I was invited to a Aberdeen Ironbirds game at Ripkin Stadium this past weekend. It was a family thing, my Son in-law had gotten my Son tickets for his birthday. 6 of them so they invited the family and it was a wonderful event and more importantly a wonderful family time.
Scoreboard at night
Photo by Mike Hartley
For some reason there is something special about these small ballparks. This was my first visit to this ballpark (Ripken Stadium) and it didn’t disappoint at all. The concessions were OK, the facilities were real nice and the baseball was baseball. Not your major league cal-abler but I enjoy the game at all levels. In some ways it’s more exciting to see some prospect at this level then it is at the higher ones. And a good play or home run at any level is exciting as hell. I’ve been out to see the Frederick Keys a few times and that is a great spot to catch a game also. I hear Bowie also does it up right with the Baysox. I’ll have to spring for that one next year.
Pre-game stretch
Photo by Mike Hartley
When you go to these games you are at a game. Not at an elevation that makes your nose bleed. Your basically in box seats no mater where you site unless your in a box which is closer also. You also have a few dollars in your pocket as you walk in the front gate because it doesn’t cost to PARK. I think they said attendance was 5,300 for the 6,300 seat stadium.
It’s not the size of the fan its the size of the spirit in the fan.
Photo by Mike Hartley
Baseball is a game to be enjoyed at every level. I recall many fond days watching my kids play and even helping manage some teams. I remember covering ballgames for my local paper. I’ve made many reproductions of peoples sons and daughters. I loved playing the game when I was young.I love the human spirit that comes out.
Now there is a creative way to get a child to use a toothbrush.
Photo by Mike Hartley
Now there is an interesting date.
Photo by Mike Hartley
Rita’s satisfies.
Photo by Mike Hartley
I can’t believe your going to eat that DAD.
Photo by Mike Hartley
Catching a ballgame is like sitting on the boardwalk watching people go but but everyone is seated. It’s where kids are allowed to be kids. It’s where adults sometimes turn into kids. But one that that I have noticed at these small ballparks is that you don’t have adults turning into assholes because too much beer is consumed. To me that has been one of the reasons I’ve enjoyed the professional level less in recent years.
It was MEANS to an end because the Ironbirds won 5-2.
Photo by Mike Hartley
Oh yeah, just to make it special they had a very good fireworks display after the game. I would estimate it lasted a good 20+ minutes. Very cool indeed.
Fireworks over center field.
Photo by Mike Hartley
Seems like a lot of guys on the field.
Photo by Mike Hartley
So get off the couch and go visit a real game that doesn’t cost you and arm and a leg to attend. I think you’ll be a happy camper after the experience.
