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Tony Gillen

The Road to Bristol

July 30, 2025

Cincinnati Reds vs. Los Angeles Dodgers

The plan to watch the Cincinnati Reds play at Bristol Motor Speedway started ten months in advance. The plan to watch the Reds for my second visit to Great American Ball Park started when Shohei Ohtani was scheduled to start. The game also marks my third different ballpark watching the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Seat Selection

Section 523 Row R (Upper level behind home)

With the Cincinnati Reds in contention for a Wild Card spot against the defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers and the reigning Most Valuable Player Shohei Ohtani starting on the mound, great seats at a great price on SeatGeek are going to be hard to come by.

Still, this seat from the upper deck behind home is shaded for a 7 p.m. start time in July and offers a great view of the river and Kentucky.

Ballpark Food of Choice

Skyline Chili Cheese Dogs

Skyline Chili is all over Ohio and so it is fitting you would also find it at Great American Ball Park. When you do have Skyline Chili, accept that their ‘chili’ is not really chili but more of a ground beef mix. Topped with cheese on top of hot dogs, it makes for a great hot dog option for any ball game.

Game Highlights

My biggest reason for making it to this game is to watch Shohei Ohtani pitched. After spending the all of 2024 and the first season of 2025 exclusively in the designated hitter role, Ohtani is slowly being worked in a starting pitcher role. For this game, Ohtani would pitch 3 innings before getting replaced with bases loaded in the top of the 4th. (Ohtani would still continue to play as the designated hitter.)

The game remained 2-2 through the 8th inning until Spencer Steer’s 2-run triple. Steer would eventually score on a single from Will Benson to lead to a 5-2 Reds win over the defending World Champions.
Albuquerque – Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park

June 1, 2025

Albuquerque Isotopes (Rockies Triple-A) vs. Sugar Land Space Cowboys (Astros Triple-A)

Day 6 of the Big Texas 6-day 6-game road trip closed with the return to Albuquerque.

The Albuquerque Isotopes team got their name from The Simpsons. As such, Isotopes Park is full of The Simpsons references and includes statues of Homer, Marge, Bart, and Lisa.

Ballpark food of choice: Barbecue turkey leg
Amarillo – Hodgetown

May 31, 2025

Amarillo Sod Poodles (Diamondbacks Double-A) vs. Frisco RoughRiders (Rangers Double-A)

Day 5 of the Big Texas 6-day 6-game road trip continued with a not as long drive to Route 66 and Amarillo.

On a Saturday night, downtown Amarillo near the ballpark was packed and, fortunately, we found free street parking about two blocks away from the ballpark.

Today, I skipped the ballpark food. Before the game, we stopped at the Big Texan Steak Ranch, world famous for it’s 72-ounce steak. I did not get the 72-ouncer, but I did get a good steak that made skipping the ballpark food worth it.
Back in the Heart of Texas

May 30, 2025

Texas Rangers vs. St. Louis Cardinals

A second trip to Texas brought an opportunity to meet up with some friends from last year, a deeper look at a ballpark, and a rare game with the roof open.

A second stadium tour on the Big Texas trip

Ernie and I are in Day 4 of a six-day six-ballpark trip that started in Albuquerque and the second on taking the stadium tour. (I will post another time about the Big Texas trip.) I enjoy taking the ballpark tour when I have a chance and the tour of Globe Life Field did not disappoint. Great insight on the history of baseball in the Arlington area, peeks at premium areas, and even a stop at the public address announcer’s boot and a chat with Chuck Morgan highlight the tour.

Ballpark Features

Last year, I stopped by the Nolan Ryan statue at the north entrance. This year, I caught others I missed, including the Ivan Rodriguez statue at the south entrance, the Mickey Mouse 2011 All-Star Game statue, and the 2023 World Series trophy.

Open Roof

During the tour, we had a discussion about opening the roof and what it would take, including accounting for the change of air pressure between inside and outside. No decision had been made at the time of the tour whether the roof would be open. I’m told in late May, temps usually get to the 90’s. (It was 90+ degrees the day before in Houston.) Fortunately, temperatures for most of Texas has been in the low 80’s and that is good reason for Globe Life Field to open the roof shortly after the gates opened.

Seat Selection

Section 226 Row 9

For today’s game, we have ADA seats in the upper level on the first base side. With the roof open for the game, the feel of the cool breeze enhances that viewing experience.

Ballpark Food of Choice

Brisket Eggrolls

Last year, I had the Boomstick and was not able to finish. While it was tempting to take on the challenge, I opted for something new.

Brisket is all over Texas, including at Daikin Park in Houston and any Buc-ee’s massive convenient stores. The Brisket Eggrolls offer its own unique way of serving Texas brisket.

Highest Place in the Park

Probably the most underrated feature of the ballpark, but go out to the centerfield area and look for the stairs or elevator to go to the very top. From there, you will have an uninterrupted view of the field. The view is even better with the roof open.

Game Highlights

The Rangers dominated over the Cardinals with a 11-1 win. Marcus Semien had a career game with a 4-for-4 night, a 4th inning home run, 3 RBIs, and a stolen base. Wyatt Langford hit a 2nd inning 2-run home run and Sam Haggerty and Josh Jung each has 3 RBIs.
Hot Night at the Ice Box

May 29, 2025

Houston Astros vs. Tampa Bay Rays

A first stop at the ballpark formerly known as Minute Maid Park brings the ballpark count to 28.

Kick Off with the Pre-game Tour

Ernie and I are in Day 3 of a six-day six-ballpark trip that started in Albuquerque and the first stadium tour of the trip. (I will post another time about the Big Texas trip.) If you can make time for it, take the ballpark tour. In this case of the pre-game tour, we end the tour with about thirty minutes in the right field seats for batting practice before the gates open.

Seat Selection

Section 212 Row 9 (Honda Club Level)

Club Level seats are not usually on my radar but SeatGeek showed me an offer I couldn’t refuse. The seats were just the perfect level for the game.

Of course, since it is called the “Honda Club Level”, you can catch on Honda being heavily featured.

Ballpark Food of Choice

Brisket Burger

The Honda Club Level offers some of the better options for ballpark foods including this Brisket Burger, a burger topped with brisket, jalapenos, and red onion.
Round Rock – Dell Diamond

May 28, 2025

Round Rock Express (Rangers Triple-A) vs. Reno Aces (Diamondbacks Triple A)

Day 2 of the Big Texas 6-day 6-game road trip continued with another long drive across Texas from Midland to Austin to visit the ballpark that Nolan Ryan built.

For this game, we chose the rocking chairs in left field to watch the game. The game was delayed an hour because of rain. Dollar Dog Night at any ballpark is always a bonus and the ones at Dell Diamond did not disappoint.

Ballpark food of choice: Dollar dogs
Midland – Momentum Bank Ballpark

May 27, 2025

Midland RockHounds (Athletics Double-A) vs. Corpus Christi Hooks (Astros Double-A)

Day 1 of the Big Texas 6-day 6-game road trip kicked off with the long drive from Albuquerque, New Mexico to Midland, Texas.

Fortunately, there are plenty of hotels within walking distance of the ballpark so we had time to chill before taking the walk to the game.

Ballpark food of choice: Footlong Corn Dog
Twins in Milwaukee

May 17, 2025

Milwaukee Brewers vs. Minnesota Twins

A friend in Madison, a card show in Milwaukee, and my Minnesota Twins going for 13 straight all on one Saturday.

Seat Selection

Section 118 Row 13 (Behind home)

I call these the best seats I’ve every had for a Twins game. American Family Field marks the 5th away ballpark in which I’ve watched my hometown team. I would not have spent as much as I did for these seats for a regular season game if it had been any other team playing but the view and the energy of the game is well worth the price.

Game Highlights

The Twins started the scoring in the first inning with a solo home run from Ryan Jeffers. From there, the Twins continued to dominate the Brewers to earn their 13th consecutive victory, which would be their longest win streak of the season.
All in a Day’s Work

May 10, 2025

Seattle Mariners vs. Toronto Blue Jays

Fly in to SEA, take the ballpark tour, explore the city, meet up with a friend at the game, and fly back home all in a 24-hour span.

Single Day Trip

In trying to visit all 30 Major League ballparks, I’ve learned creative ways to hit some of these ballparks. With T-Mobile Park having the longest distance from any other MLB ballpark, it’s not feasible to make it as part of a multi-ballpark road trip.

However from MSP, there are many options to fly to SEA in the morning, watch a game, and fly back home right after.

Getting Around

The Sound Transit Link light rail makes public transportation from the airport through Seattle very convenient. A $6 day pass allows me to travel multiple times throughout the day from the airport to T-Mobile Park to other areas of Seattle and back.

For a single day trip, light rail is the most affordable and convenient option to get around Seattle.

Legends Statues

Like most Major League ballparks, T-Mobile Park immortalizes its legends with statues outside the park. Edgar Martinez stands outside the first base entrance while Ken Griffey Jr. stands outside the home plate entrance.

Ballpark Tour

The tour of the ballpark offered some peeks at place you won’t normally see as a fan during the game, such as the press box.

Most teams offer ballpark tours so take advantage when you can to enhance your ballpark experience.

All-Star Club

Section 9 Row 3

One added bonus for me is meeting up with my friend, Jeremy, for the Mariners game. Jeremy, who lives in Seattle, knows many of the perks of T-Mobile Park and one of the perks is the All-Star Club, an all-inclusive section on the suite level that premium food options.

Ballpark Pass-port Stamp

Just as with my trip to Detroit in April, I have the pleasure to meet up with other Stampeders, including those who call Seattle home and those visiting, to exchange custom stamps.

Game Highlights

I had heard in past years that Canadians come from across the border to pack the Mariners/Blue Jays series every year. However, this season is different with the Blue Jays not having as strong of a presence as I have heard previously.

The game started with Mariners right fielder, Leody Taveras catching all three fly outs in the first inning. The Mariners would open the game with a three run lead but the Blue Jays would come back with a 3-3 tie in the sixth inning. What was looking like a close match up through would bust open with three Blue Jays runs in the eighth inning. The Blue Jays would defeat the Mariners 6-3.
Opening Day in the Motor City

April 4, 2025

Detroit Tigers vs. Chicago White Sox

For the first time, I attend an Opening Day and it only happens because my son wants to watch live professional football.

Michigan Spring Break (or the last family vacation)

My oldest is graduating from high school and, to be honest, I don’t know if there will ever be another family vacation. I love taking my kids out on vacation but, at some point, they become adults and will want to be taking their own vacations. Take advantage of the time you have with your kids while you can.

Back to professional football, the UFL Michigan Panthers has a game scheduled in early April at Ford Field. It is scheduled on the same day at the Detroit Tigers’ Opening Day. The trip also give me an opportunity to check out Jackson, Michigan, which is about an hour west of Detroit and one of those small cities that has been recommended for me to explore.

Opening Day Festivities

It’s no doubt that every baseball fan should experience Opening Day. The City of Detroit, in particular, has a lot going on with music and game outside the ballpark and in neighboring Grand Circus Park.

Festivities for Opening Day also means extra traffic and congestion in downtown. Detroit offers lots of parking garages nearby and about all of them allow you to pre-purchase parking.

The gates open two hours before first pitch (they usually open 60-90 minutes before) and offers plenty of time to walk the park, browse the team store, check out ballpark foods, and just hang out.

Unique to Comerica Park are the massive tiger statues that mark the entrances to the ballpark.

Pre-game activities on the field make the first game of the season stand out from any other regular season game.

Seat Selection

Section 139A Row B

We have mezzanine seats on the lower level along the 3rd base side. One distinct trait about this section is that there are only three seats so it was perfect for myself and the two teenagers. Each row has a couple of small tables in front so it’s a great space for our food and drinks and other goodies. Fortunately located just under the overhang, we have plenty of shade during the game and it’s a great view of the game with no obstructions.

Ballpark Food of Choice

The last time at Comerica Park, I got Little Caesar’s. Little Caesar’s is about everywhere at Comerica from the signage in the outfield and the concessions at every turn.

This time, however, is about the coney hot dog. A coney is a hot dog topped with ground beef and onion and, from what I am learning during my time in Michigan, it is a Michigan favorite with about every hot dog place all taking claim as the originator of the coney.

Ballpark Pass-Port Stamp

By this time, I have gotten the pass-port stamp for the past two years. One of the cool opportunities the pass-port program has offered is that I’ve been able to meet other Stampeders in person at many of the games I’ve attended.

Opening Day gives me this opportunity again to meet other Stampeders, share my custom stamp, and talk baseball.

Game Highlights

Jack Flaherty started the game pitching 5.2 innings but two home runs from Kerry Carpenter and one home runs from Riley Greene cemented a 7-2 Tigers win over the White Sox to kick off baseball at Comerica Park.