Ever since the 2007 film starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman called The Bucket List hit the theaters, I have been compiling my own list of things I want to do before I kick the bucket. Along with touring Europe, hitting Mardi Gras, and various other things, some I will keep to myself, hitting every baseball park in the majors is on that list. The ballparks I can cross off that list so far includes:
1. Yankee Stadium (old)
2. Yankee Stadium (new)
3. Fenway Park
4. Minute Maid Park
5. Tropicana Field
6. Dodger Stadium
7. Shea Stadium (RIP)
8. Angel Stadium
9. Wrigley Field
Wrigley Field has served as a home for the Chicago Cubs since 1916. It has a capacity of 41,160 and is the second oldest ballpark in the majors. The old school scoreboard and eye catching ivy that grace the brick wall in the outfield add character and originality.
I have to admit, I had high expectations heading to Wrigley this past weekend. Not only because of the immense history of the ballpark, but also for the adoration of the surrounding areas of the stadium. Any true baseball fan knows that the surrounding areas are as big as a part of the lore, as the ballpark itself. Wrigleyville did not disappoint. An attendance record was set in this three game series between the Cubs-Yanks, while the bars outside had giant signs that welcomed the Yankees to Chicago. The stadium was filled to capacity, and the bars were chock full before and after the game. Chants from fans from both sides went back and forth good heartily.
There is something about the aura of an old ball park. Maybe it’s the fact that the greatest players to ever play the game have set foot on that field throughout time. Or maybe it’s the nostalgia of memories of the past and the hope that not all great things must come to an end. For me, I think it is a little of both. I miss the old Yankee Stadium, it will take years for the new one even hold a candle. In 2010, the Cubs considered the idea of replacing the hand turned scoreboard with a Jumbotron, a definitive decision has not been made yet. My opinion, If it’s not broke don’t fix it. I hope that Wrigley and Fenway stay around as long as possible, somehow seeing another ballpark as a home to the Cubs or Red Sox just doesn’t feel right.
My trip to Wrigley was a memorable one. The ballpark was breathtaking, the fans were great, and I even got to pose for a picture with the Cubs mascot. I hope to get the chance to walk through those gates again. But for now, on to the next ballpark, wherever that may be.
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