Sports
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
Rafting Adventure
Jul 21st
Along the way to our Minneapolis destination, my friends and I made a sidetrip to do some white-water rafting at Wildman Ranch in northern Wisconsin, about a five-hour drive from Chicago. The fun takes place on the Peshtigo River, which features the longest continuous stretch of rapids in the Midwest.
Our adventure started when 11 of us and the guide waded into the water to climb onto the raft. Our guide gave us some tips before pitting the left side against the right side in a balance contest. The left side lost when they fell into the lake. I should have been part of that, but I managed to fall into the raft instead. With the water test done, it was time for some real fun.
We paddled under the instruction of our guide, doing our best to row in sync. Soon we were at the first rapids. The four-foot drop was a nice appetizer for what was to come. We bounced around a bit, paddled strongly and got a little wet; but we stayed afloat and paddled onward.
After another short stretch, we beached the raft and hiked to check out the big rapids. Although a bit nervous, I suppose it was better to see a preview of what awaited us. The 10-plus-foot-drop looked a bit menacing.
We hiked back to the boat and paddled toward the challenge, everyone filled with nervous energy and adrenaline. The guide shouted a last preparatory warning as we hit the rapids. We bounced around but sailed through it all quite uneventfully, except for a couple of refreshing splashes.
We beached the raft again, hiked back a bit and prepared for one last run at the big rapids. This time, the river was a bit more agitated. About midway through, our raft started sliding sideways. At this point, I really thought there was a good chance we would capsize. Several huge splashes and some strong rowing later, we sailed into calmer waters, having conquered the rapids again.
The whole experience lasted about three hours. Upon reaching dry land, we had some Cokes and snacks at the lodge, where we also watched a picture stream of our recent adventure.
This was an awesome experience. The Wildman guide was helpful, funny and assuring throughout the afternoon. He did a great job keeping us alert while letting us enjoy the experience. We always felt safe yet infused with just enough apprehension to make it exciting.
The rest of the Wildman staff (pre- and post-rafting) were also great. It was simply a fantastic time.
– 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
The SCAW Difference
Jul 7th
Dave Dryden has flown several thousand miles and is on his way to one million, but a different million was his goal (actually, originally his father’s goal), a goal that was met last year. Dave, through the organization Sleeping Children Around the World, oversaw the distribution of its one millionth bedkit. (Bedkits consist of a mattress, blanket, pillow and other bedding essentials.)
SCAW was founded by Murray and Margaret Dryden. Murray always thought a sleeping child was a beautiful thing on so many levels. He decided to capture this beauty by photographing some sleeping children, which he planned on turning into a book. On a picture-taking trip in India, he saw a child sleeping in the street and decided to do something about it. SCAW was born in 1970, and 50 bedkits were distributed in Pune, India.
Both Dave and SCAW have come a long way from their beginnings in the Dryden home in Toronto. Dave and his younger brother Ken went on to have stellar pro hockey careers. After retiring, Dave coached for several years, but his true calling was continuing what his father had started.
Now beyond the original goal of one million, Dave says SCAW has gone through a strategic planning process. While another million is certainly a goal, they want to emphasize “giving from the heart, not from a guilty conscience.”
What makes the success of SCAW more interesting is that they do no advertising. Dave told me their marketing committee (with a budget of zero) has to find creative ways to publicize SCAW. Perhaps their biggest and best publicists are the 100 volunteers who travel for SCAW. They come back so pumped up and spread the word themselves. They do also take advantage of free services, such as Facebook and a blogsite.
While distributing the bedkits, Dave had been to numerous countries, but says he has not been to a museum or art gallery, nor to the tallest buildings downtown. Instead, he spends his time with the people. He is always amazed at the universality of children worldwide, rich or poor. He also said “family” is probably the most common value he encounters.
SCAW has distributed bedkits in more than 33 countries. Because of the efforts of SCAW and people like Dave, more than one million children have received bedding. He is certainly a humanitarian, and over the years, he has become quite a global traveler.
– John Wroblewski, distribution specialist
