Centene Stadium

Great Falls Voyagers, Pioneer League

10/10

The fans file in the main entrance on the 3rd base side to watch the local nine take on Grand Junction.

Bonus shot. Love this scoreboard art, very Jetsons.

Looking back at home plate from right around Taco John's.

The crowd takes in the afternoon's festivities on a 37 Celsius(an eyelash under 100 Fahrenheit) day.

I first came here in August 2014, as the first actual baseball game of my summer loop, having seen a Canadian Football game the day before. In 2015, it was the last day of the summer loop, but an unseasonably cold and wet September day led to the unthinkable, a rainout.

Firstly, the park itself is an old ballyard approaching the end of it's life that was renovated, with the addition of a new section down the 3rd base side(see my entrance pic) combined with a refurbished main stand. This is a pretty novel(and probably cheaper) approach, which seems pretty reasonable versus a totally new build in Billings, or just not doing anything, like in Helena. The park has managed to keep it's sprit as an older park, but have some decent club seating, for people who like that sort of thing, it means the best views in the ballpark are not the most expensive seats, so everyone wins.

And the food. I didn't eat a whole lot here, but it was good. There is actually a fast food place, a "Taco John's" in the ballpark. Taco John's is big in Montana and the Dakotas, amongst other places, in fact, driving around Great Falls and Helena especially, you will soon realize that Montanans evidently LOVE their tacos/burritos/I can't believe it's not Mexican. I had a great burrito here. There's also some other options I didn't notice my first time, but it was still pretty good.

The atmosphere here was fantastic as well. People were into the game for sure. There were on field events/promotions, but they were actually interesting. Case in point, it was the mascot's birthday and they had a few surprises, including a visit by a Chinchilla who ran a few steps and was making plans for his next move, when the mascot snuck over and picked it up, averting disaster.

In summary, old park renovates subtly for a new lease on life with good food and atmosphere. Great Falls is a little off the beaten path for most, but it is most certainly worth it.

Update 2021: I managed to get a 2nd game in here and enjoyed it too. No reason to change the rating. This is a good little ballpark, with low prices and not many bad seats. The Taco John's had been replaced with a more generic concession, but that was about the only noticeable change. The entire Pioneer League ended up transitioning into an Independent loop for 2021, which means that after seeing more than a few Dodger, Giant and White Sox prospects pass through, this season's Voyagers will be trying to play their way into an organization, rather than up. In the middle of updating the article, MiLB pulled down the box scores for the old games, the new league has a pointstreak page, but it isn't on there.

Linescores

2014-08-10

                                                      123   456   789   R H E

Grand Junction Rockies(COL)      021  211  002   9 17 4

Great Falls Voyagers(CWS)           200  002  000  4  7  4

Temp: 81F  Time: 3:12  Att: 1,134

2015-09-05

                                            123   456   789   RHE

Missoula Osprey(ARI)                    PPD

Great Falls Voyagers(CWS)           Rain

2018-06-21

                                              123   456   789   RHE

Billings Mustangs(CIN)                                  11

Great Falls Voyagers(CWS)                             4

Temp:  Time:  Att:

Isotopes Park

Albuquerque Isotopes (Pacific Coast League)

10/10

The crowds file in for a Saturday Night Fireworks game v. Colorado Springs.

A very nice night was the scene for this PCL matchup. Check out the small hill way out there in Center Field.

The seating bowl has only just begun to fill up, as most people are still coming in, or waiting for food.

I first rolled into Albuquerque in 2015, after a long drive from the Salt Lake City area, having seen a game in Ogden the night before. This place opened in 2003, after the old Albuquerque Sports Stadium was knocked down after the PCL's Albuquerque Dukes moved north to Portland. This park sprung up and the Calgary Cannons moved here to become the Albuquerque Isotopes, as a homage to The Simpsons, when the hometown Springfield Isotopes threaten a move to Albuquerque.

The park is located on an intersection with features the University of New Mexico's Football stadium on one corner and their basketball arena "The Pit" (which features the name of local pizza chain)across the street. You can park in the University's lot for 5 dollars, which is what most people seemed to do. It's built in a southwestern sort of style, with lots of different colours on the exterior. There is a large lower bowl, with a fair number of club seats and a large berm. There is an elevated portion in the very deep center field, with goes to 428 feet. I thought this was a unique design, with the larger than average field owing its existence to the hot, dry climate for baseball here. There is a large upper deck that wouldn't be out of place as the middle level at a major league game, as far as design goes.

The concessions are pretty impressive, with lots of southwestern dishes that I couldn't get anywhere near. Green chiles and beans were in everything I think. I settled on the hot dog cart, as it was slightly less crazy. My neighbours had a donut about the size of a small pizza, which was modelled after the stereotypical Simpsons donut. There seemed to be a good mix of southwestern and baseball favourites and the lines were very long, which given the game not selling out, I took as a sign of quality.

The atmosphere here was incredible as well. A close game saw the Isotopes lose the lead in the later innings, only to come back and get a few hits out of the bottom 3 of their order, with the winner being driven into the left field gap to bring in 2 runs. The crowd went home happy, or those that left when I did, as it was fireworks night. The park has numerous tie ins with The Simpsons, including the aforementioned donut, as well as large decals of characters from the show on doors around the stadium and some life sized statues of them for people to have their picture taken with.

Overall, the facility, concessions and atmosphere here are amazing and I rate it all very highly. The only thing I'm not sure about is when I'll be back, as it's not on the way to anything I plan on doing for awhile, hopefully, it isn't too long.

Update 2021: I still really enjoyed my game here, hard to beleive it was over 5 years ago. Albuquerque was a shoo-in to survive the reduction in minor league teams, as this place is still amazing. They're still affiliated with Colorado. The prospect who hit the game winner? Trevor Story, who went 2 for 5 and would make the Rockies out of Spring Training the following year. The only reason I haven't been here since is that it's not on the way to much else, but with a trip to Texas being my main baseball priority in '21 or '22, Isotopes Park might make it onto the list. 

I will adjust the league on the post and the label, once the minor leagues receive their new names.

Linescore

2015-08-29          

                                          123    456   789  R H E

Colorado Springs(MIL)      010   010    030  5 8 1

Albuquerque(COL)            100   111    002  6 11 2

Temp: 84F  Time: 2:43  Att: 14,299  

Wrigley Field

Chicago Cubs, National League

10/10

 Pre game photo number 1 prior to Cubs/Cardinals

 Here's #2.

During game 2 versus the Pirates, this post completely obstructed the pitcher's mound from my seat.

I had the good fortune(and judgement) to go to Wrigley Field for 2 games in 2012, on a Friday Afternoon against the Cardinals and the following Tuesday night against the Pirates, as part of a loop out of Chicago. I did not, however, have the good judgement to download the ton of photos I took before flying home, and when I returned home, my camera wasn't in my suitcase. Did it get swiped at the hotel? Out of my bag? Did I forget it somewhere? The questions haunt me still.... The good news, is unlike any other park from that trip, I did get some cellphone photos, so there's something here.

Anyway, Wrigley Field is simply put, amazing. I haven't been to Fenway Park yet, but it is likely the only one that compares to this. It is a veritable baseball time machine. Walking into the narrow concourse with numerous concession stands dotting the aisles is a real experience. Prior to 2015 at least, the Cubs had managed to keep Wrigley true to it's heritage, minimizing billboards and video screens. The atmosphere is second to none. Red shirts dotted the stands as numerous Cardinal fans from Chicago, St. Louis and all points between turned out for one of the great rivalry matchups in baseball. This happened to a lesser extent with the Pirates. The stadium and atmosphere were a big plus. The only possible knock is the presence of posts. My ticket for the Pittsburgh game was a bit of a let down after a post literally obstructed the pitcher's mound(see my photo).

Whether it was Cub fans living and dying with the Cubs/Cardinals or giving a sarcastic cheer after a recent Cub callup from Iowa (finally) broke up A.J. Burnett's no-hit bid in the 8th inning, it is an atmosphere like few others. San Francisco, St. Louis and Los Angeles(either one) are good comparisons.

And the food.....during the 2nd game especially, I stuffed my face. I cant even remember, but the highlight for me was the Chicago style deep dish pizza. It was like Pizza and cornbread? shortcake? had a love child right there on Addison, try it. Everything I ate here was great.

The only other sort of knock is the lack of parking, which shows the park's age. I took public transit the 2nd game and while it's busy, I do recommend it. The Cubs are still limited to so many night games a year, to avoid the ire of locals, so most games end around the evening rush hour. Still, I was able to get to Gary, in nearby Indiana, for a night game in time for first pitch.

I absolutely LOVE Wrigley. I love it. There's simply no comparison and if you have the opportunity, even if you don't like baseball(does that describe anyone here?) you need to go.

Update 2017:  Looking up the box scores from this game, AJ Burnett did record a 1 hitter in my second game here, which is the closest to a no-hitter I've come. Wrigley did undergo a pretty significant renovation, with ownership having to vaguely threaten to move the team into the suburbs to get it done. While a relatively small LCD screen had been added in 2012, when I went, a much larger one was added during these renos in left center field. Still, the ballpark's character appears to have been respected. I would like to go back soon, for some actual pictures and to see the renos, but wasn't willing to give up new parks on my latest trip through Chicago. This park stays at a 10, with the facility, food and atmosphere well above par. A must see.

Linescores
2012-07-27
                        123  456  789  R  H  E
St. Louis           141  110  100  9  10  1
Chicago(NL)      303  000  000  6  10 1
Temp:77F  Time: 3:03  Att: 40,778

2012-07-31
                         123   456  789  RHE
Pittsburgh           400  000   100  580
Chicago(NL)        000  000   000  013
Temp:75F  Time: 2:50  Att: 33,158

Angel Stadium of Anaheim

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, American League

10/10

 The crowds file in for a game with Seattle in April, 2014.

 Just about ready to begin against Oakland in August 2009.

I enjoyed my 3rd game at the Big A probably most of all, thanks to a good atmosphere in the upper deck.

Angel Stadium is now one of my favourites. I have been here a total of five times now, twice against the Athletics in 2009, once on a cool April evening against Seattle in 2014 and twice in September of 2016 against the Blue Jays.

It's located near a trifecta of freeways and about a 10 minute drive from the Disneyland area. It's surrounded by a ton of parking in the immediate area and a little further there are actually some bars and restaurants, over towards the Honda Center, the home of the NHL's Anaheim Ducks.

The park was built in the mid 1960's as a new home for the Angels after they spent their first few years at LA's Wrigley Field and "Chavez Ravine" as Dodger Stadium was called when it hosted them. It was massively renovated when the NFL's Rams moved in and massively renovated again when they moved away. The results are incredible. Compare the before(By watching the remake of Angels in the Outfield maybe?) and the after(by going) and be amazed. From the outside it is very obvious it's an older park and maybe in the upper deck, but on the bottom it appears 30 years younger than it really is. That's my favourite thing about this park, it was turned from a gargantuan NFL-sized stadium into something more reasonable.

The fans here are passionate about supporting their team, instead of the other team in the LA area.

I like the food here quite a bit. There's lots of good options. As of 2014, it included Panda Express and Jack in the Box, as well as a very good pizza chain that replaced California Pizza Kitchen, the name escapes me at the moment....

The atmosphere is great, very baseball-oriented, with just enough quirks to keep things interesting.

The backdrop of the Honda Center and hills makes it a nice place to spend an evening.

In 2009, I went for a night game against Oakland and was so impressed by the crowd at atmosphere that I went back the next afternoon and sat in the sun on a 112 degree afternoon. The guy at the pulled pork sandwich stand (Reggie?) insisted on selling me a medium pop instead of a small saying "You'll thank me later."

Thanks Reggie.

I returned in April 2014, for the final game of a season opening series between the Angels and the Seattle Mariners. It actually did get cold in the upper deck later on and some of the dining options had changed, but it was more or less the same park, which was good. If you haven't gone, try to go and if you have, go back, it's just as good the 2nd time.

Update 2017: I went back here for two more games in September 2016, as the Blue Jays were in town. They lost to the Angels without much of a struggle both games I saw. There was still a good crowd both days, despite the latter being the same afternoon as the first home game for the new Los Angeles Rams.  It reminded me of the game versus Oakland in 2009, where it was very, very hot.

Food service options at the park changed again with "Oggi's" now the pizza of choice and Jack In the Box having taken over the burger stands. I frequented a custom gourmet hot dog stand, which while expensive, was fantastic. There's also a healthier concession deep in the outer concourse of the park, as well as several others in a sort of food court. I made it onto the mezzanine this time around and was not dissapointed. I'd still give this park a 10/10, it's a favourite. I wonder if now that Oakland is without the NFL, they could renovate it in the same vein?


Linescores
2009-08-29
                                123    456   789  RHE
Oakland                    000   000   310  491
Los Angeles(AL)        001  200   000   390
Temp: 89F  Time: 3:01  Att: 43,011

2009-08-30
                             123   456   789    R H E
Oakland                  001   000  000   1 6 0
Los Angeles(AL)     000   040   05x   9 13 1
Temp: 92F  Time: 2:12  Att: 38,018

2014-04-02
                                 123   456  789    R H E
Seattle                      001     014   002  8  13 0
Los Angeles(AL)        000     000    002  2  3  1
Temp: 57F  Time: 2:39   Att: 38,007

2016-09-17
                               123   456  789    R  H E
Toronto                     000   000  010  1 10 3
Los Angeles(AL)       010  012   20x  6  8  0
Temp: 83F  Time: 3:08  Att: 39,195

2016-09-18
                              123   456   789   R H E
Toronto                    000   000   000   0 4  1  
Los Angeles(AL)      010   010   02x   4 10 0
Temp: 84F Time: 3:25  Att: 36,270

Nat Bailey Stadium

Vancouver Canadians, Northwest League

10/10

 A large crowd outside just before 1st pitch, waiting to get in, pick up tickets, or come up with a new plan for the afternoon, as the game sold out.

 The first pitch of the Vancouver Canadians taking on the visiting Boise Hawks.

A great sell out crowd on a Friday Afternoon.

Firstly, this park is now known officially as Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium. But I went there before this change and most people still use the old name, so we will stick with that.

I went to my first ever Pro baseball game when I was 8 years old in 1992. It was here, at "The Nat", to watch the then AAA Vancouver Canadians battle the Edmonton Trappers. This was in the midst of the Blue Jays first championship season and baseball enjoyed a higher stature in Canada than it does now. I'd love to say I enjoyed it and was hooked, but it was a slow game, with the final being either 1-0, or 2-1 and runs not coming in until the 6th or 7th inning. Eventually we left early and I jokingly taunted my Aunt and Cousin that it was their fault, knowing full well it was mine.

I went back in 2000, having turned 16, to watch the now Short Season A Vancouver Canadians take on the now defunct Portland Rockies with my Stepfather, Brother and some friends. It was the first season of the Canadians having moved down 4 rungs on the Minor League hierarchy, but as my Stepfather heard from a local die-hard, the difference in the quality of play was only so much. The team went from a poorly drawing AAA team in a small old ballpark to an NWL team in a big city, with a gem of an old park and a strong following locally. I attempted to go back in 2013, but discovered the game I wanted, the last Saturday night home game of the year, had completely sold out.

I finally got back to Nat Bailey Stadium in August 2014 and have to say that I LOVED it. There's just so much to like.

The park is a 1950s era grandstand that is very basic, featuring lots of painted concrete and wooden benches, outside of the box seats. My ticket behind the aisle cost 12.50 Canadian, which is higher than most low minor parks, but for Canada is very cheap. The park has the main concourse under the seats, but a smaller one to move people to their seats in view of the field and a teeny one at the top of the grandstand. There is a videoboard, but the main scoreboard is hand operated, which is always a nice touch.

Parking was free on the street a few blocks away, as the stadium is located in the middle of Queen Elizabeth Park. Parking right next to the stadium was 7 dollars and had bad entrance and exits, so if you're able, I'd suggest parking on the street, it saves time in the long run.

I went back solo for a Friday afternoon "Nooner at the Nat"(which actually started at 1, but we'll spot them that) against the Boise Hawks, who I hadn't seen play since my visit to Boise. The game sold out, but not every seat was filled. Still, about 4,000 people or so showed up and from die-hards to casual fans, most people were into the game...which was a good thing, as the Canadians took it on the chin, losing 10-3. I read a review from ballparkreviews.com about how the atmosphere at minor-league games in Canada is usually better and having been to a few different parks now, I totally agree. People who go to ballgames in Canada want to watch at least some baseball, pure and simple.

Another reason I enjoyed Nat Bailey was the food, it was fantastic. I was in the mood for a burger, but with the line at the main concession looking quite long, I went to the shortest line "Sushi and Asahi Beer". It's a great pairing and me, my Asahi and my Sushi had a good time(despite me spilling the sushi trying to break apart the chopsticks). I also got an ice cream helmet. Also of note, the team uses the tiny concourse at the top of the grandstand to have a few beer stands, which kept a lot of people from walking past my seat during the game, and kept the beer people and the food people from all being in the main concession area. I can't think of another older park that did that as well.

The location in a park isn't terribly scenic, but is pleasant enough for the park's purposes. Between the well maintained gem of a park, good layout and use of space, plus good food and atmosphere, it doesn't get much better than a game at "The Nat" and it now ranks among my favourites. I thought it was a strong 10/10 as of right now, it's my favourite in the low minors.

Update 2016: I enjoyed this one so much that I went back and typed a lengthy update almost right afterwards. There's little to add, except for the fact that the C's have put in a party deck in left field, which has boosted capacity somewhat. The Canadians are the leading draw in the NWL, averaging just over 6,000 a game. That's 21st in MiLB period, with only the Midwest League Dayton Dragons drawing better in the low minors. It's pretty remarkable how their numbers have jumped in the last few years. I found the 2014 line score with little issue, but the other two will take a lot more digging. I will save them for the next update.

Linescore
2014-08-22
                                                123     456    789    R  H E
Boise Hawks(CHC)                     231   003     001    10 11 2
Vancouver Canadians(TOR)        000    010    002     3 12 2

Maryvale Baseball Park

10/10

Milwaukee Brewers,Cactus League

The main sign for the entrance is quite high above the main gate.

 The last home game of 2014 saw the Brewers, Reds and no Sausages.

I was furious.....

The crowd enjoys a nice spring afternoon as the Brew Crew battle the Padres in 2010.

Bonus photo: The victorious Hot Dog and admirable Chorizo after another great Sausage Race.

This might be an unusual pick, but Maryvale is far and away my favourite Cactus League ballpark and I'll tell you why.

The ballpark is one of the older ones in Arizona, built in 1997, which makes it an elderly 17 years old at the time of my writing this. But enough sarcasm. It's actually located within the City of Phoenix's Maryvale neighbourhood. I didn't really notice until my third visit that the area is somewhat run down, which speaks to how it's still quite safe to go to a game here. Parking is no problem in the stadium lots, unless you're quite late(in which case there's lots of options in the area, just don't park at the mall, as they tow) or they're playing the Cubs.

The park is laid out much like your average AAA park, with a concourse behind the seating, as well as an outfield berm. The berm doesn't go all the way around, so there's a gap in center field. There isn't much shade here, which is probably its biggest drawback. Sitting in the back two or three rows of the three sections closest to home plate will do the trick though.

Plus one of Maryvale is the atmosphere. Brewer fans are very loyal to their small market team and very welcoming to anyone who's cheering for the other side, or just around. They will drop in on your conversations, but in a good way. The Racing Sausages will make an appearance during the game, unless, as I found out in 2014, it's too late in the month. "The Beer Barrel Polka" will make an appearance regardless and most fans will sing and some will even dance. The atmosphere is relaxed, and very Cactus league, as opposed to being more of a minor league game. On field promotions do not happen, there is no "in game host" and the music is pretty vanilla. It's all about the game here, the way it ought to be.

The other reason I like this park is the food. Options are limited at the actual concessions, but there are two big plusses, the sausages(they sell all 5 kinds in the race) and the number of food carts thrown onto the concourse behind home plate. You can get a lot of variety in this part of the park.

You do not have to fight much of a crowd here unless they're playing the Cubs. Tickets are reasonable and with Municipal Stadium now off the loop, it's the most centrally located Cactus League stadium. You don't have to be anything resembling a Brewer fan to thoroughly enjoy this place and I highly recommend it.

Update 2016: I am now up to six games here and can't say a bad thing about it. Cheap but enjoyable option for cactus leaguing. I usually get a game in here every year I'm down.

Linescores


2010-03-26
                     123 456  789   RHE
San Diego     303  001 011  9 14 0
Milwaukee    020  000 200  4 7 1

Temp: 71F Time: 3:02 Att: 4,407

2012-03-27
                       123  456   789  R H E
Kansas City     013 001  220  9 12 0
Milwaukee      000 010  231  7  13 1
Temp:78F  Time: 2:47 Att: 2,652

2012-03-28
                     123   456   789  R H E
Arizona         100   000  000  1 5   1
Milwaukee    000   160  000  7 14 0
Temp: 81F  Time: 2:20  Att: 4,543

2013-03-22
                           123   456   789  R H E
Chicago Cubs     000    010  003 4 11 0
Milwaukee          000   000  100  1 7 1
Temp: 80F  Time: 2:47   Att: 8,806 

2014-04-04

                        123   456   789   R H E
Cincinatti         001   012   301  8 14 0
Milwaukee       100   000   010  2 6  2
Temp: 66F  Time: 2:59  Att: 4,016


2015-03-26
                      123  456  789  R  H  E
Seattle            001  000  000  1  4  1
Milwaukee     400  320  24x  15 22 1
Temp: N/A  Time: 3:01   Att:  3,302

Safeco Field

Seattle Mariners, American League

10/10

Seattle's finest keep an eye on the crowd leaving out the left field gate after a game against the Jays in 2010.

            

Finally got a decent, centered shot facing out here in 2015.

The shot with the roof closed is also centered now.

Me and Safeco Field go back a long way. This was my third Major League park, after the then-Skydome and Kingdome. I remember watching the first ever game here against the Padres in 1999 on a summer road trip, on television. Before long, we were down here, seeing amongst other teams, the Blue Jays, Royals, Devil Rays, Red Sox and Blue Jays again. Each time was for two games, for a total of 10, making it my most attended park at any level. So I know this one best of all. It is one of my absolute favourites, no doubt about it.

But where to even start? Firstly, Safeco is a retro-modern park and it does quite well. The main entrance is apparently inspired by Ebbets Field, but I mostly used the outfield entrances, which are adorned with banners of the biggest names on the team and feature some decent art installations of key moments in club history. The upper concourse features banners dedicated to many different baseballers, many who never played for the Mariners, including some Negro Leaguers and a few NPB players.

Some of the other quirks of Safeco include a hand-operated scoreboard in Left Field, the standings of all three divisions of the AL via flags in left field and the retractable roof, which comes in handy the first few months of the season, although it doesn't help with the temperature. The park is located in the "SoDo" or SOuth of the DOme district, as Safeco was built next door to the Kingdome, with the team moving over in the middle of the 1999 season. Qwest Field was built on the Kingdome site. The area is dotted with pubs and is only a few blocks from Pioneer Square.

The atmosphere in Seattle is in the top tier of the MLB parks I've been to to date. Mariner fans love their team and while there aren't as many of them coming out in recent years, they loyally supported sub-par teams for a long time before finally deciding to stay away(except when King Felix is pitching). Still, Mariner fans seem on the whole to be quite knowledgeable and while they cheer, they keep it clean and games with lots of opposing fans(the bigger clubs and the Blue Jays draw here) they are more of the "thanks for coming" type as opposed to something more sinister.

So many visits here means I know the food quite well. Besides standard ballpark fare, the Mariners have incorporated numerous local options into the menu. Firstly, Kidd Valley hamburgers make a nice gourmet burger and a great milkshake. Secondly, Ivar's seafood(deep-fried seafood, but still..) is another local treat. Thirdly, there is the "Red Hook". Red Hook make a few different kinds of beer now but "A Red Hook" gets you a nice India Pale Ale. Lastly, I almost forgot to mention the Garlic Fries. They could easily be the most popular thing in the park. By the late innings, you will smell garlic.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoy this park every time I go and if you are a serious ballparking type, you need to budget a few games here. If you're in town and looking for a good night out, head over if you can.

Update 2016: I have now seen 11 games here and will be upping that to 14 next month when I swing through for a three game set versus the Blue Jays. There are some interesting food choices in the center field concourse that I only remember being new, not much about them. I will head out there for sure when I go back.

Linescores

2000-07-27
                      123   456  789  R H E
Toronto              100  000 501  7 16 0
Seattle             000  020  000  2 7  1
Temp: 75F   Time: 3:26  Att: 40,398



2000-07-28          
                       123   456  789  RHE
Toronto              004  000  000  461
Seattle              021  300  10x  790
Temp: 70F  Time: 3:11   Att: 37,126

2003-08-26
                       123    456  789    R H E
Tampa Bay       300    000  000   3 7 0     
Seattle             000     040  50x  9 12 0
Temp: 72F   Time: 2:58  Att: 43,287

2003-08-27
                       123    456  789    R H E
Tampa Bay        021  020  021   8 11 2
Seattle               000   030  010   4 5  1
Temp: 73F   Time: 2:58   Att:  42,442

2004-08-26
                        123  456   789   R  H E
Kansas City        400  002   100   7 11 0
Seattle              100  001  001   3  8  3
Temp: 70F   Time:  3:08  Att:  30,962

2004-08-27
                       123  456    789   R  H  E
Kansas City       001  030  010   5  9  0
Seattle             000  031  03x  7 14 1
Temp: 66F  Time: 2:30  Att: 35,690


2007-06-25
               123   456  789  R H  E
Boston      002  000 002  4  8  1
Seattle       010  050 30x  9 10 1
Temp: 65F  Time: 3:21   Att: 33,830
        
2007-06-26
                 123   456  789  R  H  E
Boston     101  022  010  7 14 1
Seattle      310  022  00x  8 12 1
Temp: 73F  Time: 3:25  Att: 35,045

2010-05-19


               123   456   789  R H E
Toronto     001  200  000    3 6 1
Seattle     000  000  200   2  10 1
Temp: 57F  Time: 2:36 Att: 19,208

2010-05-20
               123   456  789  RHE
Toronto     000  020  100  350
Seattle     001  000  003  480
Temp: 52F  Time: 2:35  Att: 20,452

2015-07-26
               123   456  789  10 R H E
Toronto      130  000 100   0  5 9 1
Seattle      102  000 200   1  6 13 1
Temp:66F  Time: 3:05  Att: 35,159

Avista Stadium

Spokane Indians, Northwest League

10/10

A nice summer evening sees Spokane host Yakima. This is the only picture from my original trip deemed worthy of staying.

The exterior before the first Saturday home game of the season vs. Eugene.

A great crowd was on hand considering the weather was overcast with occasional showers.

Pre-game vs. Eugene in 2014, you can literally see the moisture.

We attended Avista Stadium in Spokane on night 1 of a 3 game tour of Washington and Oregon, which was my first trip specifically to go to new ballparks. This explains why my pictures were somewhat lacking, and all generally of the same thing. The park is the top draw for attendance in the Northwest League every year. The park may have something to do with it, but Spokane has approximately 650 thousand people in the area surrounding and into Idaho, so there are more than a few people to market the team to.

I don't have many photos of this one and don't remember much about it, so this will be brief(I realized this after and took many more photos of the other two parks, both in Eugene and Yakima). But it is a relatively run of the mill minor-league stadium. There is the mascot a "Spokanasaurus." We were grilled mercilessly by our border guard on the way down, even being told "What you wanna go to Spokane for? I been there. There's nothin' there. Nothin'."

As far as I remember, the park was very average. The game was an eyelash over 5 hours, not wrapping up until around quarter after 11. Writing this, I realize that Spokane may end up on my list for this summer, possibly even as a long weekend road trip. For now, it will be remembered as an average park, with an average score.

Update 2016: I was typing this in early 2014 and mentioned it to my then girlfriend and alluded to needing to go back at some point. She just said "Let's go!" I checked and seeing  it was around 12 or 13 hours from the house, I knew it was possible. So we went down in June 2014 and I am now engaged to the same girl. The next year, on a trip to California, I was looking for an NWL game for night 2. When it was only the all star game, I hoped that it would be in Spokane and sure enough it was, with a new format featuring the Pioneer League all-stars vs. the Northwest.

Having a bit more to work with as far as sample size, I realized this place is great. The stadium was built in the 1950's, but I originally thought it was from the 80's, it's so modern(ish). There's both box seating further back and decent seats closer to the action, if you can get them. I've never had my pick of seats here, it's usually what's left. The smallest crowd in 3 games here was still 4,500, with for Short Season A is really good. This leads into a good atmosphere here, baseball first, random stuff second. Lastly, is the food, with stand names like "Intentional Wok" for a Chinese food booth, you know you're doing ok. While the dollar hot dogs in 2014 had gotten quite cold, I still think the concessions here are good as well and while I can only remember so much about them, the variety of items was some of the best I've seen anywhere. Overall, this place was vastly underappreciated under my old review and a few more visits have put me up to a 10/10. There's not a thing wrong with this park, which is why it's a perennial attendance leader(2nd of 8 in 2015) in the NWL.


Linescores
2007-07-17
                                        123   456    789   R  H  E
Yakima Bears(ARI)             200  120   050   10 13 3
Spokane Indians(TEX)        100   600   100  8   7   7
Temp: 90F  Time: 3:38  Att: 4,518

2014-06-14
                                      123   456    789   R H  E
Eugene Emeralds(SD)      010   000   200   3  9   1
Spokane Indians(TEX)      202  100    00x   5 12 0
Temp: 65F  Time: 2:25  Att: 6,709

2015-08-04
                                                123   456    789  10  R H E
Pioneer League All-Stars            011  001    020   0   5 9  0
Northwest League All-Stars        100  010    021   1    6 10 1
Temp: 88F  Time: 3:28  Att: 7,083

Stade Municipal (Quebec)

Quebec Capitales, American Association

10/10

Firstly, I did not even own a camera at this point and as a result, have no photos. I will write at least a thousand words to make up for it.

Stade Municipal was the 6th pro ballpark I ever went to, back when I didn't go on Baseball specific trips, outside of the odd run to Seattle.  I was in Quebec for a month long course and made a point of looking to see if the local nine were in town, or even started. I was more than happy to note that the Capitales started their season the last weekend I was there. I went to two games here, one was opening night, on a Thursday, against the now-defunct New Haven Cutters. The second was the Sunday afternoon tilt. I had no idea what to expect, as I'd never been to an Independent league game and hadn't been to a minor league park since Telus Field, 6 years before. I ended up thoroughly enjoying my two games.

The park itself is a 1930's era ballpark. It definitely has a rustic feel to it. There is also a Stade Municipal in Trois-Rivieres(about an hour east of Montreal) that is exactly the same park, that park also hosts a team in the CanAm, Les Aigles(Eagles) who just finished their first season in 2013 and will be back for a second. I only found out while writing this article that the four CanAm teams have been absorbed into the American Association and will form their own CanAm Division starting with the 2014 season. It's not a total surprise though, as they had been playing an interlocking schedule for a few years now and with the league down to just four teams, it makes sense.

Probably my favourite thing about the Capitales was the atmosphere. With 2005 being the first season without the Expos, the Caps were Quebec's lone pro ballclub. The fans in attendance were clearly very interested in baseball above all else. When the Capitales needed a late inning rally, fans in Le Dugout Molson Ex began banging on empty seats, making quite a bit of noise. The announcements for the game were in French and English. Someone who only spoke English would have no trouble following along. My two games were opening night, on a Thursday, which was well attended and a sunday afternoon that saw a very light rain for most of the game. Some of my neighbours(who refused to stand for The Star Spangled Banner, haven't seen that before or since) asked me later on where New Haven actually was. It's in Connecticut. George Bush the elder played some college baseball there for Yale.

Concessions were simple, but cheap and of good quality. Ordering in English is ok, as most of the workers are students working summer jobs, but patience is a must, as you may not be understood the first time. There is some parking in the area, but it's possible to walk along the St. Charles river to go to the park, although at half an hour from downtown, it could be too long for some.

Overall, a trip to Stade Municipal is a pleasant outing, to a baseball first, classic ballpark. The atmosphere is just an added plus. For those who haven't been to Quebec, it's a good way to experience the province in only a few hours, although I'd highly suggest staying for longer. I give this park a 9/10, with the only knock being that it was a little dirty when I went, especially considering it was opening night. I would love to make a return trip and with parks now in Trois-Rivieres and plans for a second try at Independent baseball in Ottawa, it may be part of an all-Canadian road trip in the future.

Update 2016: The Capitales are still in the CanAm League, which has stopped the interlocking schedule with the American Association. If I re-rated the park according to the new scoring system, according to my 11 year old memory, I'd have to give it a point for each of Facility, Atmosphere and Food. I'd really like to go back this summer, it's been much too long.

Linescores
I have searched high and low for the scores of my two games here in 2005, with no luck to date.