Due to circumstances beyond my control, I wasn’t able to pursue baseball in its purest form last year and I’m hoping to get back on the old horse this year.

After all, the premise of the blog is that I’d rather be sitting in a ballpark, no matter what the commissioner does to irk me and other fans. I love the game and have been doing my own Planes, Trains and Automobiles thing for the past fifteen years or so. While circumstances dictate that I go to some night games and even sit inside an enclosed ballpark, I much prefer day baseball. I love fresh air and sunshine. I grew up watching batting practice and getting autographs before the game. I enjoy the banter between players and the occasional fan. I’ve chased homers and foul balls, but as I’ve gotten older, I leave the action to the young kids. I sit back and observe and even from the stands I’ll interact with the players and coaches-those with whom I have a relationship or the complete stranger.

With Jose Contreras before a game in Indy and 8 years after he won a WS ring with the White Sox.

My best and favorite posting comes from travel and attending games in person. I offer a unique perspective as a passionate baseball fan and freelance writer, who looks at travel and cities from a concierge’s point of view. I try and take in as much of a city as I can-usually before a game. I’ve been known to spend as much time on the road in pursuit of a game (6 hours roundtrip) for example. I’m conscious of the costs associated with attending games (overnight or day trips) and share that info with my readers. I’ve also become more respectful of how other people enjoy a game. Not everyone keeps score at every game they attend, nor should they. That’s my responsibility. 

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base-Dayton, Ohio

While not a resolution per se, I’m going to try harder to find new freelance writing opportunities. As newspapers, handheld or online are changing, it’s become more difficult to sell my story ideas. I’ll just have to try harder. I also hope to return to Arizona in October for the Arizona Fall League. As much as I love being among the first fans sitting down by the field, I really enjoy getting inside the ballpark before most of the stadium staff, and hitting the field as the players and coaches get their early work done. While I’ve never done that on a ML field, being on a minor league field or AFL field is my favorite place to conduct interviews and get my info.

And while I have my favorite ballparks, I try and find positive features that others might find more attractive. Nobody is paying me to endorse the game or particular teams, I just like to share my love with other fans.

From the left field seats at Great American Ballpark in Cincy.

Down the first base line at the ballpark, since renamed, in Dayton Ohio.

A typical afternoon at a Clinton (Iowa) Lumber Kings game when they were in the Midwest League.

As a former hotel concierge with many interests, and traveling by myself for the most part, I usually don’t spoil anyone else’s time although I do enjoy the company or meeting family or friends at the ballpark. I don’t think I’ll be on the road at 4am any more, but I imagine I’ll catch a good breakfast close to my final destination.

I still have to visit three MWL parks, but don’t think I’ll hit them all in 2024. I’m always open to suggestions for ballparks and cities, diners and art museums, jazz clubs and zoos.

For the record, the photos are about 11 years old, and I’ve met a few mascots in the past decade or so-for better or worse. I’m not afraid of the silly photo or indulging in the local delicacy as long as it’s not sausage related.

Happy New Year and hopefully you’ll be along for the ride.