Guest Bruiser Chong Report post Posted July 12, 2003 Despite being a Cubs fan of 9 years, I had yet to see them play in person, until this week, that is. A few friends and I decided a couple months back that a trip to Chicago for a couple days to catch a game would be fun, so we secured tickets to the July 10th game against the Atlanta Braves in the first of the four-game series. We stayed in Bartlett with one of my friend's family, so the morning of the game, we took a train to downtown Chicago and then a subway to the ballpark. After snagging myself a throwback Cubs hat outside the park, we headed into the ballpark itself, that I had spent the past 9 years watching on TV. To some, it may have been no big deal, but to actually see this famous venue in person was quite the feeling. Our seats were in the left field stands (not too great, but there's really no bad seat at Wrigley) and after picking up some overpriced snacks we were set to watch the game. Of course, some of you already know the outcome of that game, which was a 10-run win by the Braves. Despite watching my favorite team lose by so much the first time I saw them in person, it was a fun game to watch until the 6th inning when things just got blown open. I was suprised to see plenty of Braves fans in attendance, but there were several of them, not to mention quite a few anti-Sammy Sosa fans. In addition to that, I was suprised to see that I wasn't the only person who dislikes Antonio Alfonseca, by far. He got booed coming into the game and after his first inning of relief. Seeing Jose Hernandez also made myself ask once again why in the name of God they picked him up again as the guy strikes out more than most pitchers do when they bat. A fun time overall and there were plenty of crazies downtown to boot, with the most notable one being some senile old woman with a megaphone and banner that said, "Jobs and Peace." She went on and on about bringing the kids home or some shit and to top things off, she had a crown on for some reason. People like that need to be shot, as hard as that sounds. Watching today, I wish we had gone today since it was far more enjoyable, since the Cubs were strong in hitting and pitching today, a rarity these days to say the least. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest treble charged Report post Posted July 12, 2003 What exactly does a Cubs throwback hat look like? I didn't think they've ever changed the style of their caps. Anyway, I need to get somewhere and go to an actual ballpark. My major league baseball stadium experience has been limited to SkyDome and Olympic Stadium, not exactly what most baseball fans call 'classics' (well, not for the right reasons, anyway). Add it to the 'Things I need to when I get more money' list. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Bruiser Chong Report post Posted July 12, 2003 Well, they've got a few, I believe. The first is their first one with a cub holding a baseball bat, which is from 1914, if I'm not mistaken. The one I got has a cub with the red "C" on it. Not sure if it's an exact throwback, but the style is pretty similar to something from the 70's or so and it's from the Cooperstown Collection, which is the main distrubter of the throwback stuff. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Mik at Cornell Report post Posted July 12, 2003 Sounds sweet, Bruiser. I hope to make it to Wrigley someday. I also hope to make it to every ballpark. So far I've only tackled two, Yankee Stadium and The Vet. Will be doing my third next month. Yeah. I've got a long way to go, but Wrigley is towards the top of my "to-do" list. I need to win the lottery, damn education takes too long to pay off. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Vern Gagne Report post Posted July 13, 2003 Wrigley is great. I've been to about 6 games. The biggest problem is how crowded Chicago is. It takes forever to get anywhere. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Bruiser Chong Report post Posted July 13, 2003 Wrigley is great. I've been to about 6 games. The biggest problem is how crowded Chicago is. It takes forever to get anywhere. True and that's why we opted to take the train downtown and then the subway to the ballpark. That way, we just needed to walk about five blocks in downtown Chicago to get to the subway and as most of you know, that'll take your right to Wrigley. It was pretty surreal being on the subway, looking over and seeing this unique ballpark that I had seen so many times before on TV but never in person. Newer parks may have several perks that I wouldn't pass over, but Wrigley still holds its own charm and is one of the better ballparks in all of baseball. Aside from Wrigley, I've only been to the old Tiger Stadium and seen the Skydome and Jacob's Field in person, so don't feel bad for only having been to a couple of them. I'd love to check out Yankee Stadium next season. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Vern Gagne Report post Posted July 13, 2003 So the train is a good alternative to driving? I should think about using the next time I'm down there. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Bruiser Chong Report post Posted July 13, 2003 Definitely. I have nothing to compare it to since it was my first trip and all, but being downtown and in the area of the ballpark made it clear that no one should consider driving around there. Traffic doesn't move and when it does, you'd better be damn aggressive. Roundtrip train ticket cost about eight bucks and change and the subway was $1.50 each way which was really worth it since 1) You'd prolly spend quite a bit on gas and parking if driving 2) You don't have to worry about getting lost at all. So yeah, I'd suggest both of them. It was a more interesting for us since we hadn't ever been on the subway or the train, being from a smaller city and all. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest MaxPower27 Report post Posted July 13, 2003 Well, they've got a few, I believe. The first is their first one with a cub holding a baseball bat, which is from 1914, if I'm not mistaken. The one I got has a cub with the red "C" on it. Not sure if it's an exact throwback, but the style is pretty similar to something from the 70's or so and it's from the Cooperstown Collection, which is the main distrubter of the throwback stuff. This one? Someday, I want to go to Wrigley Field. It looks like such a nice place to watch a game. Even though I hate the Yankees, I want to see a game in Yankee Stadium too. Fenway is another great ballpark as well. I've been there quite a few times. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Bruiser Chong Report post Posted July 13, 2003 No not that one. It was actually this exact logo, with a white front, and blue everywhere else. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Spaceman Spiff Report post Posted July 13, 2003 Awesome. I'd like to get to Wrigley at some point (a couple friends made the trip a few years ago). I have hit Fenway & Yankee Stadium, along w/ the Vet, Camden Yards, and PNC Park. Can't wait for the new Phillies stadium next year. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest The Czech Republic Report post Posted July 13, 2003 Good call on making it to Wrigley, Bruiser. And if you think there were some crazies around the park, don't even THINK about going to Comiskey. Ph34r the South Side. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Agent of Oblivion Report post Posted July 13, 2003 Driving in chicago is like sucking on an exhaust pipe for four hours in the burning sun. That shit's for the birds. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest The Czech Republic Report post Posted July 13, 2003 yeah you pretty much hit it on the head AoO. Though I want to live in downtown Chicago some day. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
