseball" feel.
The first game was a blowout as Scottsdale routed Peoria 10-1.
After riding back, I got checked in to my hotel, took a shower, ate some food, and got a much-needed 45-minute nap in. This was so beneficial as when I woke up to go to my second game of day, I was a lot more refreshed and energetic.
My second game of the day saw me hit up a brand new ballpark here as I made my first ever trip to Sloan Park in Mesa. The spring home of the Chicago Cubs, Sloan Park is wholly different from Scottsdale Stadium. First of all, it is humongous as the capacity is in the area close to 20,000. While the dimensions of the field are exactly alike to that of Wrigley Field, Sloan Park really feels cavernous. I know for a fact that the Cubs are a big draw for Spring Training, and I understand the need for such a large venue. But, I think Sloan Park underscores why I am now committed to doing the Backfields for Spring Training as the experience no longer feels authentic. Sure, Sloan Park is nice and I really enjoyed my time there. It has a lot of unique "Wrigley-esque" elements that I like suc as, seats in the outfield like the rooftops, the brick backstop, and the old-style light standards.
Sloan Park was my 61st professional baseball stadium I have visited. However, it really didn't feel all that unique as the announced crowd of 700 had a lot of the same faces I saw at the earlier game in Scottsdale. It seems that a lot of these other diehards were doing the doubleheader, same as I.
This game featured the Mesa Solar Sox hosting the Salt River Rafters. This was cool because the Mesa team is the affiliated Angels club, so I got to see three players who played on the 66ers this year. Even with my allegiance backing them, Mesa dropped the contest to Salt River 5-1.
After coming back to the hotel, I decided to ride out here to Mill Street for a couple beers to cap off the evening. There's this place in the middle of the Mill Street downtown area called World of Beer. It has over 500 craft brews from all over the world, and whenever I'm here in Tempe, I always stop by.
Today was certainly long, but definitely fun. I'm glad to be going to sleep soon as I am tired, but my fatigue is certainly worth it. I have another busy day planned for tomorrow, so keep updated and I'll write up a post after I'm done.
Always take on a 3-0 pitch ;)
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