by Jack, Jimmy, and Joe
follow Jack on Twitter @jacklhalsey and Jimmy @jimmybowen32
With baseball season in full swing, what better time to ask our family panel of baseball experts about their favorite ballpark experiences? Jack, Jimmy, and Joe all weigh in on their favorite parks, most memorable games, and of course, unforgettable ballpark food!
Out of the 30 Major League Parks, how many have you visited/seen a game in?
Jack: I have been to seven counting Shea Stadium and Citi Field separately.
Jimmy: I’ve visited 20 and seen a game played in 12 of those.
Joe: I’ve seen 22 different stadiums including the old and the new versions of Yankee, Cardinals, Nationals, and Reds stadiums. I’ve seen games in 14 different stadiums and of the current stadiums used today I’ve seen games in 10 of them.
Which ones are your favorites?
Jack: I have to say Fenway since I had season tickets for two years and have many good memories of it.
Jimmy: Busch Stadium of course (GO CARDS!), Minute Maid Park in Houston has a cool field and the first game I saw in a stadium with a retractable roof, and Yankee Stadium because if you are a baseball fan you have to see Yankee Stadium. (Sorry, Jack) I was also surprised by the warm hospitality at Wrigley Field during a Cubs Cardinals game.
Joe: Current Busch Stadium is my favorite. The new stadium is built in the retro style and is a super way to see a ball game. The fans in St. Louis love their baseball and annually have the second largest number of fans in attendance per game. Amazing atmosphere at every game! I also enjoyed seeing a game in Fenway. There is so much history, ghosts, style, and tradition at this park you gotta love it (not so much because of the Red Sox Team) (sorry Jack)
What is the most memorable game you’ve seen live?
Jack: Game 5 of the 1999 NLCS when the Mets beat the Braves in 15, Shea was literally rockin.
The Mets used 9 pitchers in that game.
Jimmy: Game 5 of the 2013 World Series. Cardinals vs Red Sox at Busch Stadium. Jon Lester vs Adam Wainwright. Cardinals lost but I will never forget the pregame activities outside the stadium and the electric atmosphere inside. Also, Joe and I went to California last year to see two 2014 playoff games 30 miles apart. We watched the Royals at Angel Stadium one night, and the Cardinals at Dodger Stadium the next.
Joe: Game 1 of the 2014 NLDS Cards vs Dodgers in Dodger Stadium. St. Louis was down 6 to 2 with Kershaw pitching However, the Cards erupted for 8 runs in the 8th to take the lead and won the game 10 to 9. My first and only World Series Game in 2013 in St. Louis. Cards lost but it was still a wonderful experience.
Are there any Minor League parks that stand out?
Jack: The Louisville Slugger field …. I forget exactly where it is though.
Jimmy: The Joe, home of the River Dogs, in Charleston, SC. They are the single A team of the Yankees. Charming, intimate stadium. Also, Grayson Stadium, home of the Sand Gnats, in Savannah, GA. They are the single A team of the Mets It’s a great day trip if you are visiting Hilton Head Island, and it’s one of the oldest ballparks in the country, opened in 1927.
Joe: I love the single A stadium in Savannah. Been there twice and it’s a great old stadium with a lot of old time ambience. Second to that is the stadium in Jupiter Florida, Roger Dean Stadium. This is a newer style stadium but home to the Cards and Marlins during Spring training and home to the Jupiter Hammerheads and the Palm Beach Cardinals during the summer.
What is your favorite or most unusual ballpark food that you’ve eaten?
Jack: I do love the Ben’s Chili Half-Smoke at Nationals Stadium.
Jimmy: The Legends Dog in Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA! It is a Farmer John hot dog topped with barbequed brisket.
Joe: The bacon wrapped grilled foot long brat in Busch stadium.
What’s next on your Baseball Bucket List?
Jack: Wrigley.
Jimmy: Fenway Park.
Joe: Wrigley and Citi.