This will be my
third season going to Angels games in Anaheim, and I have the system down pat.
The Metrolink, the bike ride, the mid-morning bagels in Orange, and the
post-game brews all were satisfying. I'm glad I got the opportunity to do all
of this after waiting through a long off-season. I still think there are ways I
can refine these trips, but I'm very content with the status quo that they have
now.
Outside of Spring Training games in Arizona, this was the second time I have gone to an exhibition game at a Major League park. The game was non-counting as both the Cubs and Angels start play the next day playing each other in the Angels' Home Opener. However, after watching the game and sort of debriefing in my mind, I actually really, really enjoy these Exhibition contests at the beginning of the season. First, if I were to see the Cubs and Angels play each other in Arizona either at Tempe Diablo or Sloan Park, tickets would probably set me back fifty or sixty bucks. The smaller stadiums and the ridiculous demands for Spring Training tickets drive up that cost. When the game moves to the Big A, capacity 40,000, the demand stays the same and the supply of seats goes up. Especially considering how close it was to Opening Day, tickets were absolutely dirt cheap. I spent six dollars for my ticket to yesterday's game.
Being an Exhibition game, I got all the benefits of Spring Training without the cost. Sure, the Angels didn't have their starters in, but the Cubs sure did. And, the added bonus is always that around the fifth inning, both teams sub out all their starters and bench players in favor of the Triple- and Double-A prospects. The game takes on a new character and you see players that are really fighting hard for that last one or two roster spots. I find this very interesting, but certainly not interesting enough to drop fifty or sixty dollars in Arizona. Here is my second point: I got all the great things about Spring Training for the dedicate Baseball Fan at a mere fraction of the cost.
With these benefits in mind, I thought of some changes for the rest of this season. I was planning on making a drive out to Phoenix for a quick trip to see the Diamondbacks play at Chase Field. I haven't been to Chase Field yet, and its been gnawing at me ever since I started going to Spring Training and the Arizona Fall League annually. However, I was planning on going at the end of August and, to be honest, I'm not very comfortable and not looking forward to driving across the Arizona desert at that time. Besides, I'll be going to Arizona barely two months later for the Arizona Fall League anyway. So, I noticed on the schedule that the Diamondbacks host an Exhibition series at Chase Field the weekend before the season starts. It coincides perfectly with my new Spring Training ritual of seeing the Minor League games on the Backfields.
I did not plan well this season, so I missed out on going to Spring Training this season. However, I have learned from my missteps and will definitely be better for next year.
In the mail the other day, I received my ballot for The Shrine of the Eternals. I'm going to write up a post about it later this week, but it is pretty exciting. So, until I talk with you all then...
Always take on a 3-0 pitch ;)
Being an Exhibition game, I got all the benefits of Spring Training without the cost. Sure, the Angels didn't have their starters in, but the Cubs sure did. And, the added bonus is always that around the fifth inning, both teams sub out all their starters and bench players in favor of the Triple- and Double-A prospects. The game takes on a new character and you see players that are really fighting hard for that last one or two roster spots. I find this very interesting, but certainly not interesting enough to drop fifty or sixty dollars in Arizona. Here is my second point: I got all the great things about Spring Training for the dedicate Baseball Fan at a mere fraction of the cost.
With these benefits in mind, I thought of some changes for the rest of this season. I was planning on making a drive out to Phoenix for a quick trip to see the Diamondbacks play at Chase Field. I haven't been to Chase Field yet, and its been gnawing at me ever since I started going to Spring Training and the Arizona Fall League annually. However, I was planning on going at the end of August and, to be honest, I'm not very comfortable and not looking forward to driving across the Arizona desert at that time. Besides, I'll be going to Arizona barely two months later for the Arizona Fall League anyway. So, I noticed on the schedule that the Diamondbacks host an Exhibition series at Chase Field the weekend before the season starts. It coincides perfectly with my new Spring Training ritual of seeing the Minor League games on the Backfields.
I did not plan well this season, so I missed out on going to Spring Training this season. However, I have learned from my missteps and will definitely be better for next year.
In the mail the other day, I received my ballot for The Shrine of the Eternals. I'm going to write up a post about it later this week, but it is pretty exciting. So, until I talk with you all then...
Always take on a 3-0 pitch ;)
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