8/3 Mehring Monday: First Impressions
Last week was the first trip into Parkview Field, the new downtown home of the Fort Wayne TinCaps, for the Timber Rattlers. I'll be honest, my first words did not equal the first words of a youngster at Time Warner Cable Field who was apparently taking in his first game at the home of the Timber Rattlers.
I overheard him on Saturday evening as I was walking up the steps. He was rounding a corner and caught his first glimpse of the mixture of green grass and sunshine and the gleaming aluminum seats and audibly said, "WOOOOOOWWWW!!!!"
My first words upon setting my equipment down in the press box in Fort Wayne and looking out the window were, "I'm in Fort Wayne?"
Probably not very fair, but I'm just bitter and jaded.
This got me back to thinking about some of my reactions to other Midwest League stadiums when I first walked into them. None of them can match the story about Bill Lee's reaction to seeing the Green Monster at Fenway Park. The Spaceman asked, "They take that down after batting practice, right?" But, I wasn't playing to an audience.
C.O. Brown Stadium, Battle Creek: Are you kidding me?
Fifth Third Field, Dayton: This is really, really, really nice.
Community Field, Burlington: I LIKE it!
New Veterans Memorial Stadium, Cedar Rapids: Holy smokes! I liked the old place, but the improvements are incredible.
Riverview Stadium (Pre-renovation), Clinton: Unprintable. Even on the internet
John O'Donnell Stadium (Pre-renovation), Davenport: Great view, but this place really needs an elevator.
John O'Donnell Stadium (Post-renovation), Davenport: Great view, love the elevator, but let me get this straight...The. Windows. In. The. Radio. Booth. DON'T. OPEN?
Pohlman Field, Beloit: This is awesome!
That last one needs a little explanation. The first time I saw Pohlman Field was a long time ago...Back when I was playing American Legion Ball. Of course I would say that I was 18. Our home legion field didn't have lights or stands like or signs on the outfield wall.
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Previous Mehring Mondays:
7/27: Appleton's Other Hall of Famers