After reading your answers, all I can say is, fuck John Fisher. We'll always have our shared memories of Big Mac (& others), but I can't even imagine how much this season sucks for diehard Oakland fans. Not that the last few seasons have been too great either, but at least you had a sliver of hope they might somehow shake off Fisher and move beyond all this without actually, ya know, moving. Wouldn't blame you if you checked out on baseball entirely after that, but if you're ever in KC and want to catch a ballgame, hit me up. It was long before my time, so I don't have strong feelings about it, but this city knows what it's like to get spurned by the A's too.
Thanks for reading, Terry, and for taking the time to participate. There really was nothing Willie Wilson turning first and being cut loose to run. I generally try not to be a grouchy old man complaining about the modern game, but it is played definitely, and I'm not sure there's anything in today's game that compares to it. (I could say the same thing about McRae's legendary ability to break up a double play, which the rules don't even allow now.) I only wish I could have seen more of Wilson and Brett in their prime. I got to see the back half of their primes, and they were great, and definitely left an impression, but I'm greedy when it comes to that sort of thing and wish I could have seen more. Oh well, I had no control over when I was born. Your time machine picks are spot-on too, especially Walter Johnson, who would be very high on my list too. Not only one of the greatest pitchers of any era, but the Kansas connection is cool too.
1. Who is your favorite team?Dodgers NL/Mariners AL
2. What was the first game you attended? Mariners in the Kingdome in the late 80’s
3. What was the best game you’ve ever attended? 1995 ALDS Game 4 Mariners beat the Yankees
4. What was the best game you’ve ever witnessed? (You didn’t have to be there in per vs son.)Freddie Freeman with the grand slam against the Yankees in the 2024 World Series
5. What was the best single moment you’ve seen on a baseball field? Winning a HS State Championship as a coach
6. Who is your favorite player of all-time? Sandy Koufax and Ken Griffey Jr., currently Mookie Betts
7. If you had a time machine, what player would you go back and see? Jackie Robinson
8. Did you play baseball? What level did you reach? Any highlights you want to share? All the way up to 1 year in college. Elbow injury ended it
9. Do you collect anything? Or participate in any sort of hobby connected to the game? Avid card and memorabilia collector
10. What MLB stadiums have you visited? Do you have a favorite? Chavez Ravine (Dodgers), T-Mobile (M’s), Kingdome (M’s),Old Yankee Stadium, Camden Yards (O’s), Oakland Coliseum, Candlestick (SF), Old Comisky (CWS), Angels Stadium. T-Mobile is a great place to watch games! Chavez because of Dodger history.
Thanks for playing along, Kelly. First off, let me congratulate you on the state title. I have no idea how recent it was, but whether you won it last year or twenty years ago, flags fly forever! As I replied to one of the other commenters, Ken Griffey Jr. is kind of the Mickey Mantle of my generation. For people of a certain age (my age), he's held in such high regard, and I am no exception. Not surprisingly, he's come up a lot in these responses. Because of that, the M's comeback against the Yankees in the 1995 ALDS still ranks as one of my favorite baseball moments (especially in the non-Royals category), so it's very cool you got to be a part of that. And Freeman's performance in the 2024 WS, particularly his epic grand slam is the latest iconic moment added to the baseball pantheon. Doesn't matter who you root for (unless you're a Yankee fan, of course), that moment was amazing and will live forever.
3. Nothing historic, but anything with extra innings is always considered “free baseball”
4. Don’t think I can disagree with your 2014 Wildcard comment. I was too young too young to remember the previous World Series win and had spent my life only knowing futility. That run was so fun.
5. Most memorable moment I can remember was watching Bo Jackson in the outfield looking at his fingernails, ball is hit, he briefly glances up but doesn’t move, nonchalantly catches the ball (in my memory w/o really looking back up) and continues what he was doing. The confidence and ease he played stuck with me.
6. Favorite was always George Brett, but was absolutely fascinated with Griffey, Jr. and then later rooted hard for Eric Hosmer
7. Time Machine = Mickey Mantle. My grandpa always told stories about how great he was to watch
8. I played rec league ball until HS. I was terrible at the plate, but decent in the field. Only play worth remembering was my very last game ever. Playing second base I chased down a pop fly into shallow right field and made an over-the-shoulder catch (like a WR) to end an inning and my teammates on the bench started chanting “gold glove”. That moment is my favorite.
9. Cards as a kid, nothing now
10. Stadiums: KC, Baltimore, Texas(Rangers), Miami, Tampa Bay, Cleveland, Boston, San Diego. Kauffman will forever have my heart, but Camden Yards in Baltimore is my favorite outside of KC.
Great to hear from you, Jason. Hope all is going well. I love the rec league story. I definitely wasn't talented, but it's amazing how those personal highlights stick with you decades later. I got a few lowlights that do the same thing, unfortunately, but I'm staying positive today so I'm not going to dwell on that. My grandpa used to talk about Mantle a lot too. Mantle, DiMaggio, and Musial were his big 3. I feel like Griffey is one of those guys for our generation. Bo kinda is too, though there will always be a what-if factor for him. I never got the chance to see him do anything iconic in person, but you're right, there was something special about watching him do even routine things. Anyway, if you make it back this way anytime soon and want to catch a ballgame, hit me up. I live about 20 minutes from the K now!
Thanks for participating! You're definitely right about your first game. I'm not sure anything ever really tops it. Luckily, I got a good one, but it's probably grown to mythic proportions in my own memory. I wish I could have seen the '82 WS. Besides being a glorious matchup of powder blues, it was just a classic between two very different, but very good teams. And I'm a huge Willie McGee fan, so who wouldn't want to see him at his best. I never made it to Busch II, despite having family in St. Louis, but I was able to take my boys to Busch III in 2023. That was a great experience.
Cleveland Guardians. They are my home team, and no team could replace that. I did grow up a huge A’s fan though. And I watched more Cubs games on WGN after school as a kid than Indians/Guardians games.
2. What was the first game you attended?
Shoot, no clue on an actual date. It would have been at Municipal Stadium in the mid 80’s when the Indians were terrible and it felt like attendance was 250 fans.
3. What was the best game you’ve ever attended?
I’d have to say Hideki Matsui’s rookie year at Yankee Stadium. He hit a grand slam in that game, and it was nuts.
4. What was the best game you’ve ever witnessed? (You didn’t have to be there in person.)
Personally, I’d have to say the Aaron F’ing Boone game. I was texting and calling with a close friend throughout that whole game.
5. What was the best single moment you’ve seen on a baseball field?
Can’t narrow to just one…
Nolan Ryan destroying Robin Ventura’s face
Albert Belle’s flex against the White Sox
Derek Jeter’s flip play against the A’s
No Jackson running up the wall
Omar Vizquel’s defense
6. Who is your favorite player of all-time?
Jose Canseco was my guy growing up.
7. If you had a time machine, what player would you go back and see?
Jackie Robinson, Ted Williams, or Tony Gwynn
8. Did you play baseball? What level did you reach? Any highlights you want to share?
Nope
9. Do you collect anything? Or participate in any sort of hobby connected to the game?
Bobbleheads
10. What MLB stadiums have you visited? Do you have a favorite?
Municipal Stadium
Progressive Field
Great American Ballpark
PNC Park
Comerica Park
Yankee Stadium (original)
Fenway Park
Tropicana Field
Marlins Stadium
Skydome
Yankee Stadium and Fenway Park are true nostalgia, with so much history within their walls. I will always love Municipal stadium. Progressive Field is a great park. Outside of those I really like PNC Park.
Thanks for reading and replying, Sam. I was definitely a Cubs on WGN kid growing up, though we didn't actually have cable. I had to go to my grandparents' or cousins' houses to watch, but since I spent quite a bit of my time at those places, it wasn't difficult. I never made it to Municipal Stadium, but last summer, my family and I stopped in Cleveland on our way to Maine, and I was able to go to my first game at Progressive. The Guards lost, which was kind of a bummer, since I usually root for the home team if I'm visiting an out-of-town park (so long as my team isn't playing), but since the Royals were actually in the division race last season, I wasn't too bothered by it. We had a great time, and I only had one complaint. I started collecting mini helmets (from ice cream sundaes) from every park I visit, but they were out at every concession stand that night. They said they were getting more later in the game, but they never did, so I left Cleveland without a mini helmet. Very disappointing, but not enough to ruin the experience.
1. Who is your favorite team? Yankees. Grew up in NY state in the 90s.. got lucky!
2. What was the first game you attended? Went with my dad and grandpa to a Yankee home opener in ‘95, so I got to see Mattingly in his final season.
3. What was the best game you’ve ever attended? I saw the 3-grand slam game in MLB history after sitting through a long rain delay (‘11 Yanks did it vs the As) and I was at Jeter’s last home game. Toss up.
4. What was the best game you’ve ever witnessed? (You didn’t have to be there in person.) oof. I’ll give a different answer. I stayed up the Sunday or two prior to 9/11 for a Yanks-BoSox game and saw Mike Mussina come within one pitch of a perfecto. Loved Mike so was super bummed but I always think of it bc 9/11 happened right after.
5. What was the best single moment you’ve seen on a baseball field?
I saw Metallica perform Enter Sandman for Mo Rivera before his last home game in 2013, that was pretty cool.
6. Who is your favorite player of all-time? Chuck Knoblauch. Loved him before he came to the Yanks, think he’s severely underrated for what he did in NY although it was an overall disappointment. Have the newspaper clip from his return with the Royals in 2002 — he had a classic Knobby game as the Royals beat the Yankees.
7. If you had a time machine, what player would you go back and see? Mickey Mantle. Had a love affair with him since I was young. I want the Billy Crystal experience: Would love to go back to the Old Stadium, walk through the tunnels to the seats and see him play.
8. Did you play baseball? What level did you reach? Any highlights you want to share? Yes, through college (not D1). I led my Little League in homers as a 12-year old despite being roughly 4’11”. It was double digits but I forget the exact number!
9. Do you collect anything? Or participate in any sort of hobby connected to the game? Used to collect baseball cards. Still have em, not idea what to do with them. I do have some gems like Michael Jordan in a ChiSox uni
10. What MLB stadiums have you visited? Do you have a favorite? Yankees Stadium 2 and 3, Citi Field, Skydome (TOR), Camden Yards, Truist Park? (ATL), Dodgers Stadium, Angels Stadium, Nats spring training, Coors Field (probably my favorite although Dodger Stadium and the YS2 have the ghosts and stuff)
Thanks for taking the time to share your experiences, Colin. It's interesting to read about someone whose memories are very different from my own. You definitely had good timing. I actually liked the Yankees teams of the mid-90s- Bernie Williams was my NYY player and I had always liked Mattingly. It wasn't until they started winning it practically every year and Steinbrenner went nuts with the checkbook that I turned against them. All the same, I was rooting for them in 2001. After everything that happened, it just felt appropriate that they would take home the trophy that season. Alas, Arizona spoiled it.
Bernie is always a good Yankee to like! As a die-hard, losing that WS hurts more bc of how the org changed (for the worse) than the 9/11 sentiment. It’s a very interesting sliding door moment bc they’ve obviously continued to have good regular season successes but only one title and three pennants to show for it. The economic game would have changed and adapted similarly to how it has regardless but—to your point—that loss marked the breaking point for G. Steinbrenner. That’s when the spending got really nuts and the acquisitions were more of the Bronx Zoo quality than the 90s dynasty. Alas, I will get off my soap box and say I’m happy to have had the dynasty and as long as I have a memory many of them will be associated with those Yankee teams.
3. What was the best game you’ve ever attended? 2015 WS Game 1. Thank you, Alex Gordon.
4. What was the best game you’ve ever witnessed? (You didn’t have to be there in person.) Another vote for the 2014 WC game. From "I waited 30 years for this?" to "I WAITED 30 YEARS FOR THIS!!!!" in about the space of an hour.
5. What was the best single moment you’ve seen on a baseball field? Apologies to Alex Gordon, but I was actually at the game where Barry Bonds broke Hank Aaron's record. Whatever you think about Bonds and the circumstances, seeing it happen live and in person was amazing.
6. Who is your favorite player of all-time? Not sure I can pick just one, but probably Salvy. Bobby Baseball is making a strong case. Gotta mention Quiz and Sweeney, and of course Brett. LoCain and Wilson rate mentions here, too. And my childhood favorite was Steve Balboni.
7. If you had a time machine, what player would you go back and see? Willie Mays, but I'd want to stop on the way back and check out 1980 George Brett.
8. Did you play baseball? What level did you reach? Any highlights you want to share? "Play" is probably too grand a word for what I did, but I was in the Ken Berry League in Topeka until I was 18. My high school didn't have a baseball team (small private school) but most of the big public schools didn't either, so rec leagues like that were it.
9. Do you collect anything? Or participate in any sort of hobby connected to the game? I am slowly working on finishing the 1983 Topps set (since that was the first year I really collected cards) but I wouldn't say I avidly collect cards. For my hobby, I wax poetic about Royals history. Or write about boring old stuff, depending on your point of view.
10. What MLB stadiums have you visited? Do you have a favorite? Current: Kauffman, Busch, Wrigley, Petco, Oracle (that's the Giants if you've lost track), Miller (well, American Family now). Old: Arlington, Astrodome, old Busch. Seen from the outside: Fenway, Great American, Guaranteed Rate, Coors. Been inside but not for a game: old Yankee. Bucket list: Dodger Stadium and Fenway. Favorite: Kauffman, of course.
Great answers, and thanks for playing, Darin. Wish I had door prizes to give away. First off, let me say I'm very envious of you getting to see the HR record go down. My feelings on the record and Bonds 2.0 are complicated, to say the least, but Bonds was probably the best pure baseball player I've ever seen, and that was before he took steroids. Plus, regardless of the controversy, that's an iconic moment you witnessed. But I might be even more jealous that you were at Game 1 in 2015. I wrote about that in an upcoming piece, and it's one of my favorite baseball memories, and I was only sitting on my couch. I can't even wrap my mind around what it must have been like inside the K. Also, fun fact. I was in Milwaukee 2 years ago and called it Miller Park and about a dozen Brewers fans raced to correct me. I guess they take their naming rights seriously up there. It's not something we've ever had to worry about here, though I fear those days are numbered.
Thanks! It was sheer luck that got me to the Bonds game. Just happened to have a work trip to San Jose and then my wife decided to join me, so we thought we'd check out the stadium. Bought the tickets weeks in advance (the Giants stunk that year so there were plenty left). We also decided to go to San Diego the weekend before I was supposed to be in San Jose, so that was our trip to Petco. And Bonds tied the record that night! I don't know how many non-media/non-Giants employees can say they were at both games, but it can't be many.
Game 1: Pure bedlam. I wasn't at the WC game so that has to be the loudest I've ever heard Kauffman. We were way up in the seats above first base. When Alex hit it and I saw the center fielder turn around, I thought, "Good, a double." Then the ball just kept going.
Sadly, I expect you are correct on the naming rights, which is another reason I dislike the idea of a new stadium. Of course, I believe Ewing Kauffman really didn't like the idea of the stadium bearing his name, which is why they waited so long to rename it.
Sounds like you were Bonds' good luck charm. Well, that and steroids. My thought process was very similar on Gordo's home run, even from home, though I'm sure my living room was nowhere near as electric. I mean, relatively speaking, it was electric, because we (my friends and family) were very into that game, but I'm willing to concede it wasn't quite on the level of the K. Haha.
I am not sure, but it was at Kauffman Stadium. My first memory is a night game and the feeling of walking through the vomitorium and getting vertigo from how high we were. Once I settled into my seat.....I saw grass that was greener than I had ever seen, dirt that was cleaner than I had ever seen, a giant scoreboard in center field that was the shape of a crown and players that seemed larger than life and smaller than ants as I had to use my binoculars to see the names on the jerseys.
3. What was the best game you’ve ever attended?
This is so hard for me because I have been to so many games over the years that I can't remember which I saw in person and which I saw on TV. I remember going to a game where we were down 2 or 3 runs in the ninth and walked it off. The walk off energy of the crowd is always fun!!!
4. What was the best game you’ve ever witnessed? (You didn’t have to be there in person.)
2014 Wild Card Game
5. What was the best single moment you’ve seen on a baseball field?
I saw Zack Grienke throw 15 strikeouts at Kauffman Stadium in 2009.
6. Who is your favorite player of all-time?
Probably George Brett or Bo Jackson. My favorite team was that 2014-15 team....but there are no players that stand out more than George and Bo.
7. If you had a time machine, what player would you go back and see?
George Brett in Person
8. Did you play baseball? What level did you reach? Any highlights you want to share?
Just Little League
9. Do you collect anything? Or participate in any sort of hobby connected to the game?
I had a lot of baseball cards growing up, but now I just have a collection of souvenir cups.
10. What MLB stadiums have you visited? Do you have a favorite?
Kauffman Stadium, Minute Maid Park in Houston, Tigers Stadium in Detroit (Whatever it was called in 2008). I love Kauffman, but Minute Maid was pretty cool as well.
Thanks for playing along, Andrew. I love your description of the view at your first game. Syncs up with the images I recall from my first game pretty closely actually. Greinke was so much fun to watch. I saw a few dominant performances from him back in the day, but never 15 Ks! Unfortunately, the last time I saw him pitch, in 2023, he got roughed up. But, on the bright side, I got to see Ohtani and Trout hit back-to-back dingers!
2. What was the first game you attended? KC vs Texas - 1985
3. What was the best game you’ve ever attended? KC vs Baltimore - 2015
4. What was the best game you’ve ever witnessed? (You didn’t have to be there in person.) 1991 WS Game 7
5. What was the best single moment you’ve seen on a baseball field? Joe Carter walk-off HR in Game 6 of 1993 WS
6. Who is your favorite player of all-time? George Brett, Mark McGwire, Chipper Jones
7. If you had a time machine, what player would you go back and see? Stan Musial or Lou Gehrig
8. Did you play baseball? What level did you reach? Any highlights you want to share? yes, 8th grade travel league, league champions in 7th grade and catching for my cousin (starting pitcher) in little league.
9. Do you collect anything? Or participate in any sort of hobby connected to the game? Just junk wax, but I do have some cool cards. A Bo Jackson rookie, Bobby Witt Jr. rookie. Just a couple autographs.
10. What MLB stadiums have you visited? Do you have a favorite? Kauffman, the old Mile High Stadium, Busch Stadium. I'm fond of the K.
It's interesting that as much as our experiences are intertwined, we have definitely have some different answers. I pride myself on being relatively objective, but judging on your answers, you might actually be less of a homer than me. The 2015 Baltimore game was probably the best atmosphere I've ever experienced, aside from last year's playoff, though there was considerably less tension at the regular season, which only added to the fun. But I think you'll agree that the 2017 comeback against the Astros was the best game (on the field) we've ever attended.
The 2017 Astros was the best game I've attended as far as gameplay. I just fondly remember the 2015 Baltimore game, and it was probably my favorite game I have been to. As for the best thing I have seen an opposing team do, that would be seeing Shohei & Trout going back to back against the God-awful 2023 Royals
-The Cubs because I didn't have a choice growing up. Now it is a tie between Cubs and Orioles. Gotta have a favorite in each league!
2. What was the first game you attended?
-Probably an Orioles game with my Grandfather back in the mid-90's
3. What was the best game you’ve ever attended?
-Went to Wrigley Field in 2003 to see series between Giants and Cubs. I don't remember much about the game except we were swarmed by bees, and Barry Bonds knocked out a window in one of the apartments behind right field (during batting practice).
4. What was the best game you’ve ever witnessed? (You didn’t have to be there in person.)
-Game 7 2016 world series of course
5. What was the best single moment you’ve seen on a baseball field?
-Probably Ripken Jr breaking the streak. Then Cubs finally winning world series.
6. Who is your favorite player of all-time?
-Growing up it was Bo Jackson and The Big Hurt. Then Sosa, followed by Derrek Lee. All-time would have to be Sosa because of the joy he brought to me during those formative years as a teenager.
7. If you had a time machine, what player would you go back and see?
-Josh Gibson, Satchel Paige, Babe Ruth
8. Did you play baseball? What level did you reach? Any highlights you want to share?
-Never made it past 8th grade. Didn't enjoy getting hit by pitches, but I did love to pitch and play first base.
9. Do you collect anything? Or participate in any sort of hobby connected to the game?
-I try to get bobbleheads at least once a year when O's have those promotions. I used to collect cards; I still have most if not all of my old ones and some unopened backs from the 90's that I am sure are worth millions now. I love hats but not allowed to collect anymore.
10. What MLB stadiums have you visited? Do you have a favorite?
-PNC Park, Camden Yards, Wrigley Field, Philly, Nationals. PNC, Camden, and Wrigley are the three best stadiums in baseball and tough to pick a favorite.
Thanks for playing, Joe. I wasn't obligated to like the Cubs as a kid, but I always liked em anyway, so I feel like you could have done a lot worse! I don't know if I have an official NL team, but if I did, it'd be the Cubs, except for a brief dalliance with the Rockies when they were new in the 90s. I feel like Sosa doesn't get enough love. Yeah, I get the whole steroid thing, but baseball owes him and Mac so much, only to become their scapegoats instead. But I did see Sosa destroy the Rockies at old Mile High back in 93. He went 6-6, still probably the greatest individual performance I've ever seen in person.
It was the Pirates but functionally it's the Phillies.
2. What was the first game you attended?
It would have to be something anonymous in like 1984/1985.
3. What was the best game you’ve ever attended?
4. What was the best game you’ve ever witnessed? (You didn’t have to be there in person.)
It would have to be the 2001 Game 7
5. What was the best single moment you’ve seen on a baseball field?
I'd have to think about it. I've been to a LOT of games but never anything all that memorable. I've seen one cycle. Oh: Bob Walk, little league home run grand slam against the Cardinals, August 12, 1987.
6. Who is your favorite player of all-time?
Gehrig, Roberto, Bonds
7. If you had a time machine, what player would you go back and see?
Your list is great but I'd have to pick Roberto.
8. Did you play baseball? What level did you reach? Any highlights you want to share?
Played a quasi-little league and then about 15 or so years of softball. I figured out how to hit slow-pitch better than my High School-playing teammates who never could figure out how not to pop up.
9. Do you collect anything? Or participate in any sort of hobby connected to the game?
I'm obsessed with mitts and had a small run as a collector. Lucked into some decent 70s stuff through a few strange acquisitions (chiefly trash-picking was my latest).
10. What MLB stadiums have you visited? Do you have a favorite?
PGH/PHL/MPLS 2 each
BOS/CHI/BAL
I guess it would have to be PHL since that's where I live and my memories with my family. Three Rivers would be the same based upon my years growing up etc
Thanks for participating Tre. Looks like we got into the game around the same time. You may have mentioned this before, so I apologize if I've forgotten, but did you make the switch from PIT to PHI because it's where you live now or because you were fed up with the way the Pirates are run? (Case in point, their latest controversy over removing a Clemente tribute, but mostly their penny-pinching.) As a lifelong Royals fan who's been subjected to lots of bad baseball, I would get it if it's the latter. But if I ever get my hands on a working time machine, you're invited to join me for a Clemente game at Three Rivers!
I moved! 2000 over to the Philly area. But also, 100%, the Pirates management has eased the transition. At this point in my life I am a shameless bandwagoneer. 1990-1992 HURT. I watch sports for joy, not to build my character (life itself is pretty invested in that.)
That is a great point. There's something to be said about sticking with a struggling team and the satisfaction that comes when (if) they break through, but the organization isn't entitled to your loyalty. If they prove over and over they don't care, then why should fans be beholden to them? Like you said, sports are supposed to be fun, not torture.
On a deeper level yet, I'm suspicious of "mindsets" of any type but in this context, regionally--what does it do to an entire region to constantly accept, and worse, even expect failure? These rust belt towns need wins, you know? Which raises the question of how much sporting team success matters in this arena, but I suspect it's not negligible. Ultimately, I want to be as free as possible from having, let's be honest, a "loser" mindset. I don't know how valid or resonant that is, but that's my process.
Seems valid to me. The morale of a city or region shouldn't be dependent in any way on the success of their sports teams- there are way more important things, after all, but I think it's naive to believe there isn't an effect. I've seen it myself in KC. Ever since the Royals made their run in 2014-15, after 30 years of failure, followed shortly by the run the Chiefs have been on, this city's whole mindset has changed. Is it all due to sports? Obviously not, but I definitely think it played a part in getting the ball rolling.
It's weird and sad and I'm glad for places where the 13 year olds get to feel *that* joy because God knows I missed out on it. I just wish there was a way to experience the joy of sports and be able to separate that from the crushing feeling of losing. I am also individually a bit more vulnerable to its impacts tho. Or more honest about it!!
The Royals, despite actually being born in Houston. My dad is from KC, and I inherited his fandom.
2. What was the first game you attended?
Hmm… I don’t remember the exact date, but the first MLB game that I remember going to was a game in Chicago between the White Sox and the Royals when I was in 5th grade. I don’t remember exactly what happened during the game, except that Alex Gordon almost robbed a home run that landed right in front of where my dad and I were sitting.
3. What was the best game you’ve ever attended?
I’m from Indiana, so I unfortunately haven’t been to that many Royals games in person. Call it recency bias, but I’d probably have to pick this year’s Opening Day at Kauffman.
4. What was the best game you’ve ever witnessed? (You didn’t have to be there in person.)
If you’re asking what the best game I’ve witnessed LIVE, then I’d have to say the game against the Mariners last season where the Royals gave up about 93 runs in the first inning before eventually coming back. If you’re asking what I think the best Royals game ever is, then I’d definitely have to say the 2014 Wild Card Game.
5. What was the best single moment you’ve seen on a baseball field?
Cain scoring from first base in game 6 of the 2015 ALCS. Salvy’s walk-off single in the Wild Card game is a close second though.
6. Who is your favorite player of all-time?
George Brett is #1, Alex Gordon and Salvy are tied for second.
7. If you had a time machine, what player would you go back and see?
Royals bias incoming— Bo Jackson!
8. Did you play baseball? What level did you reach? Any highlights you want to share?
Unfortunately no. I wish that I had, but I’m a runner.
9. Do you collect anything? Or participate in any sort of hobby connected to the game?
I have a few baseball cards, but I’ve never really collected them. I do play Fantasy Baseball, and I have about 8 Royals on my team.
10. What MLB stadiums have you visited? Do you have a favorite?
I’ve visited Kauffman, Fenway, Wrigley, Globelife, Rate Field (why in the world did the White Sox change its name to just Rate?), Great American Ball Park, and Petco Park. Because I’m biased, Kauffman is definitely my favorite— but I will acknowledge that Globelife in Texas is VERY nice.
Thanks for playing along, Caleb. I'm intrigued by your take on Globe Life. It always looks so dark and foreboding on TV, but I guess I need to get down there and try it out in person. And your choice of Bo Jackson for the time machine is spot-on. Even though he never actually did anything spectacular the handful of times I saw him in person, just watching him do routine things on the field was an experience.
Globe Life does look really dark on TV, but it’s much nicer in person. The whole stadium feels very clean and comfortable (although that’s probably partially because it’s so new).
1. Was the Oakland A's. Now nobody.
2. 1986. A's/White Sox at the Coli.
6. Growing up my favorite player was McGwire, but I don't really do favorites anymore.
7. Satchel Paige in his prime in a Negro Leagues stadium.
9. I collect anything baseball. Cards, books, figures, shirts. It's all pretty cool.
After reading your answers, all I can say is, fuck John Fisher. We'll always have our shared memories of Big Mac (& others), but I can't even imagine how much this season sucks for diehard Oakland fans. Not that the last few seasons have been too great either, but at least you had a sliver of hope they might somehow shake off Fisher and move beyond all this without actually, ya know, moving. Wouldn't blame you if you checked out on baseball entirely after that, but if you're ever in KC and want to catch a ballgame, hit me up. It was long before my time, so I don't have strong feelings about it, but this city knows what it's like to get spurned by the A's too.
Will do, Patrick. I've never been to KC and doubt I ever will, but life is funny in the way it always surprises you.
1) Royals #1, Orioles #2
2) Sometime in '69, an old-fashioned Double Header
3) Game 5, '77 ALCS, Royals-Yanx; fantastic game, despite the ending
4) Wild Card, '14
5) any time Willie Wilson pulled a grounder past first down into RF corner. Absolutely
breathtaking.
6) Hal MacRae, who taught Brett how to play the game right and who would knock his mother
into left field to break up a double play.
7) Lou Gehrig or Honus Wagner or Walter Johnson or Teddy Ballgame
8) Reached AA in Little League; classic good glove, no hit
9) Only collect good writing about baseball, mostly saving online posts (Verducci, Grant Brisbee)
10) Kauffman, Fenway (can't decide)
Thanks for reading, Terry, and for taking the time to participate. There really was nothing Willie Wilson turning first and being cut loose to run. I generally try not to be a grouchy old man complaining about the modern game, but it is played definitely, and I'm not sure there's anything in today's game that compares to it. (I could say the same thing about McRae's legendary ability to break up a double play, which the rules don't even allow now.) I only wish I could have seen more of Wilson and Brett in their prime. I got to see the back half of their primes, and they were great, and definitely left an impression, but I'm greedy when it comes to that sort of thing and wish I could have seen more. Oh well, I had no control over when I was born. Your time machine picks are spot-on too, especially Walter Johnson, who would be very high on my list too. Not only one of the greatest pitchers of any era, but the Kansas connection is cool too.
1. Who is your favorite team?Dodgers NL/Mariners AL
2. What was the first game you attended? Mariners in the Kingdome in the late 80’s
3. What was the best game you’ve ever attended? 1995 ALDS Game 4 Mariners beat the Yankees
4. What was the best game you’ve ever witnessed? (You didn’t have to be there in per vs son.)Freddie Freeman with the grand slam against the Yankees in the 2024 World Series
5. What was the best single moment you’ve seen on a baseball field? Winning a HS State Championship as a coach
6. Who is your favorite player of all-time? Sandy Koufax and Ken Griffey Jr., currently Mookie Betts
7. If you had a time machine, what player would you go back and see? Jackie Robinson
8. Did you play baseball? What level did you reach? Any highlights you want to share? All the way up to 1 year in college. Elbow injury ended it
9. Do you collect anything? Or participate in any sort of hobby connected to the game? Avid card and memorabilia collector
10. What MLB stadiums have you visited? Do you have a favorite? Chavez Ravine (Dodgers), T-Mobile (M’s), Kingdome (M’s),Old Yankee Stadium, Camden Yards (O’s), Oakland Coliseum, Candlestick (SF), Old Comisky (CWS), Angels Stadium. T-Mobile is a great place to watch games! Chavez because of Dodger history.
Thanks for playing along, Kelly. First off, let me congratulate you on the state title. I have no idea how recent it was, but whether you won it last year or twenty years ago, flags fly forever! As I replied to one of the other commenters, Ken Griffey Jr. is kind of the Mickey Mantle of my generation. For people of a certain age (my age), he's held in such high regard, and I am no exception. Not surprisingly, he's come up a lot in these responses. Because of that, the M's comeback against the Yankees in the 1995 ALDS still ranks as one of my favorite baseball moments (especially in the non-Royals category), so it's very cool you got to be a part of that. And Freeman's performance in the 2024 WS, particularly his epic grand slam is the latest iconic moment added to the baseball pantheon. Doesn't matter who you root for (unless you're a Yankee fan, of course), that moment was amazing and will live forever.
1. Royals
2. Don’t remember exact date, but late 80s KC
3. Nothing historic, but anything with extra innings is always considered “free baseball”
4. Don’t think I can disagree with your 2014 Wildcard comment. I was too young too young to remember the previous World Series win and had spent my life only knowing futility. That run was so fun.
5. Most memorable moment I can remember was watching Bo Jackson in the outfield looking at his fingernails, ball is hit, he briefly glances up but doesn’t move, nonchalantly catches the ball (in my memory w/o really looking back up) and continues what he was doing. The confidence and ease he played stuck with me.
6. Favorite was always George Brett, but was absolutely fascinated with Griffey, Jr. and then later rooted hard for Eric Hosmer
7. Time Machine = Mickey Mantle. My grandpa always told stories about how great he was to watch
8. I played rec league ball until HS. I was terrible at the plate, but decent in the field. Only play worth remembering was my very last game ever. Playing second base I chased down a pop fly into shallow right field and made an over-the-shoulder catch (like a WR) to end an inning and my teammates on the bench started chanting “gold glove”. That moment is my favorite.
9. Cards as a kid, nothing now
10. Stadiums: KC, Baltimore, Texas(Rangers), Miami, Tampa Bay, Cleveland, Boston, San Diego. Kauffman will forever have my heart, but Camden Yards in Baltimore is my favorite outside of KC.
Great to hear from you, Jason. Hope all is going well. I love the rec league story. I definitely wasn't talented, but it's amazing how those personal highlights stick with you decades later. I got a few lowlights that do the same thing, unfortunately, but I'm staying positive today so I'm not going to dwell on that. My grandpa used to talk about Mantle a lot too. Mantle, DiMaggio, and Musial were his big 3. I feel like Griffey is one of those guys for our generation. Bo kinda is too, though there will always be a what-if factor for him. I never got the chance to see him do anything iconic in person, but you're right, there was something special about watching him do even routine things. Anyway, if you make it back this way anytime soon and want to catch a ballgame, hit me up. I live about 20 minutes from the K now!
1.Who is your favorite team?
St. Louis Cardinals
2. What was the first game you attended?
June 24, 1980 - Pittsburgh @ St. Louis
3-2 Cards win. Willie Stargell flew out to Bobby Bonds (who had earlier homered) at the wall in left to end the game.
3. What was the best game you’ve ever attended?
Same as the first one I attended. You never forget your first. ;)
4. What was the best game you’ve ever witnessed? (You didn’t have to be there in person.)
1985 NLCS Game 6 - Jack Clark hitting the three run bomb to win the game.
5. What was the best single moment you’ve seen on a baseball field?
Nolan Ryan kicking Robin Ventura's ass or the Cardinals winning the '82 Series (their first in my lifetime)
6. Who is your favorite player of all-time?
Ozzie Smith
7. If you had a time machine, what player would you go back and see?
Bob Gibson
8. Did you play baseball? What level did you reach? Any highlights you want to share?
Hung it up after freshman year in high school after I realized I couldn't do what a lot of others couldn't do...consistently hit a curve ball.
9. Do you collect anything? Or participate in any sort of hobby connected to the game?
I buy the Topps team set for the Cardinals every year.
10. What MLB stadiums have you visited? Do you have a favorite?
Bush II & III (St. Louis)
Fulton Co. & Truist Field (Atlanta)
Metrodome (Minnesota)
Thanks for participating! You're definitely right about your first game. I'm not sure anything ever really tops it. Luckily, I got a good one, but it's probably grown to mythic proportions in my own memory. I wish I could have seen the '82 WS. Besides being a glorious matchup of powder blues, it was just a classic between two very different, but very good teams. And I'm a huge Willie McGee fan, so who wouldn't want to see him at his best. I never made it to Busch II, despite having family in St. Louis, but I was able to take my boys to Busch III in 2023. That was a great experience.
1. Who is your favorite team?
Cleveland Guardians. They are my home team, and no team could replace that. I did grow up a huge A’s fan though. And I watched more Cubs games on WGN after school as a kid than Indians/Guardians games.
2. What was the first game you attended?
Shoot, no clue on an actual date. It would have been at Municipal Stadium in the mid 80’s when the Indians were terrible and it felt like attendance was 250 fans.
3. What was the best game you’ve ever attended?
I’d have to say Hideki Matsui’s rookie year at Yankee Stadium. He hit a grand slam in that game, and it was nuts.
4. What was the best game you’ve ever witnessed? (You didn’t have to be there in person.)
Personally, I’d have to say the Aaron F’ing Boone game. I was texting and calling with a close friend throughout that whole game.
5. What was the best single moment you’ve seen on a baseball field?
Can’t narrow to just one…
Nolan Ryan destroying Robin Ventura’s face
Albert Belle’s flex against the White Sox
Derek Jeter’s flip play against the A’s
No Jackson running up the wall
Omar Vizquel’s defense
6. Who is your favorite player of all-time?
Jose Canseco was my guy growing up.
7. If you had a time machine, what player would you go back and see?
Jackie Robinson, Ted Williams, or Tony Gwynn
8. Did you play baseball? What level did you reach? Any highlights you want to share?
Nope
9. Do you collect anything? Or participate in any sort of hobby connected to the game?
Bobbleheads
10. What MLB stadiums have you visited? Do you have a favorite?
Municipal Stadium
Progressive Field
Great American Ballpark
PNC Park
Comerica Park
Yankee Stadium (original)
Fenway Park
Tropicana Field
Marlins Stadium
Skydome
Yankee Stadium and Fenway Park are true nostalgia, with so much history within their walls. I will always love Municipal stadium. Progressive Field is a great park. Outside of those I really like PNC Park.
Thanks for reading and replying, Sam. I was definitely a Cubs on WGN kid growing up, though we didn't actually have cable. I had to go to my grandparents' or cousins' houses to watch, but since I spent quite a bit of my time at those places, it wasn't difficult. I never made it to Municipal Stadium, but last summer, my family and I stopped in Cleveland on our way to Maine, and I was able to go to my first game at Progressive. The Guards lost, which was kind of a bummer, since I usually root for the home team if I'm visiting an out-of-town park (so long as my team isn't playing), but since the Royals were actually in the division race last season, I wasn't too bothered by it. We had a great time, and I only had one complaint. I started collecting mini helmets (from ice cream sundaes) from every park I visit, but they were out at every concession stand that night. They said they were getting more later in the game, but they never did, so I left Cleveland without a mini helmet. Very disappointing, but not enough to ruin the experience.
1. Who is your favorite team? Yankees. Grew up in NY state in the 90s.. got lucky!
2. What was the first game you attended? Went with my dad and grandpa to a Yankee home opener in ‘95, so I got to see Mattingly in his final season.
3. What was the best game you’ve ever attended? I saw the 3-grand slam game in MLB history after sitting through a long rain delay (‘11 Yanks did it vs the As) and I was at Jeter’s last home game. Toss up.
4. What was the best game you’ve ever witnessed? (You didn’t have to be there in person.) oof. I’ll give a different answer. I stayed up the Sunday or two prior to 9/11 for a Yanks-BoSox game and saw Mike Mussina come within one pitch of a perfecto. Loved Mike so was super bummed but I always think of it bc 9/11 happened right after.
5. What was the best single moment you’ve seen on a baseball field?
I saw Metallica perform Enter Sandman for Mo Rivera before his last home game in 2013, that was pretty cool.
6. Who is your favorite player of all-time? Chuck Knoblauch. Loved him before he came to the Yanks, think he’s severely underrated for what he did in NY although it was an overall disappointment. Have the newspaper clip from his return with the Royals in 2002 — he had a classic Knobby game as the Royals beat the Yankees.
7. If you had a time machine, what player would you go back and see? Mickey Mantle. Had a love affair with him since I was young. I want the Billy Crystal experience: Would love to go back to the Old Stadium, walk through the tunnels to the seats and see him play.
8. Did you play baseball? What level did you reach? Any highlights you want to share? Yes, through college (not D1). I led my Little League in homers as a 12-year old despite being roughly 4’11”. It was double digits but I forget the exact number!
9. Do you collect anything? Or participate in any sort of hobby connected to the game? Used to collect baseball cards. Still have em, not idea what to do with them. I do have some gems like Michael Jordan in a ChiSox uni
10. What MLB stadiums have you visited? Do you have a favorite? Yankees Stadium 2 and 3, Citi Field, Skydome (TOR), Camden Yards, Truist Park? (ATL), Dodgers Stadium, Angels Stadium, Nats spring training, Coors Field (probably my favorite although Dodger Stadium and the YS2 have the ghosts and stuff)
Thanks for taking the time to share your experiences, Colin. It's interesting to read about someone whose memories are very different from my own. You definitely had good timing. I actually liked the Yankees teams of the mid-90s- Bernie Williams was my NYY player and I had always liked Mattingly. It wasn't until they started winning it practically every year and Steinbrenner went nuts with the checkbook that I turned against them. All the same, I was rooting for them in 2001. After everything that happened, it just felt appropriate that they would take home the trophy that season. Alas, Arizona spoiled it.
Bernie is always a good Yankee to like! As a die-hard, losing that WS hurts more bc of how the org changed (for the worse) than the 9/11 sentiment. It’s a very interesting sliding door moment bc they’ve obviously continued to have good regular season successes but only one title and three pennants to show for it. The economic game would have changed and adapted similarly to how it has regardless but—to your point—that loss marked the breaking point for G. Steinbrenner. That’s when the spending got really nuts and the acquisitions were more of the Bronx Zoo quality than the 90s dynasty. Alas, I will get off my soap box and say I’m happy to have had the dynasty and as long as I have a memory many of them will be associated with those Yankee teams.
Well put.
Good questions!
1. Who is your favorite team? The Kansas City Royals
2. What was the first game you attended? 8/30/82 (almost three years to the day of yours, and also against Texas) https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/KCA/KCA198208300.shtml
3. What was the best game you’ve ever attended? 2015 WS Game 1. Thank you, Alex Gordon.
4. What was the best game you’ve ever witnessed? (You didn’t have to be there in person.) Another vote for the 2014 WC game. From "I waited 30 years for this?" to "I WAITED 30 YEARS FOR THIS!!!!" in about the space of an hour.
5. What was the best single moment you’ve seen on a baseball field? Apologies to Alex Gordon, but I was actually at the game where Barry Bonds broke Hank Aaron's record. Whatever you think about Bonds and the circumstances, seeing it happen live and in person was amazing.
6. Who is your favorite player of all-time? Not sure I can pick just one, but probably Salvy. Bobby Baseball is making a strong case. Gotta mention Quiz and Sweeney, and of course Brett. LoCain and Wilson rate mentions here, too. And my childhood favorite was Steve Balboni.
7. If you had a time machine, what player would you go back and see? Willie Mays, but I'd want to stop on the way back and check out 1980 George Brett.
8. Did you play baseball? What level did you reach? Any highlights you want to share? "Play" is probably too grand a word for what I did, but I was in the Ken Berry League in Topeka until I was 18. My high school didn't have a baseball team (small private school) but most of the big public schools didn't either, so rec leagues like that were it.
9. Do you collect anything? Or participate in any sort of hobby connected to the game? I am slowly working on finishing the 1983 Topps set (since that was the first year I really collected cards) but I wouldn't say I avidly collect cards. For my hobby, I wax poetic about Royals history. Or write about boring old stuff, depending on your point of view.
10. What MLB stadiums have you visited? Do you have a favorite? Current: Kauffman, Busch, Wrigley, Petco, Oracle (that's the Giants if you've lost track), Miller (well, American Family now). Old: Arlington, Astrodome, old Busch. Seen from the outside: Fenway, Great American, Guaranteed Rate, Coors. Been inside but not for a game: old Yankee. Bucket list: Dodger Stadium and Fenway. Favorite: Kauffman, of course.
Great answers, and thanks for playing, Darin. Wish I had door prizes to give away. First off, let me say I'm very envious of you getting to see the HR record go down. My feelings on the record and Bonds 2.0 are complicated, to say the least, but Bonds was probably the best pure baseball player I've ever seen, and that was before he took steroids. Plus, regardless of the controversy, that's an iconic moment you witnessed. But I might be even more jealous that you were at Game 1 in 2015. I wrote about that in an upcoming piece, and it's one of my favorite baseball memories, and I was only sitting on my couch. I can't even wrap my mind around what it must have been like inside the K. Also, fun fact. I was in Milwaukee 2 years ago and called it Miller Park and about a dozen Brewers fans raced to correct me. I guess they take their naming rights seriously up there. It's not something we've ever had to worry about here, though I fear those days are numbered.
Thanks! It was sheer luck that got me to the Bonds game. Just happened to have a work trip to San Jose and then my wife decided to join me, so we thought we'd check out the stadium. Bought the tickets weeks in advance (the Giants stunk that year so there were plenty left). We also decided to go to San Diego the weekend before I was supposed to be in San Jose, so that was our trip to Petco. And Bonds tied the record that night! I don't know how many non-media/non-Giants employees can say they were at both games, but it can't be many.
Game 1: Pure bedlam. I wasn't at the WC game so that has to be the loudest I've ever heard Kauffman. We were way up in the seats above first base. When Alex hit it and I saw the center fielder turn around, I thought, "Good, a double." Then the ball just kept going.
Sadly, I expect you are correct on the naming rights, which is another reason I dislike the idea of a new stadium. Of course, I believe Ewing Kauffman really didn't like the idea of the stadium bearing his name, which is why they waited so long to rename it.
Sounds like you were Bonds' good luck charm. Well, that and steroids. My thought process was very similar on Gordo's home run, even from home, though I'm sure my living room was nowhere near as electric. I mean, relatively speaking, it was electric, because we (my friends and family) were very into that game, but I'm willing to concede it wasn't quite on the level of the K. Haha.
1. Who is your favorite team?
Kansas City Royals
2. What was the first game you attended?
I am not sure, but it was at Kauffman Stadium. My first memory is a night game and the feeling of walking through the vomitorium and getting vertigo from how high we were. Once I settled into my seat.....I saw grass that was greener than I had ever seen, dirt that was cleaner than I had ever seen, a giant scoreboard in center field that was the shape of a crown and players that seemed larger than life and smaller than ants as I had to use my binoculars to see the names on the jerseys.
3. What was the best game you’ve ever attended?
This is so hard for me because I have been to so many games over the years that I can't remember which I saw in person and which I saw on TV. I remember going to a game where we were down 2 or 3 runs in the ninth and walked it off. The walk off energy of the crowd is always fun!!!
4. What was the best game you’ve ever witnessed? (You didn’t have to be there in person.)
2014 Wild Card Game
5. What was the best single moment you’ve seen on a baseball field?
I saw Zack Grienke throw 15 strikeouts at Kauffman Stadium in 2009.
6. Who is your favorite player of all-time?
Probably George Brett or Bo Jackson. My favorite team was that 2014-15 team....but there are no players that stand out more than George and Bo.
7. If you had a time machine, what player would you go back and see?
George Brett in Person
8. Did you play baseball? What level did you reach? Any highlights you want to share?
Just Little League
9. Do you collect anything? Or participate in any sort of hobby connected to the game?
I had a lot of baseball cards growing up, but now I just have a collection of souvenir cups.
10. What MLB stadiums have you visited? Do you have a favorite?
Kauffman Stadium, Minute Maid Park in Houston, Tigers Stadium in Detroit (Whatever it was called in 2008). I love Kauffman, but Minute Maid was pretty cool as well.
Thanks for playing along, Andrew. I love your description of the view at your first game. Syncs up with the images I recall from my first game pretty closely actually. Greinke was so much fun to watch. I saw a few dominant performances from him back in the day, but never 15 Ks! Unfortunately, the last time I saw him pitch, in 2023, he got roughed up. But, on the bright side, I got to see Ohtani and Trout hit back-to-back dingers!
1. Who is your favorite team? KC Royals
2. What was the first game you attended? KC vs Texas - 1985
3. What was the best game you’ve ever attended? KC vs Baltimore - 2015
4. What was the best game you’ve ever witnessed? (You didn’t have to be there in person.) 1991 WS Game 7
5. What was the best single moment you’ve seen on a baseball field? Joe Carter walk-off HR in Game 6 of 1993 WS
6. Who is your favorite player of all-time? George Brett, Mark McGwire, Chipper Jones
7. If you had a time machine, what player would you go back and see? Stan Musial or Lou Gehrig
8. Did you play baseball? What level did you reach? Any highlights you want to share? yes, 8th grade travel league, league champions in 7th grade and catching for my cousin (starting pitcher) in little league.
9. Do you collect anything? Or participate in any sort of hobby connected to the game? Just junk wax, but I do have some cool cards. A Bo Jackson rookie, Bobby Witt Jr. rookie. Just a couple autographs.
10. What MLB stadiums have you visited? Do you have a favorite? Kauffman, the old Mile High Stadium, Busch Stadium. I'm fond of the K.
It's interesting that as much as our experiences are intertwined, we have definitely have some different answers. I pride myself on being relatively objective, but judging on your answers, you might actually be less of a homer than me. The 2015 Baltimore game was probably the best atmosphere I've ever experienced, aside from last year's playoff, though there was considerably less tension at the regular season, which only added to the fun. But I think you'll agree that the 2017 comeback against the Astros was the best game (on the field) we've ever attended.
The 2017 Astros was the best game I've attended as far as gameplay. I just fondly remember the 2015 Baltimore game, and it was probably my favorite game I have been to. As for the best thing I have seen an opposing team do, that would be seeing Shohei & Trout going back to back against the God-awful 2023 Royals
I can't argue with any of that.
1. Who is your favorite team?
-The Cubs because I didn't have a choice growing up. Now it is a tie between Cubs and Orioles. Gotta have a favorite in each league!
2. What was the first game you attended?
-Probably an Orioles game with my Grandfather back in the mid-90's
3. What was the best game you’ve ever attended?
-Went to Wrigley Field in 2003 to see series between Giants and Cubs. I don't remember much about the game except we were swarmed by bees, and Barry Bonds knocked out a window in one of the apartments behind right field (during batting practice).
4. What was the best game you’ve ever witnessed? (You didn’t have to be there in person.)
-Game 7 2016 world series of course
5. What was the best single moment you’ve seen on a baseball field?
-Probably Ripken Jr breaking the streak. Then Cubs finally winning world series.
6. Who is your favorite player of all-time?
-Growing up it was Bo Jackson and The Big Hurt. Then Sosa, followed by Derrek Lee. All-time would have to be Sosa because of the joy he brought to me during those formative years as a teenager.
7. If you had a time machine, what player would you go back and see?
-Josh Gibson, Satchel Paige, Babe Ruth
8. Did you play baseball? What level did you reach? Any highlights you want to share?
-Never made it past 8th grade. Didn't enjoy getting hit by pitches, but I did love to pitch and play first base.
9. Do you collect anything? Or participate in any sort of hobby connected to the game?
-I try to get bobbleheads at least once a year when O's have those promotions. I used to collect cards; I still have most if not all of my old ones and some unopened backs from the 90's that I am sure are worth millions now. I love hats but not allowed to collect anymore.
10. What MLB stadiums have you visited? Do you have a favorite?
-PNC Park, Camden Yards, Wrigley Field, Philly, Nationals. PNC, Camden, and Wrigley are the three best stadiums in baseball and tough to pick a favorite.
Thanks for playing, Joe. I wasn't obligated to like the Cubs as a kid, but I always liked em anyway, so I feel like you could have done a lot worse! I don't know if I have an official NL team, but if I did, it'd be the Cubs, except for a brief dalliance with the Rockies when they were new in the 90s. I feel like Sosa doesn't get enough love. Yeah, I get the whole steroid thing, but baseball owes him and Mac so much, only to become their scapegoats instead. But I did see Sosa destroy the Rockies at old Mile High back in 93. He went 6-6, still probably the greatest individual performance I've ever seen in person.
1. Who is your favorite team?
It was the Pirates but functionally it's the Phillies.
2. What was the first game you attended?
It would have to be something anonymous in like 1984/1985.
3. What was the best game you’ve ever attended?
4. What was the best game you’ve ever witnessed? (You didn’t have to be there in person.)
It would have to be the 2001 Game 7
5. What was the best single moment you’ve seen on a baseball field?
I'd have to think about it. I've been to a LOT of games but never anything all that memorable. I've seen one cycle. Oh: Bob Walk, little league home run grand slam against the Cardinals, August 12, 1987.
6. Who is your favorite player of all-time?
Gehrig, Roberto, Bonds
7. If you had a time machine, what player would you go back and see?
Your list is great but I'd have to pick Roberto.
8. Did you play baseball? What level did you reach? Any highlights you want to share?
Played a quasi-little league and then about 15 or so years of softball. I figured out how to hit slow-pitch better than my High School-playing teammates who never could figure out how not to pop up.
9. Do you collect anything? Or participate in any sort of hobby connected to the game?
I'm obsessed with mitts and had a small run as a collector. Lucked into some decent 70s stuff through a few strange acquisitions (chiefly trash-picking was my latest).
10. What MLB stadiums have you visited? Do you have a favorite?
PGH/PHL/MPLS 2 each
BOS/CHI/BAL
I guess it would have to be PHL since that's where I live and my memories with my family. Three Rivers would be the same based upon my years growing up etc
Thanks for participating Tre. Looks like we got into the game around the same time. You may have mentioned this before, so I apologize if I've forgotten, but did you make the switch from PIT to PHI because it's where you live now or because you were fed up with the way the Pirates are run? (Case in point, their latest controversy over removing a Clemente tribute, but mostly their penny-pinching.) As a lifelong Royals fan who's been subjected to lots of bad baseball, I would get it if it's the latter. But if I ever get my hands on a working time machine, you're invited to join me for a Clemente game at Three Rivers!
I moved! 2000 over to the Philly area. But also, 100%, the Pirates management has eased the transition. At this point in my life I am a shameless bandwagoneer. 1990-1992 HURT. I watch sports for joy, not to build my character (life itself is pretty invested in that.)
That is a great point. There's something to be said about sticking with a struggling team and the satisfaction that comes when (if) they break through, but the organization isn't entitled to your loyalty. If they prove over and over they don't care, then why should fans be beholden to them? Like you said, sports are supposed to be fun, not torture.
On a deeper level yet, I'm suspicious of "mindsets" of any type but in this context, regionally--what does it do to an entire region to constantly accept, and worse, even expect failure? These rust belt towns need wins, you know? Which raises the question of how much sporting team success matters in this arena, but I suspect it's not negligible. Ultimately, I want to be as free as possible from having, let's be honest, a "loser" mindset. I don't know how valid or resonant that is, but that's my process.
Seems valid to me. The morale of a city or region shouldn't be dependent in any way on the success of their sports teams- there are way more important things, after all, but I think it's naive to believe there isn't an effect. I've seen it myself in KC. Ever since the Royals made their run in 2014-15, after 30 years of failure, followed shortly by the run the Chiefs have been on, this city's whole mindset has changed. Is it all due to sports? Obviously not, but I definitely think it played a part in getting the ball rolling.
It's weird and sad and I'm glad for places where the 13 year olds get to feel *that* joy because God knows I missed out on it. I just wish there was a way to experience the joy of sports and be able to separate that from the crushing feeling of losing. I am also individually a bit more vulnerable to its impacts tho. Or more honest about it!!
1. Who is your favorite team?
The Royals, despite actually being born in Houston. My dad is from KC, and I inherited his fandom.
2. What was the first game you attended?
Hmm… I don’t remember the exact date, but the first MLB game that I remember going to was a game in Chicago between the White Sox and the Royals when I was in 5th grade. I don’t remember exactly what happened during the game, except that Alex Gordon almost robbed a home run that landed right in front of where my dad and I were sitting.
3. What was the best game you’ve ever attended?
I’m from Indiana, so I unfortunately haven’t been to that many Royals games in person. Call it recency bias, but I’d probably have to pick this year’s Opening Day at Kauffman.
4. What was the best game you’ve ever witnessed? (You didn’t have to be there in person.)
If you’re asking what the best game I’ve witnessed LIVE, then I’d have to say the game against the Mariners last season where the Royals gave up about 93 runs in the first inning before eventually coming back. If you’re asking what I think the best Royals game ever is, then I’d definitely have to say the 2014 Wild Card Game.
5. What was the best single moment you’ve seen on a baseball field?
Cain scoring from first base in game 6 of the 2015 ALCS. Salvy’s walk-off single in the Wild Card game is a close second though.
6. Who is your favorite player of all-time?
George Brett is #1, Alex Gordon and Salvy are tied for second.
7. If you had a time machine, what player would you go back and see?
Royals bias incoming— Bo Jackson!
8. Did you play baseball? What level did you reach? Any highlights you want to share?
Unfortunately no. I wish that I had, but I’m a runner.
9. Do you collect anything? Or participate in any sort of hobby connected to the game?
I have a few baseball cards, but I’ve never really collected them. I do play Fantasy Baseball, and I have about 8 Royals on my team.
10. What MLB stadiums have you visited? Do you have a favorite?
I’ve visited Kauffman, Fenway, Wrigley, Globelife, Rate Field (why in the world did the White Sox change its name to just Rate?), Great American Ball Park, and Petco Park. Because I’m biased, Kauffman is definitely my favorite— but I will acknowledge that Globelife in Texas is VERY nice.
Thanks for playing along, Caleb. I'm intrigued by your take on Globe Life. It always looks so dark and foreboding on TV, but I guess I need to get down there and try it out in person. And your choice of Bo Jackson for the time machine is spot-on. Even though he never actually did anything spectacular the handful of times I saw him in person, just watching him do routine things on the field was an experience.
Globe Life does look really dark on TV, but it’s much nicer in person. The whole stadium feels very clean and comfortable (although that’s probably partially because it’s so new).