Stadiums
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
Goal!!
Jun 11th
The World Cup kicks off today, the first ever to be held in Africa. A number of South African cities, including Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban, will play host to the soccer games and the tournament; and various festivities will continue for the next 30 days. Soccer (or football) fans all over the world are rejoicing that the games, which take place every four years, are finally back!
According to an Associated Press report, the opening ceremonies were met with a touch of sadness, following news that Nelson Mandela‘s 13-year-old great-granddaughter was killed in a car accident following last night’s World Cup concert. Mandela did not attend the opening ceremonies today.
Soccer City, one of the stadiums located between Johannesburg and Soweto, hosted the opening ceremonies, with African dancers and a crowd of fans in Bafana Bafana (South Africa’s home team) jerseys. Notable attendees included Mandela’s former wife, Winnie, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and U.S. Vice President Joe Biden.
Let the games begin! South Africa, welcome to the world stage.
– Kim Krol, eFlyer editor, circulation and public relations executive
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
