Tony Gillen

LAyover

August 15, 2026
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Milwaukee Brewers

When you find yourself with a long, roughly 10-hour layover at LAX during a work trip to Australia, you don’t just sit around the terminal—you look for a baseball game. That opening gave me the perfect excuse to make my first return visit to Dodger Stadium since 2023.
- 2nd visit to Dodger Field
- 2nd different Dodgers’ opponent
- 5th different ballpark watching the Brewers
Not only was it great to be back at Blue Heaven on Earth, but it was also my first time seeing the ballpark since “UNIQLO Field at” was officially added to its iconic name.

From LAX to UNIQLO

Navigating from the airport to Chavez Ravine is quite an adventure. I took a bus from LAX over to Union Station, and from there, I hopped on the seamless Dodger Stadium Express straight to the ballpark.

Traveling with a large backpack presented a potential hurdle since standard ballpark security won’t allow oversized bags inside. Thankfully, there was a convenient luggage drop-off located right in the parking lot, letting me stash my gear securely before heading toward the gates.

Reggie Smith Day

The Dodgers were celebrating franchise legend Reggie Smith before the game, and I managed to get through the gates just in time to receive a special Reggie Smith bobblehead.

Seat Selection

Section 149LG Row N

Once inside, I made my way to my seat on the Loge Level. It turned out to be a fantastic spot—I was completely under the shade for the entire game, providing a welcome break from the California sun while taking in the pristine views of the field.

I spent a chunk of the game exploring the grounds, checking out the various team stores, and taking in panoramic views from all different levels and angles of the stadium. I eventually wandered back to settle into my Loge Level seat just in time to catch the final out.

Ballpark Food of Choice

Grilled Dodger Dog

For dinner, my ballpark food of choice was the Grilled Dodger Dog, paired with a souvenir soda. I made sure to secure the souvenir cup this visit, redeeming myself after completely missing out on it during my last trip.

Game Highlights

he August 15 matchup featured the Milwaukee Brewers visiting the Los Angeles Dodgers. This marked the 3rd different ballpark where I watched the Brewers play in 2026. The Brewers ultimately defeated the Dodgers by a final score of 4–1.
- With “the Miz” on the mound, Brewers pitcher Misiorowski turned in a stellar performance with 6.0 innings pitched, allowing just 1 earned run and racking up 6 strikeouts to earn the win.
- Joey Ortiz put Milwaukee on the board early with a two-run home run in the second inning.
- William Contreras added to the damage with a two-run home run of his own in the fourth inning.
- Shohei Ohtani hit an RBI triple for the Dodgers in the third inning.
- Aaron Ashby shut the door late to earn the save for the Brewers.
Back to the Airport

As soon as the final out was recorded, it was time for a quick exit. I picked up my backpack from the parking lot luggage drop, hopped back on the Dodger Stadium Express to Union Station, caught the shuttle bus back down to LAX, and successfully made it to my flight to Australia to continue the work trip.
Road Trip Finale

July 6, 2026
St. Louis Cardinals vs. Milwaukee Brewers

Busch Stadium is my last ballpark visit of the Road Trip to 30. I spent time at the Cardinals Hall of Fame Museum before gates opened at Busch Stadium to take in some incredible baseball history.
- 4th visit to Busch Stadium
- 4th different Cardinals’ matchup
- 4th different ballpark watching the Brewers
After driving from Alabama for yesterday’s game and spending the night in Tennessee, I drove to the North Hanley Station just outside of St. Louis and took the train to downtown.

Tonight’s game would turn out to be my fourth game watching the Cardinals and my third game watching the Brewers in 2026.

Cardinals Hall of Fame Museum

Prior to the game, I spent about an hour at the Cardinals Hall of Fame Museum to walk through Cardinals history and explore the displays and memorabilia.

Seat Selection

Section 145 Row 18

Once inside, I headed down to my spot for the game. My seat was on the lower level behind the dugout. This would be my first time sitting this close to the field at Busch Stadium, and it offered a phenomenal, up-close view of the action.

Ballpark Food of Choice

BBQ Bacon Wrapped Hot Dog

My ballpark food of choice was the bacon wrapped hot dog, a jumbo hot dog wrapped in Applewood smoked bacon, served on a locally made jumbo bun and topped with baked beans, pico de gallo, spicy aioli, and crispy fried onions.

I first had the specialty dog during my first visit in 2010. I had not found the hot dog in my later visit until today, so it was a nostalgic treat to enjoy it again for this return trip.

Game Highlights

The July 6 matchup ended with the Milwaukee Brewers defeating the St. Louis Cardinals by a final score of 4-3. The Cardinals controlled most of the matchup, but a seventh-inning rally gave the Brewers a lead they never surrendered.
- Cardinals pitcher Dustin May struck out seven batters against the Brewers.
- The Brewers scored four runs in the seventh inning.
- Brice Turang hit a go-ahead single.
- Milwaukee pitcher Drohan earned the win.
- Megill secured his 14th save of the season.
The Brewers win was a fun conclusion to my milestone road trip that would result in finally visiting all 30 Major League ballparks.
Birmingham – Regions Field

July 5, 2026

Birmingham Barons (White Sox Double-A) vs. Montgomery Biscuits (Rays Double-A)

The road trip continues with Day 7 of the Road Trip to 30 and the first stop on the way back home. Today’s visit is another 90-plus degree day to Alabama to see the in-state rival Barons and Biscuits.

Birmingham marks my 10th MiLB park visit this season, bringing my overall minor league total to 21-of-119.

Seat Selection

Just like Memphis and Nashville, I grabbed a cheap ticket and taking one of the many empty seats. On such a hot day, I found myself moving around as the shadows moved.

Tampa Bay Rays’ #1 Prospect

I did not realize it when I booked this game but the Rays’ promoted their top prospect, Theo Gillen, to Double-A. Theo had previously been tearing it up with the High-A Bowling Green Hot Rods. I, especially, was looking forward to seeing how he would do in this game with the Biscuits.

I’ve been following Theo since I saw a player with the last name: GILLEN was drafted in the first round of the 2024 draft. When Theo makes it to the big league club, he will be the first player with the last name: GILLEN to play in a Major League game.

Next Stop

My next stop is my final stop: St. Louis. It will be my first time in St. Louis in two years and, for the first time in a while, I will not be pairing the visit with Kansas City.
Celebrating America 250

July 4, 2026
Atlanta Braves vs. New York Mets

My celebration of Ballpark 30 continues with the celebration of America. After officially completing my 30-stadium journey yesterday, I am incredibly glad I chose to stay in Atlanta for the 4th of July. I wanted to be sure I was at a Major League ballpark to celebrate America 250 and spending another day at Truist Park seemed to be the perfect fit.

Truist Park Tour

Today was another day-long event that started with an early morning stadium tour. This time around, I explored much more than just Monument Garden. The absolute highlights of the tour included walking on the warning track behind home plate and actually getting to sit right in the Braves’ dugout.

Seat Selection

Section 426 Row 10

For the game, I had a spot in the upper deck, directly behind home plate. I originally thought I would be walking the park today, but I ended up loving the view, and the temperatures were a little lower up in the 400 level.

Extensive pre-game ceremonies before the game celebrated America’s 250th birthday.

Ballpark Food of Choice

1871 Grille The Baffle

My ballpark food of choice for the evening was The Baffle, Slow-smoked brisket smothered in rich truffle cheese sauce, piled onto a crispy golden pocket and finished with savory seasoning, which was the perfect pairing for a relaxed view from the upper deck.

Game Highlights

The Braves’ offense put on their own fireworks show, routing the Mets in a massive 14-3 victory. Atlanta’s lineup relied heavily on the long ball, smashing a season-high five home runs.
- Chris Sale earned his ninth win of the year for the Braves, pitching five innings and allowing three earned runs.
- Austin Riley blew the game wide open by launching a three-run home run.
- Mike Yastrzemski also joined the slugfest, adding a two-run homer for Atlanta.
- Eli White, Mauricio Dubón, and Michael Harris II each hit home runs to round out the Braves’ historic offensive night.
- J.R. Ritchie pitched in relief to successfully lock down his first career save.
- The Mets’ offense was highlighted by a two-run home run from Mark Vientos.
4th of July Fireworks

In addition to a perfect view of the diamond, these seats gave me a fantastic vantage point for the 4th of July fireworks. The night was capped off with the largest fireworks show in the Southeast to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, and afterward, I spent some more time hanging out again in The Battery.

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#30

July 3, 2026
Atlanta Braves vs. New York Mets

The countdown is officially over. On Friday, July 3, Truist Park officially became the 30th and final stop on my quest to visit every single Major League ballpark. With the Atlanta Braves hosting the New York Mets, I couldn’t have picked a more meaningful place to cross the finish line.
- 1st visit to Truist Park
- 2nd different ballpark watching the Braves
- 4th different ballpark watching the Mets
Dale Murphy MVP Experience

Before I was a Twins fan, I was a Braves fan and Dale Murphy was my favorite player.

To make this massive milestone truly unforgettable, I booked the Dale Murphy MVP Experience, a day-long event to spend time with the two-time MVP, Braves legend, and fan favorite.

The festivities kicked off in the early afternoon when our group gathered in a conference room at Truist Park to finally meet the legend himself. Dale took the time to sign our personal items; I brought a baseball, my Dale Murphy Braves jersey, and my Ballpark Pass-port for him to sign, and he graciously obliged.

We moved into a Q&A session where we could ask him anything. I had to ask about the legendary, marathon Braves vs. Mets game from July 4, 1985, that went 19 innings. Dale laughed and brought up Rick Camp’s unbelievable 18th-inning home run that extended the game even longer. He also shared a hilarious memory of his wife calling the ballpark because he still wasn’t home, and reminisced about the postgame fireworks finally going off at 3 a.m.

Later, we took a quick VIP tour through Monument Garden to soak in some Braves history and marvel at the incredible memorabilia on display.

Seat Selection

Section 250 (The Home Depot Clubhouse)

As part of the MVP Experience, our group sat in Section 250 in center field, inside The Home Depot Clubhouse. We actually got to watch the game alongside Dale Murphy in the suite, which was entirely surreal. At one point, The Home Depot racing mascots even stopped by the Clubhouse to hang out with us! Our time with Dale eventually came to a close with everyone taking one final picture with him overlooking the beautiful field.

Ballpark Food of Choice

For dinner, we were treated to a fantastic buffet of classic ballpark fare: hot dogs, hamburgers, and salad for those who wanted it, followed by cookies, brownies, and ice cream for dessert.

Game Highlights

The Braves secured a 5-3 victory over the Mets. Atlanta’s offense relied heavily on the long ball, producing an impressive four-homer outburst.
- Michael Harris II launched a two-run homer in the second inning, and Ozzie Albies added a solo shot in the third.
- Matt Olson earned Player of the Game honors by crushing two solo home runs, hitting one off A.J. Minter in the fifth and another off Kodai Senga in the eighth.
- The Mets’ offense was highlighted by a two-run home run from Juan Soto.
- Raisel Iglesias sealed the win for Atlanta by locking down his 17th save of the season.
Friday Night Fireworks

Following the final out, the Braves held their Friday Night Fireworks. I made my way to a spot on the other side of the ballpark so I could fully take in the postgame show.

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Not only had I just completed my 30-stadium journey, but I would be returning to Truist Park the very next day, July 4, to celebrate America 250.
Prelude to #30

July 2, 2026

The drive down from Nashville marked Day 4 of this Road Trip to 30. I broke up the trip with a three-hour stop in Chattanooga to stretch my legs and soak in the scenery before finally pulling into the Renaissance Atlanta Waverly. I actually could have skipped the Chattanooga detour and arrived in Atlanta early enough to catch the 7:15 PM ET first pitch against the St. Louis Cardinals. However, I intentionally took my time because I am strictly saving my Ballpark #30 entry for July 3rd.

Saving #30 for the 3rd

I want my official milestone moment to be the Dale Murphy MVP Experience during the game against the New York Mets, where I’ll get to celebrate in a private suite alongside my childhood hero. Because of my extended road trip pacing, I didn’t arrive at the hotel early enough to watch the whole game, but I still couldn’t resist walking over to The Battery to soak up the atmosphere.

Exploring The Battery

Even without crossing the turnstiles, the energy outside Truist Park was phenomenal. I took my time exploring the perimeter, wandering past the massive 2021 World Series Champions ring sculpture, walking under the glowing neon Atlanta Braves sign arching over the plaza, and checking out the imposing brick facade of the 3rd Base Gate. Catching a glimpse of the giant baseball graphic on the back of the stadium scoreboard under the twilight sky made the entire milestone feel incredibly real.

Instead of heading inside, I found a spot in the lively gathering area right outside the Chop House Gate. They have a fantastic setup with a massive screen where fans can lounge on the turf and watch the live broadcast. Sitting there on the grass, watching the end of the Cardinals matchup with fellow fans while listening to the muffled roar of the crowd from inside the gates, was the ultimate tease.

The stage is set, the ballpark is right in front of me, and tomorrow, we finally touch ’em all.
Nashville – First Horizon Park

July 1, 2026

Nashville Sounds (Brewers Triple-A) vs. Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (Marlins Triple-A)

Day 3 of the Road Trip to 30 brought me to Tennessee’s capital on a sweltering 90-plus degree day.

This stop marks my 9th MiLB park visit this season, bringing my overall minor league total to 20-of-119. Most importantly, with this visit to Nashville, I have now seen all four Tennessee minor league teams in their home parks.

Ballpark Features

Without a doubt, the best-known feature of the ballpark is the giant guitar-shaped scoreboard. It towers over the outfield and serves as the perfect visual reminder that you’re watching baseball right in the heart of Music City.

Ballpark Food of Choice

The Band Box Dog

If you are looking for something to eat during a game at the Nashville park, I highly recommend making your way out to right field to check out The Band Box. My ballpark food of choice for the evening was the Band Box Dog. This signature item takes a classic Nathan’s hot dog and tops it with onions, pimento cheese, and potato chips. It was an absolute winner.

Next Stop

My next stop is Atlanta! I will be heading to The Battery and Truist Park, which will officially mark Ballpark #30 on my list. This final destination is the ultimate milestone, completing my epic journey to visit all thirty Major League ballparks!
Memphis – AutoZone Park

June 30, 2026

Memphis Redbirds (Cardinals Triple-A) vs. Charlotte Knights (White Sox Triple-A)

The second pitstop on the road trip down to Atlanta brought me to AutoZone Park in downtown Memphis. AutoZone Park marks the third Tennessee minor league ballpark I’ve had the chance to visit on my travels.

Seat Selection

I grabbed the $9.01 ticket (for the Memphis area code) for the night, which worked out perfectly. The ballpark concourse and seating layout made it easy to wander around, giving me plenty of opportunities to move around and catch different views of the game throughout the evening.

Ballpark Food of Choice

World Famous BBQ Nachos

You can’t head to a ballgame in Memphis and pass up the barbecue. The World Famous BBQ Nachos feature a bed of chips topped with pulled pork, melted cheese, sweet barbecue sauce, and a kick of jalapeños. It was the clear standout menu item of the night.

Next Stop

With AutoZone Park in the books, it’s time to head east on I-40 to Nashville for the final minor league pitstop of this leg. Catching a game at First Horizon Park will round out the Tennessee ballpark warmups before making the stretch run down to Atlanta for the ultimate milestone: crossing the finish line at Truist Park for Ballpark #30!
A Walk Off to Kick Off the Road Trip to 30

June 29, 2026
Chicago Cubs vs. San Diego Padres

The road trip to my 30th Major League ballpark has officially begun! My journey down south kicked off with a stop at historic Wrigley Field in Chicago to watch the Cubs take on the San Diego Padres.
- 3rd visit to Wrigley Field
- 3rd different Cubs’ matchup
- 3rd different ballpark watching the Padres
I drove down from Minneapolis and parked at Linden, which made for a smooth train ride to the stadium. One of the best parts of this journey is the people I see along the way, and I was thrilled to meet up with Erika before the game, who currently works for the Cubs and whom I had previously met in Minnesota.

Walking Wrigleyville

I arrived at the Addison stop about 3:30 p.m. for the 7:05 p.m. Monday night game, and Wrigleyville was already filled with Cubs and Padres fans buzzing with excitement for the matchup. Before heading inside, I took a walk around the stadium’s historic exterior to soak in the atmosphere.

I couldn’t miss the iconic Wrigley Field marquee, which perfectly set the stage by displaying “SHO TIME 7:05 P.M.”

It was incredible to see the statues honoring Cubs legends, including Harry Caray at the Budweiser Bleachers entrance, Ryne Sandberg, and Ron Santo.

Seat Selection

Section 222 Row 7

Once inside the Friendly Confines, I made my way to my spot for the evening. This was a fun milestone for me, as it was my first time getting a ticket on the lower level! Anyone who has been to Wrigley Field knows that the historic architecture can sometimes make sightlines tricky, so I was absolutely thrilled to have a seat completely free from any pillar obstructions, giving me a perfect, clear view of the field.

Ballpark Food of Choice

You can’t catch a game in Chicago without indulging in the local staples. For this visit, I went with the Italian Beef and Sausage Sandwich. It was exactly the kind of hearty meal you need to fuel a massive baseball road trip, and I washed it down perfectly with a soda in a commemorative Cubs souvenir cup.

Game Highlights

Right before the first pitch, I checked out the starting lineups on the Wintrust video board. The matchup did not disappoint, ending in a dramatic 3-2 win for the Cubs.
- Cubs starting pitcher Shota Imanaga had a fantastic outing, pitching into the seventh inning and successfully keeping the Padres in the ballpark.
- In the fifth, Seiya Suzuki hit a clutch sacrifice fly to deep center field, allowing Dansby Swanson to hustle home and tie the game at 2-2.
- The magic happened in the bottom of the ninth when Suzuki hit a deep fly ball off the ivy-covered wall for a walk-off single against Padres closer Mason Miller.
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With Wrigley Field in the books, I’ll be breaking up the rest of the drive by checking out some incredible minor league parks in Memphis and Nashville on Tuesday and Wednesday.
30 Days Until Ballpark #30

June 3, 2026

The countdown is officially on. In exactly 30 days, my epic stadium-hopping journey will reach its ultimate milestone. After years of travel, thousands of miles, and countless ballpark hot dogs, I am ready to complete my quest to visit all 30 Major League venues.

And I’ve saved a truly special place for last: Truist Park in Atlanta.

On Friday, July 3rd, Truist Park will officially become Ballpark #30 on my list. The Atlanta Braves will be hosting the New York Mets, and I couldn’t have picked a more meaningful matchup or stadium to cross the finish line.

Coming Full Circle: From Minnesota to Atlanta

If you’ve been following Touch All 30, you know my heart belongs to my hometown team, the Minnesota Twins. But long before I was waving a Homer Hanky in Minnesota, I was a die-hard Atlanta Braves fan.

Back then, there was one player who stood above the rest for me: Dale Murphy. He was my absolute favorite player growing up, and his legendary MVP years are what cemented my early love for the game.

Because of that, I’m celebrating my 30th stadium in the grandest way possible. On July 3rd, I will be participating in the Dale Murphy MVP Experience! I’ll be watching the game from a private luxury suite right alongside Murph himself, getting a VIP tour of the stadium’s Monument Garden, and hanging out with a true baseball icon. To go from a kid cheering him on from afar to sharing a suite with him as I complete my 30-ballpark journey is a total full-circle moment.

The Road to Atlanta (And a Few Minor Pitstops)

Of course, you can’t have a Touch All 30 road trip without stretching out the itinerary. My journey down south kicks off on Monday, June 29th, with a stop at historic Wrigley Field in Chicago to watch the Cubs take on the San Diego Padres.

From there, I’ll be spending Tuesday and Wednesday breaking up the drive by checking out some incredible minor league parks in Memphis and Nashville (because you can never look at too many baseball diamonds, right?).

A Crossroads for America 250

Once the big milestone is checked off on July 3rd, my itinerary hits a fascinating fork in the road for Independence Day, and I’m looking at two completely different—but equally awesome—paths to finish the holiday weekend before heading back to Minnesota.

Option A: The Reliving History Route

If I stay in Atlanta for the game on Saturday, July 4th, I’ll be sitting in the stands for the 41st anniversary of the legendary “Rick Camp” game. For casual fans who might not remember, on July 4, 1985, the Braves and Mets played a wild, rain-delayed, 20-inning marathon that didn’t end until 3:55 AM—highlighted by a legendary 18th inning home run from relief pitcher Rick Camp.

The Southeast’s larget fireworks show after the game is also a bonus to celebrate American 250.

If I stay for this anniversary game, I’ll head home via Kansas City on Monday, July 6th to catch the Royals vs. Phillies at Kauffman Stadium.

Option B: The Family Get Together Route

The alternative is to skip the July 4th game and head up to Tennessee to visit my family for the holiday. Family time is tough to beat, and this route gives me a bonus ballpark on the way home: I’d stop at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Sunday, July 5th to watch the Reds host the Baltimore Orioles.

Either way, it’s going to be an unforgettable week of baseball, nostalgia, and milestones.

Are you heading out to any ballparks this summer? If you were in my shoes, would you stay for the historic July 4th anniversary game in Atlanta or take the road trip up to Cincy?

Follow along on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube as I document the final stretch to 30!