Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Just for Cari, DC-Baltimore Ballpark Comparison
So, Cari told me that I needed to post on here.
GO STROS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! RANGERS SUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sorry. It was too tempting.
In all honesty, I have no problems with the Rangers. Heck, I even rooted for them on Sunday when they played the Nats.
I guess I should go ahead and throw in there that it was an enjoyable baseball week for me. I headed to Camden Yards on Wednesday with Cari and the DC members of my family to see the Stros play the Orioles. The outcome of the game wasn't very fun, and it was the kind of game you lose when it is not going well, dropping it 2-1 in the 10th inning.
That said, I enjoyed being at Camden Yards. This may be my favorite ballpark (PNC Park in Pittsburgh is also a wonderful ballpark, and the atmospheres at Wrigley and Fenway cannot be beat). The warehouse looming over the playing field provides a wonderful, intimate setting for the game, even if the new Hilton does block some of the view of downtown. The brick and steel construction, as well as the layout of the park, make me feel like I am watching a game in a classic, 80-year-old stadium. Most "retro" ballparks have a few classic features, but you can defintely tell that it is a modern facility. Other than the video scoreboard on the right field wall, which, in my opinion should be a hand-operated scoreboard like at Minute Maid, Camden is a classic ballpark. I'm very excited that I live 30 minutes away from it.
On Sunday, Cari and I headed to the District as we saw the Rangers take on the Nats. The game was enjoyable, with the Rangers scoring 2 in the 8th to break a tie and win 5-3. It was my second time at Nationals Park, Cari's first. We both agreed that we liked Camden Yards better.
Don't get me wrong, it is a nice ballpark. There is just something about it. I do like that it is a retro design, but it doesn't try to feel old. It has good sightlines, nice amenities, a good beer selection and Ben's Chili Bowl. In the middle of the 4th inning, you feel that, if Teddy can pull off an upset in the Presidents' Race, you could be a part of history. It makes for an enjoyable game-watching experience, and I have had a great time at both games I was there.
There is just something it is missing. Nothing really says Washington when I am there. Camden has the warehouse. Boston has the Green Monster. Wrigley has the ivy. In San Francisco, you are along the bay. Houston has a green roof (or a toy train, if you prefer). There is just nothing special about it. Plus, it just feels bigger than other parks, whether it is or not. It doesn't have an intimate, homey atmosphere. Add in the fact that the neighborhood has nothing yet, except some slummy row houses, and I just wasn't feeling it. (The neighborhood part will get better in the next few years, though).
Still a very nice park though. I'm sure everyone is very glad they are not playing in the craphole that is RFK anymore. Or Montreal for that matter.
Besides, even if the ballpark is lacking something, a day at the ballpark is better than, well, pretty much anything.
GO STROS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! RANGERS SUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sorry. It was too tempting.
In all honesty, I have no problems with the Rangers. Heck, I even rooted for them on Sunday when they played the Nats.
I guess I should go ahead and throw in there that it was an enjoyable baseball week for me. I headed to Camden Yards on Wednesday with Cari and the DC members of my family to see the Stros play the Orioles. The outcome of the game wasn't very fun, and it was the kind of game you lose when it is not going well, dropping it 2-1 in the 10th inning.
That said, I enjoyed being at Camden Yards. This may be my favorite ballpark (PNC Park in Pittsburgh is also a wonderful ballpark, and the atmospheres at Wrigley and Fenway cannot be beat). The warehouse looming over the playing field provides a wonderful, intimate setting for the game, even if the new Hilton does block some of the view of downtown. The brick and steel construction, as well as the layout of the park, make me feel like I am watching a game in a classic, 80-year-old stadium. Most "retro" ballparks have a few classic features, but you can defintely tell that it is a modern facility. Other than the video scoreboard on the right field wall, which, in my opinion should be a hand-operated scoreboard like at Minute Maid, Camden is a classic ballpark. I'm very excited that I live 30 minutes away from it.
On Sunday, Cari and I headed to the District as we saw the Rangers take on the Nats. The game was enjoyable, with the Rangers scoring 2 in the 8th to break a tie and win 5-3. It was my second time at Nationals Park, Cari's first. We both agreed that we liked Camden Yards better.
Don't get me wrong, it is a nice ballpark. There is just something about it. I do like that it is a retro design, but it doesn't try to feel old. It has good sightlines, nice amenities, a good beer selection and Ben's Chili Bowl. In the middle of the 4th inning, you feel that, if Teddy can pull off an upset in the Presidents' Race, you could be a part of history. It makes for an enjoyable game-watching experience, and I have had a great time at both games I was there.
There is just something it is missing. Nothing really says Washington when I am there. Camden has the warehouse. Boston has the Green Monster. Wrigley has the ivy. In San Francisco, you are along the bay. Houston has a green roof (or a toy train, if you prefer). There is just nothing special about it. Plus, it just feels bigger than other parks, whether it is or not. It doesn't have an intimate, homey atmosphere. Add in the fact that the neighborhood has nothing yet, except some slummy row houses, and I just wasn't feeling it. (The neighborhood part will get better in the next few years, though).
Still a very nice park though. I'm sure everyone is very glad they are not playing in the craphole that is RFK anymore. Or Montreal for that matter.
Besides, even if the ballpark is lacking something, a day at the ballpark is better than, well, pretty much anything.
