Take Us Out to the Ball Game (Even if Chilly)

Gloucester, VA          (Click on Pics to Enlarge)

As I've mentioned in a few previous blogs we enjoy seeing minor league baseball games when in different cities. By doing a search on the Minor League Baseball Website you can see if there are any teams playing nearby and what level of play you might expect to see.

We decided to travel down to Norfolk, VA (about 1 hour, 15 minutes) to see a game between the Norfolk Tides and the Durham Bulls. These teams play in the AAA International League. The Norfolk Tides are the farm team of the Baltimore Orioles and the Durham Bulls for the Tampa Bay Rays.

The Tides play their games in Harbor Park.  This stadium opened for play in 1993 and has a seating capacity of just over 12,000 persons.  That's a good sized park for a minor league team. 

One of the several things we like about minor league games (other than cheaper prices) is the intimacy of the surroundings.  The parking and stadiums are always easy to maneuver and you get a feeling of being more involved with the game.



Panorama Before the Game



This stadium is large enough to have an enclosed restaurant named "Hits at the Park" just off the right field foul pole.  They have buffets and you're able to still enjoy the game by utilizing seating overlooking the right field.



Shivering Before the Game

This was not an "ideal" day to watch a ballgame in April, but we had a good time nonetheless. The temperatures were in the low-50's throughout the game and the winds were a constant 20 MPH or so.  Karen (white jacket) looks as though she's attending a fall football game.

Even the Tides' pitchers in the bullpen look like their huddling to keep from freezing.

It's very nice to see little kids having a good time at a baseball game.  Every minor league game we've ever been to caters to little ones and has certain activities or promotions for them.  Here's a group shot of a local Little League team having their picture taken with the Tides' mascot Rip Tide. I'm sure each of them will remember this day for a long time.

And what would baseball be without goofy, between innings activities?  Here we have the Racing Bottles of Local Wineries competing in today's challenge.

The game itself was pretty good.  Several home runs were hit, even with the heavy winds.  Few errors were made.  Best of all, the Tides wound up winning 6-3.

Usually on Sunday games, as well as in Major League parks, kids get to run the bases at the end of the game.  Again, something that little guys (and girls) will remember for a long time.

Another good day at the old ball game.

Thanks for stopping by to take a look!