Athletes
Behind the Twins
Jul 28th
I recently had a rare behind-the-scenes look at the Minnesota Twins and their home, Target Field. I walked away extremely impressed.
Just opened this April, Target Field is the newest stadium in major league baseball. According to ESPN Magazine, it is ranked No. 1 in all sports for stadium experience. Located in the Warehouse District just west of downtown Minneapolis, the 39,504-seat stadium was designed by Populous, who wanted to create an original yet classic ballpark. Populous incorporated local limestone and Minnesota fir trees in the design. The stadium gates are numbered after retired numbers worn by former Twins stars (and Jackie Robinson).
Because of an afternoon of storms, batting practice was canceled, but that didn’t wash out our experience. We started out in the state-of-the-art, spacious visitors’ clubhouse. The Chicago White Sox were in town, and we encountered pitching coach Don Cooper, pitcher Mark Buehrle and pitcher Bobby Jenks enjoying small talk. We briefly joined them but moved on before overstaying our welcome.
Heading to the field, we were immediately struck by the immaculate Kentucky blue grass. A handful of players and coaches gave us their opinions on the new park, and all were very favorable. Twins coaches (and baseball lifers) Rick Stelmaszek and Tony Oliva stated that the park was incredible and one of the best either has ever seen.
Soon it was time for manager Ron Gardenhire‘s pre-game interview session in his office. Gardy kept it short and light, answering questions about a few injuries and the pitching rotation (of course, we asked him about travel). We talked to a few more players and headed to the pressbox, where we met broadcasters Bert Blyleven and Jack Morris (former pitching greats). Each praised Target Field for its amenities and local touches.
The food at Target Field represented traditional ballpark fare along with some creative choices, all while incorporating delicious local flavors. Hrbek’s (named after former Twins star Kent Hrbek) is a lively bar near first base (naturally). Minnesota’s own Schweigert Meats supplies four local hot dog varieties. Great food and aromas were everywhere.
We checked out sightlines around the park and were amazed before we settled into our seats. Then we sat back and enjoyed a 3-2 Twins win in just under two hours.
Twins management must carefully screen the Target Field service staff, since everyone we encountered couldn’t do enough in terms of service and friendliness. For instance, Ron (the head guy in the press lunchroom) not only provided excellent service and quality food but offered interesting facts about the ballpark and downtown area.
I really want to thank the Minnesota Twins and especially Molly Gallatin, manager of publications and media services, for their time and consideration.
– John Wroblewski, distribution specialist
NYC Triathalon
Jul 20th
On Sunday, I woke up at 6 a.m. and headed to Riverside Park and 79th Street. Why? To watch a good friend take on her second triathalon. I was supporting her and 3,000 other participants. I hate getting up early for anything, but once the sun hit my face and I saw people of all shapes and sizes exit the Hudson River after their mile swim, I was wide awake. Our support group actually saw our friend speed by on her bike for the 40K ride. We then headed to Central Park to watch the last leg of the race and cheer on the runners.
Somehow we missed our friend during the 10k race portion, but we cheered for the rest of the participants. What I enjoy about these types of events is the ability to see ordinary people do extraordinary things. We saw elite athletes go by, who were impeccable, but we saw regular people, too, complete a challenge for which they trained for months. We saw people running for charity, for personal goals and in memory of others. The disabled athletes inspired me the most, those missing a leg or arm. One gentleman was running on two prosthetic legs and with an amputated arm. It is my guess that some of the amputees in the triathalon were former military. To see them speed by made me shed a tear as I realized anything one puts their mind to, they can accomplish. In one word, awesome.
It was great to feel part of someone else’s accomplishment, cheering them on to reach their goal. I have been on sports teams, and I know that having a cheering section makes the day for myself and the team. I hope our cheering helped others cross the finish line.
One tip to anyone traveling — check out what sporting events are going on in the city. It’s a great way to know the terrain and get temporarily involved in a community. It will give you more than just a tourist’s point of view!
– Alex Young, vice president and associate publisher
A Day with the Mets
May 26th
As a Chicagoan and Cubs fan, I am not supposed to like the New York Mets, right? Well, I do, because the organization makes it easy to like them.
I’ll start with Nicole Chayet, the media relations coordinator. Despite it being one of the hardest tickets to get all season, Nicole couldn’t have been more facilitating to Louie Atsaves and myself in our effort to experience CitiField and share it with Global Traveler‘s readers. At CitiField, all staffers from the first parking lot attendant to the elevator operator to the field security were as pleasant and helpful as could be.
CitiField is one of the newest and most impressive stadiums. The design was intended to bring the fans closer to the field. The concourses are wide and airy. Much of the area features unobstructed sightlines to the field. More than 40 percent of the stadium’s 42,000-capacity seating can be found on the Concourse level.
One of the highlights for us was talking to legendary groundskeeper Pete Flynn. Flynn has been a groundskeeper since 1964. Flynn has done it all. He drove the Beatles from the stage at second base to their awaiting limo during their 1965 concert at Shea Stadium. Many years later, he drove McCartney to the stage to appear with Billy Joel in concert. Flynn talked of his love for the team, the fans and, of course, the field. Willie Mays was the best he has seen.
During batting practice, we were up close and personal with the players and coaches, discussing travel and baseball. There is never an obligation for anyone to talk, but many did and others politely declined for various reasons (most having to do with baseball activities).
Mick Kelleher, Yankees coach and former player with our Chicago Cubs, talked to us at length. Kelleher named Chicago as the city he enjoyed the most during his career (with the Cubs or as a visiting player). This was before he even knew we were from Chicago. Once we told him that and said we were big fans, he expressed genuine gratitude.
We also interviewed Yankees coach Tony Pena. Pena (former major league catcher) also named Chicago as his favorite place to visit. He mentioned shopping as the reason.
Finally, we settled into our seats and enjoyed a great game. Jason Bay‘s two-run home run was the key hit in the 6-4 Mets victory. Johan Santana pitched seven-and-two-thirds innings to earn his fourth win. Everyone went home happy, especially me and Louie.
The Mets are currently in last place at 23-23, but they are only four games out of first. They might not be in first place (yet), but they are definitely first class.
– John Wroblewski, distribution specialist
A Great Weekend
May 19th
I spent last weekend in Novi, Mich., for the Motor City Comic Con and some work. This was my fourth time at the event. Last year, my friend JayHawk Evans joined me. This year, Chuck “Cuzz” Gekas joined us.
After my work was done, I joined my friends at the MCCC. Cuzz and I meandered through the celebrity area, where he met one of his all-time favorites, Dawn Wells (Mary Ann from TV’s Gilligan’s Island). JayHawk is more of a Star Wars collector, so he spent much of his time perusing the vendor area.
As I have written before, the MCCC is possibly the best such convention. The vendor area is huge. The MCCC staff is pleasant and helpful. The Rock Financial Showplace is a great venue. The celebrities at the event are more talkative and spend more time with everyone than at any other show.
After the MCCC, we dined at Bagger Dave’s, a cool burger place. I had the best turkey burger of my life. It consisted of two fresh turkey patties topped with sauteed mushrooms and drizzled with blue cheese, all contained within a honey wheat bun. The unique menu at Bagger Dave’s allows you to create your own masterpiece by selecting from a myriad of options. JayHawk and Cuzz had their own burger creations. We split some regular fries and sweet potato chips. The food was outstanding.
After the meal, we headed to Comerica Park to watch the Detroit Tigers play the Boston Red Sox. We got to meet Tigers legend Willie Horton at a pre-game book signing. Cuzz is a lifelong Tigers fan, and he really enjoyed meeting a childhood favorite. The Tigers won the game in the 12th inning.
This was Cuzz’s first time at Comerica Park. It is a really beautiful baseball stadium. It features open-air concourses, some statues of Tigers legends in the outfield section, several displays honoring various events in Tigers history and great sightlines from virtually every seat. Other than having a boring food selection, you really couldn’t want much more out of a ballpark.
I know Detroit is going through a rough time, but Mayor Bing is doing everything he can to improve things. Events such as the MCCC bring in a lot of tourism money. Hotels are usually sold out all around the area. We also saw many fellow MCCC attendees at the game. I know other attendees were heading to Detroit for other reasons. I think we all came away with positive things to say, and most of us will be back next year.
I always enjoy this weekend. The MCCC and the Detroit Tigers are a nice start. Mix in some good food, great friends and few new activities each year and you get a winner. I certainly will be back in 2011.
– John Wroblewski, distribution specialist
