I finally made it to a ballpark that is not in Chicago, that is, neither Wrigley Field nor Comiskey (or whatever the heck Comiskey is called these days). That park was Baltimore’s Camden Yards, about which I had heard good things. Although its planners certainly made somewhat of a well-meaning effort at recreating the charm of ballparks of yore, it is no Wrigley Field. Maybe it was the batting cage or the $4.50 hot dog that turned me off, but Camden proved again that Charm City is a wholly relative moniker.
I used to think Cubs fans were either masochists who forked over money to revel in their team’s consistently bitter failure or that they were just in it for the chance to drink outdoors on a summer’s day. Wrigley is such a nice venue to sit and take in a baseball game though, even for one who is not that mad about baseball and even compared with a park like Camden that I can now say that my sympathies like with avid Cubs fans, whether or not they’re more avid about the ball club or the ballpark.
Inside Camden Yards
Though those who know me can attest to my vigorous Chicago boosterism, I think my conclusion that Wrigley is one of the nation’s most beautiful or possibly the most beautiful ballpark is purely objective!
June 29, 2007 at 1:21 pm |
Oh, Chicago nostalgia. Having attended more than a few Nationals’ games lately, I’ve come to appreciate the virtues of Wrigley as well. RFK is horrendous and I completely understand why the Nats franchise wants a new baseball stadium. As for “the Cell” (i.e. U.S. Cellular field aka New Comiskey Park), the renovations its had over the past seven years has done A LOT to make it much more pleasant place to take in a baseball game. Plus, at “the Cell” people actively pay attention to the game, so it’s a much more infectious atmosphere even for the casual baseball fan like myself. In contrast, going to Wrigley or RFK is like deciding to go to a party I have no enthusiasm to attend (“oh, I’ll stop by for a few innings and if I’m having a good time, I’ll stay but if not, I’ll leave”) – the difference is, Wrigley is fun and RFK leaves much to be desired.
June 30, 2007 at 5:17 am |
Oriole Park is a gorgeous stadium, the best place I’ve ever been to watch a baseball game. Try to get better seats, and give it another chance. (I’ll confess I’ve never been to Wrigley Field, though.)
As for RFK, an absolute dump featuring a lousy team and ignorant fans.
Michael Blaine
http://www.rudelystamped.blogspot.com