Touch All 30

Tony Gillen

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!
Second Home Ballpark

May 9, 2026
Milwaukee Brewers vs. New York Yankees

With five visits in the last five years to Milwaukee, American Family Field might be my second home ballpark. Lifetime, I have logged seven visits to the Brewers’ home park and the Yankees would be the fifth different opponent I’ve seen.
- 7th visit to American Family Field
- 5th different Brewers’ opponent
- 6th different ballpark watching the Yankees
A return trip from a work trip in Chicago made possible a great opportunity to meet up with my friend, Tim from Madison, and catch a game.

I ♥ MKE

For every visit, I have accepted that I cannot personally see everything a ballpark offers. Likewise, I cannot write about every ballpark feature in a single post. With multiple visits, I hope to eventually cover all of the ballpark features.

Outside the home plate gate on the north side of the ballpark is the perfect selfie ready spot with the American Family Field signage in the background.

Walk of Fame

One feature I will highlight is the Walk of Fame. In the walkway surrounding American Family Field, home plate plaques adorn the walk that highlight both Milwaukee Brewers AND Milwaukee Braves legends.

Seat Selection

Section 328 Row 6 (Club Level)

Tonight was my first ever visit to the club level at American Family Field. A club level ticket is required to visit the club level concourse. Food lines are much shorter but there are fewer options than on the field level. The seats are padded and provide a bit more comfort than the standard seat.

Game Highlights

The game started with the Yankees getting the 2-0 lead early. Paul Goldschmidt would provide the first run with a lead off home run in the 1st inning and later drive in the second run on. a single in the 4th inning.

Jake Bauers would homer in the 7th inning and William Contreras would single in the next run in the 8th inning to bring the game to a 2-2 tie and force extra innings.

The Yankees would take the lead in the top of the 10th with a Ryan McMahon RBI single. However, the Brewers would tie in the bottom of the 10th with an RBI single from Jackson Chourio. With bases loaded, William Contreras gets the sacrifice fly to score Luis Rengifo for the game-winning run.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Touch All 30 (@touchall30)
Friends and Family Friday

April 24, 2026
Tampa Bay Rays vs. Minnesota Twins

In 2002, I made my very first visit to a Major League ballpark that wasn’t my home park. 24 years later, I returned to Tropicana Field for Day 8 of the Big Florida Trip to watch my hometown Minnesota Twins.
- 2nd visit to Tropicana Field
- 7th different ballpark watching the Twins
This visit was special because it served as a major reunion. I was joined by my brother, Jay, and his two sons, my long-time friend Nim—who I’ve traded cards with since 2005—and my friend Sherry, a fellow “Ballpark STAMPeder” who I met at the Field of Dreams two years ago.

Insider “Tour”

Since Sherry has been a season ticket holder since the Rays’ inaugural season, she gave our group a personalized “tour” of the stadium.

We had a lot to see in the 90 minutes before first pitch, including:
- Twins batting practice
- Rays team store
- 10,000 gallon cownose stingray tank
- Special seats in the outfield commemorating
  - First home run in Rays’ history hit by Wade Boggs
  - Wade Boggs’ 3,000th hit (the only one as a home run)
  - Dan Johnson’s game-tying home run against the Yankees in Game 162 off the 2011 season in which the Rays clinched the American League Wild Card
- History exhibit on the lower level
- Season ticket holder lounge
Seat Selection

Section 109 Row M (Behind home plate)

I managed to secure seats near home plate to get as close to the Twins as possible. The first thing I noticed was how much the environment had changed; the new roof, replaced after damage from Hurricane Helene, makes the entire venue feel significantly brighter than it did during my 2002 visit or on recent television broadcasts.

Rays tickets are generally more affordable than other MLB ballparks; like loanDepot Park, the stadium avoids feeling empty despite the upper deck being closed for most games.

Revisit from 2002

Stepping back into the Trop felt like opening a time capsule. In 2002, this was the very first ‘away’ ballpark I ever visited, sparking a curiosity that eventually grew into a mission to see all thirty. Holding up my grainy photo from 24 years ago against the now-vibrant field felt like a full-circle moment; while the stadium has evolved—most notably with a much brighter roof following Hurricane Helene—the core excitement of being a traveling fan remains exactly the same.

Ballpark Food of Choice

For dinner, I went with a classic Nathan’s Hot Dog and a drink. Thanks to Sherry’s season ticket holder status, I was able to use the shorter lines and discounts in the lounge. Plus, since all Rays tickets for April included $10 of “Rays cash,” the meal was a great value.

Game Highlights: A Power Display at the Trop

The Rays definitely had the Twins’ number in this matchup, fueled by a relentless power display that accounted for all their runs in a 6-2 victory. Junior Caminero was the undisputed star of the night, finishing 2-for-4 with two massive home runs and three RBIs. These weren’t just wall-scrapers; Caminero’s “ferocious” swings sent the ball flying 450 and 435 feet, respectively.

Joining the hit parade was Jonathan Aranda, who celebrated his first career multi-homer game by launching two solo shots of his own. Between Caminero and Aranda, the Rays’ young stars provided all the offense Tampa Bay needed to secure the win.

For my hometown Twins, the offense was limited to solo efforts. Royce Lewis notched his third home run of the season, and Brooks Lee—who had a standout night going 3-for-4—added his fourth. While Minnesota actually out-hit the Rays 9 to 7, they struggled to capitalize on opportunities, leaving nine runners on base compared to only four for the Rays.

On the mound, it was a tough homecoming for Taj Bradley, who surrendered all four of the Rays’ home runs in the loss. Meanwhile, Drew Rasmussen earned his second win of the season, and Bryan Baker came on to record his fifth save. Though it wasn’t the result I wanted for the Twins, seeing six total home runs from my seat behind home plate made for an unforgettable night at the newly brightened Tropicana Field.
Clearwater – BayCare Ballpark

April 23, 2026

Clearwater Threshers (Phillies Single-A) vs. Bradenton Marauders (Pirates Single-A)

Day 7 of the 8-day, 8-game Big Florida Trip brings us back to the gulf side and home of Philadelphia Phillies Spring Training and their Single-A affiliate.
Lakeland – Publix Field and Joker Merchant Stadium

April 22, 2026

Lakeland Flying Tigers (Tigers Single-A) vs. Tampa Tarpons (Yankees Single-A)

Day 6 of the 8-day, 8-game Big Florida Trip leads us to central Florida and home of Detroit Tigers Spring Training and their Single-A affiliate.
Fort Myers – Hammond Stadium

April 21, 2026

Fort Myers Mighty Mussels (Twins Single-A) vs. Dunedin Blue Jays (Blue Jays Single-A)

Day 5 of the 8-day, 8-game Big Florida Trip leads us to the gulf coast and to the Lee County Sports Complex, home of Hammond Stadium and host for Minnesota Twins Spring Training and their Single-A affiliate.
Ballpark #29

April 20, 2026
Miami Marlins vs. St. Louis Cardinals

The Marlins home park marks the final Major League ballpark before I visit Ballpark #30 in Atlanta. It is the park of which I decided that Atlanta would be my 30th only because I didn’t want it to be Miami. And still, Ballpark #29 still warrants some celebration, even it is not as big of a celebration as #30 will be.
- 1st visit to loanDepot Park
- 2nd different ballpark watching the Marlins
- 4th different ballpark watching the Cardinals
Miami is also one of the two key pillars that makes the Big Florida Trip worth planning. This Monday night game highlights Day 4 of the Big Florida Trip. I was hoping we would get to see an opened roof, but Day 4 is the only day of the trip to get rain (and a downpour of it) so, in that sense, it’s a blessing that loanDepot has a roof.

Pregame Tour

One of the minor ways I celebrated Ballpark #29 was to take the pregame tour. As far as ballpark tours go, I really enjoyed all the guides were able to share with our group include the naunces of loanDepot Park and the history of the Marlins franchise.

Seat Selection

Section 12 Row 12 (Behind home plate)

Overall, it’s rare to get a ticket for seat behind home plate for $30. At the Marlins’ home park, it probably happens often.

Although loanDepot Park has a capacity of over 37,000, this Monday night matchup only had just over 8,000 fans. For most Marlins home page, the upper deck remains closed. Still, the ballpark does not give a sense of emptiness. (It definitely does not make you feel it is full.)

Considering the price I paid with the location of my seat, I definitely felt the value of my baseball experience at my 29th Major League ballpark.

My friend, Rachel, a Miami local and Ballpark Pass-Port STAMPeder, would join me for the game. Although I am traveling the Big Florida trip solo, I look forward to meeting up with people along the way because of the journey to thirty.

Ballpark Food of Choice

The Machete

For this first visit at loanDepot Park, I had to try the ballpark’s signature food item.

The Machete is a two-foot long quesadilla with beef barria, mozzarella and Oxaca cheese, pepper sauce, salsa verde, and cilantro. Thankfully, they cut it up in threes because I could only finish two of those pieces. (I left the third piece for Rachel.)

Game Highlights

This matchup between the Marlins and Cardinals would stay close for most of the game.

Pitcher, Max Meyer, would throw 8 strikeouts in 5.1 innings.

In the bottom of the sixth inning, in the Marlins would score two runs to take the lead 4-2.

Designated hitter, Liam Hicks, would go 2-for-4 with two singles and two RBI.

The Marlins would beat the Cardinals 5-3 to take the first game of the series.
Jupiter/Palm Beach – Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium

April 19, 2026

Palm Beach Cardinals (Cardinals Single-A) vs. Jupiter Hammerheads (Marlins Single-A)

Day 3 of the Big Florida 8-day 8-game brings us to “America’s Busiest Ballpark” which hosts the St. Louis Cardinals and Miami Marlins for Spring Training and serves as home for their respective Single-A affiliates.

Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium is the only minor league ballpark home to two teams and both teams played each other this week.
Daytona – Jackie Robinson Ballpark

April 18, 2026

Daytona Tortugas (Reds Single-A) vs. St. Lucie Mets (Mets Single-A)

Day 2 of the Big Florida 8-day 8-game would bring us to Daytona Beach and Jackie Robinson Ballpark, the oldest active Minor League ballpark.

The game also marks the first of five Florida State League (FSL) games on the trip. By the end of the trip, I will see all ten FSL teams across five different Single-A ballparks.

Unlike all of the other Single-A ballparks, Jackie Robinson Ballpark is the only ballpark in the FSL that does not also serve as a Spring Training ballpark.

Part of the charm of this classic ballpark is the use of a manual scoreboard.

Seat Selection

Saturday night was a sold out night. I chose general admission tickets in the bleacher area along the third base line.

Ballpark Food of Choice

Cinnamon Pretzel

Daytona concessions consist of a number of freestanding booths along the first base side of the ballpark. At the recommendation of the team store staff, I went with the warm pretzel.
Jacksonville – VyStar Ballpark

April 17, 2026

Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (Marlins Triple-A) vs. Charlotte Knights (White Sox Triple-A)

Day 1 of the Big Florida 8-day 8-game road trip began with a flight from Minneapolis to Jacksonville. VyStar Ballpark would be the only Triple-A ballpark on this trip.

VyStar Ballpark is nestled in downtown Jacksonville next door to the EverBank Stadium, home of the Jacksonville Jaguars NFL club.

Parking is very convenient with parking lots on the east side of the ballpark and a parking garage on the west side.

Seat Selection

My ticket for the game placed me in the right field corner just off the foul line. For this Friday night game in Jacksonville, we had a full crowd but still plenty of room to move around along the 3rd base side.

Ballpark Food of Choice

Jumbo Shrimp Combo

A combination package of fried shrimp, coconut shrimp, hush puppies, and fries, it only makes sense to get have jumbo shrimp at a Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp game.