Fenway Park, Boston, MA – Game No. 21 (10)

By Nolan Rice

Friday, July 11, brought the highlight of the BaseCrawl trip, at least for me.  It was time to visit Fenway Park.  The Red Sox were hosting the Baltimore Orioles.  I’ve been having a dream year in sports.  The Celtics are defending champs, and I visited their court earlier that day.  The Red Sox took the World Series last season, and I was about to enter their famous home.  If the Cowboys had won the Super Bowl in January (… as they should have …), my year would have been complete.  As it turned out I had to buy Daren a bottle of Jack Daniels over the Giants win.  I’m OK with it, though.  He’s lost several bets of the same type to me in the past. 

This was game No. 21 for BaseCrawl, and game No. 10 for me (… my final game …).  My cousin Cory was there to share the experience.  I have to give him credit for booking the seats.  We were in the fifth row of right field, near the famous “Pesky Pole.”  Awesome!!  However, I do have to give him shit.  He wasn’t brave enough to wear his Yankees jersey in Fenway.  I, however, had worn my Red Sox gear in Yankee Stadium with him just two days earlier.  Wimp!! 

 

 

We’ve all seen Fenway from the street in the past several years.  The team has been well publicized for obvious reasons.  However, actually being there was a treat.  Fenway is the oldest of the major league parks; opened in 1912, five days after the Titanic sank.

 

 

Although Boston lost 7-3, the evening was filled with good times.  I sampled a “Fenway Frank.”  It was tasty, although I will remove my bias and place it accordingly on the list.

MLB Park “Dogs”

 

1.  Grille Works Footlong Bratwurst  (Coors Field – Rockies)

2.  Major League Mariner Dog  (Safeco Field – Mariners)

3.  Super Dodger Dog  (Dodger Stadium – Dodgers)

4.  Fenway Frank  (Fenway Park – Red Sox)

5.  Grand Slam Grille All Beef Hot Dog  (Shea Stadium – Mets)

6.  Wienerschnitzel Grilled Hot Dog  (PETCO Park – Padres)

7.  Farmer John Super Dog  (Angel Stadium – Angels)

8.  Miller All Beef Coliseum Dog  (McAfee Coliseum – Athletics)

9.  Giants Dog  (AT&T Park – Giants)

10.  ???????????????????  (Yankee Stadium – Yankees)

 

Beth was intrigued by a Boston police officer roaming the stands and couldn’t resist the urge to talk to him.

 

 

 

 

It was a day to remember.

 

 

 

 

The next morning Beth and I had to catch a shuttle to the airport at 4 a.m.  We were greeted outside the hotel by Cory, Scott, Daren and Troy.  They had been partying all night.  Cory was the first to remind me the Red Sox had lost in our presence.

 

 

 

 

That’s it for me. I’ll be watching the rest of BaseCrawl from the stands.

When viewing a slideshow, click on “Options” and choose “Always show title and descriptions” to view photo captions.  For photos click here and choose between Thumbnails (left), Detail (left) and Slideshow (upper right).

Later ………………………. Nolan  (Key Grip)

(There’s more on this and our other adventures at BaseCrawl.com.)

Boston Garden

Visiting the Boston Garden sits at the top of my sports dreams.  Today it came true.  Even though the original was torn down in 1997, I felt like an excited kid walking in to the new building.  Anyone who knew me as a boy can confirm my loyalty to the Celtics.  I wore a Larry Bird t-shirt continuously from the 5^th grade (1986) until he retired when I was a sophomore (1992).  It’s also fitting that the Celtics won their record 17^th title just a few weeks ago in this arena.  My cousin Cory shared the experience with me.

 

Cory’s buddy Scott is also a loyal Celtics fan.

 

 

 

Inside we saw the members only bar which contained the original Boston Garden sign…

 

 

Larry’s statue…

 

 

The visiting locker where Kobe cried after the Lakers’ loss in game 6 of the NBA Finals last month…

 

 

The parquet floor and baskets stored away…

 

 

 

The Celtics’ museum…

 

 

And, of course, the banners hanging from above…

 

We were able to tour the entire complex.

When viewing  a slideshow, click on “Options” and choose “Always show title and descriptions” to view photo captions.  For photos click here and choose between Thumbnails (left), Detail (left) and Slideshow (upper right).

Later……………………Nolan  (Key Grip)

Yankee Stadium, New York City, NY – Game No. 20 (9)

By Nolan Rice

 

Wednesday, July 9, brought a visit to Yankee Stadium.  (…Yes, I was brave enough to wear my Lowell jersey in Yankee Stadium.  Daren wore his Mets jersey …)

 

 

 

The Yankees were hosting Tampa Bay.  My cousin Cory is a Yankees fan.  (… WTF? …)  Consequently he was bug-eyed all day.  This was game No. 20 for BaseCrawl, and game No. 9 for me.  Similar to the Shea visit, the “new” Yankee Stadium could be seen under construction next door.  The aging Yankee Stadium is also in its final season, and would host the All Star game the next week.

 

As I entered the park I was preparing for some serious heckling from the crowd.  I walked up the tunnel to the seats and a woman jokingly said, “Good luck.”  I rounded the corner and headed up the seats expecting to dodge beer, food and other items thrown my way.  Nothing was tossed, but several comments were made.  Daren was right behind me, and I heard someone say, “There’s two lost souls.”  In the distance I heard support from a fan.  It was a Red Sox fan (Justin) in the middle of the Yankee mess.  I gave him a thumbs-up, and headed to my seat.

 

 

 

In an attempt to disrespect my rival team, I did not eat a dog in Yankee Stadium.  No matter how good/bad it might have been, it would have found itself at the bottom of the list anyway.  I don’t even know what the dogs are called here. 

 

MLB Park “Dogs”

 

1.  Grille Works Footlong Bratwurst  (Coors Field – Rockies)

2.  Major League Mariner Dog  (Safeco Field – Mariners)

3.  Super Dodger Dog  (Dodger Stadium – Dodgers)

4.  Grand Slam Grille All Beef Hot Dog  (Shea Stadium – Mets)

5.  Wienerschnitzel Grilled Hot Dog  (PETCO Park – Padres)

6.  Farmer John Super Dog  (Angel Stadium – Angels)

7.  Miller All Beef Coliseum Dog  (McAfee Coliseum – Athletics)

8.  Giants Dog  (AT&T Park – Giants)

9.  ???????????????????  (Yankee Stadium – Yankees)

 

We sat high, as usual.  However, my cousin Cory and Scott had much better seats near Monument Park in left field.

 

 

The game ended on a walk-off base hit.  The crowd loved that, of course. 

 

 

 

 

 

It was a great experience to see such a famous park, although Fenway would be in two days.  I was much more excited for that. 

 

 

When viewing a slideshow, click on “Options” and choose “Always show title and description” to view photo captions.  For photos click here and choose between Thumbnails (left), Detail (left) and Slideshow (upper right).

 

Later ……………….. Nolan  (Key Grip)

 

(There’s more on this and our other adventures at BaseCrawl.com.)

Shea Stadium, New York City, NY – Game No. 19 (8)

By Nolan Rice

 

Tuesday, July 8, brought game No. 19 for BaseCrawl, and game No. 8 for me.  We visited Shea Stadium.  The New York Mets were hosting the San Francisco Giants.  After a short subway ride, Beth and I were reunited with my two baseball comrades.  It had been a month since we left them in Denver.

 

 

Citi Field could be seen under construction right beside the aging Shea.  Shea is in its final season.  Because of this the game meant something special for Daren, the crazy Mets fan.  I was introduced to Nolan 2 (…as I call him…), a life-size cutout of my face Troy and Daren had been using in my absence for the past several weeks.

 

 

 

I tried the newest edition to my “Dogs List,” the Grand Slam Grille All Beef Hot Dog.  It was average, although I was quite disappointed in the condiments situation, as you can see.

 

 

MLB Park “Dogs”

 

1.  Grille Works Footlong Bratwurst  (Coors Field – Rockies)

2.  Major League Mariner Dog  (Safeco Field – Mariners)

3.  Super Dodger Dog  (Dodger Stadium – Dodgers)

4.  Grand Slam Grille All Beef Hot Dog  (Shea Stadium – Mets)

5.  Wienerschnitzel Grilled Hot Dog  (PETCO Park – Padres)

6.  Farmer John Super Dog  (Angel Stadium – Angels)

7.  Miller All Beef Coliseum Dog  (McAfee Coliseum – Athletics)

8.  Giants Dog  (AT&T Park – Giants)

 

It was good to be back with the crew.  The Mets won, and all were happy.

 

 

 

 

 

After the game, Beth and I visited Times Square at night.  This was quite a display.

 

 

After drinks and nachos at the Hard Rock Cafe we experienced the New York subway system at nigh t……… late night.  (… not recommended …)  It turns out certain subway lines close in the evening, and getting back to New Jersey was a challenge.

 

 

 

 

We attempted to walk across the George Washington Bridge and found the gates closed.  The buses had stopped for the night.  A public safety officer saved the day by giving us a ride.  No $40 cab fare this time. 

 

 

When viewing a slideshow, click on “Options” and choose “Always show title and description” to view photo captions.  For photos click here and choose between Thumbnails (left), Detail (left) and Slideshow (upper right).

 

Later ……………….. Nolan  (Key Grip)

 

(There’s more on this and our other adventures at BaseCrawl.com.)

New York City and my return to BaseCrawl

On Sunday, July 6, Beth and I left Twin Falls, Idaho, and headed for Salt Lake City.  Our flight to New York was the next morning.

 

 

It was time to reunite with the BaseCrawl crew.  We arrived in the “Big Apple” Monday afternoon and found our way to the hotel.  I paid a cab driver $40 to take us across the George Washington Bridge; a trip I later found out was a $1.25 bus ride.  ;-( 

 

The two of us spent Tuesday exploring the city and its attractions prior to the New York Mets game.  Once we had purchased a map, and figured out the subway system, we were able to navigate quite easily.  We saw Central Park, the Ed Sullivan Theatre (Late Show with David Letterman), Times Square and the Empire State Building.

 

 

In Times Square Beth’s photo was taken with “The Naked Cowboy.”  (… He hit on her, but that was expected …) 

 

 

We ate lunch at Planet Hollywood, and I KO’d Rocky, something I’d dreamed about since I was little.  Beth did some shopping, of course. 

 

 

On Wednesday, after the Yankees game, Daren, Troy, Cory, Scott, Beth and I continued to scout the city.  We saw Battery Park, the Statue of Liberty, Wall Street and Ground Zero.  We also returned to Times Square at night, which was quite a sight.

 

 

When viewing a slideshow, click on “Options” and choose “Always show title and description” to view photo captions.  For photos click here and choose between Thumbnails (left), Detail (left) and Slideshow (upper right).

 

Later…………………Nolan  (Key Grip)

MySpace (two definitions) ………

Definition 1

 

Big League BaseCrawl has a MySpace page.  If you’re a MySpacer, click here and send us a friend request.  You’ll be joining our network of friends who are interested in the project.  (www.myspace.com/basecrawl)

 

Definition 2

 

 

I am excited for the rest of the summer.  I waved goodbye to Troy and Daren at the Denver airport and flew home with Beth.

 

 

 

Upon getting home I discovered that MySpace had become OurSpace.  Below is my closet, but not my clothes. 

 

 

 

Beth and I are taking spinning class, working out at Gold’s Gym, golfing, watching movies and generally just enjoying the summer.  We are excited to rejoin the BaseCrawl crew in July at Shea, Yankee and Fenway.

 

 

Good luck, guys.  We’ll be in touch.

 

Later…………………CT  (Calculus Teacher)

Coors Field, Denver, CO – Game No. 7

Pictured below are good friends.  All attended the wedding yesterday, June 7^th.  I have known Lindsey for two years or so.  She’s a cool cat.  Steve (white hat) and Squeek (blue hat) are old college buddies.  Both were groomsman with me in the wedding.  Both have given me a load of shit for leaving BaseCrawl to be at home with my girl (…as good buddies will do…as her step-dad (Perry) did when I got home…). 

 

 

 

 

Game No. 7 featured the Milwaukee Brewers vs. the Colorado Rockies.  The day consisted of good times with friends, good food and making fun of Nolan.    (…I am used to this…)

 

 

 

There is a new No. 1 for the MLB Park “Dogs” list, the Grille Works Footlong Bratwurst.  This thing was awesome, although Beth believes I am comparing apples to oranges as the rest on the list are dogs and this is a brat.  However, it was so good I believe it deserves its place at the top.  The photos are evidence enough.

 

 

 

MLB Park “Dogs”

 

1.  Grille Works Footlong Bratwurst  (Coors Field – Rockies)

2.  Major League Mariner Dog  (Safeco Field – Mariners)

3.  Super Dodger Dog  (Dodger Stadium – Dodgers)

4.  Wienerschnitzel Grilled Hot Dog  (PETCO Park – Padres)

5.  Farmer John Super Dog  (Angel Stadium – Angels)

6.  Miller All Beef Coliseum Dog  (McAfee Coliseum – Athletics)

7.  Giants Dog  (AT&T Park – Giants)

 

Troy and Daren told me they would continue the MLB Park “Dogs” project.  I will pick up the responsibility again when Beth and I visit Shea, Yankee and Fenway with the dudes in July.

 

This was the best game so far.  Having Beth, Lindsey, Squeek and Steve with us filled the day with laughter, mostly pointed in my direction.  That night Lindsay’s parents put us up in their beautiful home.  A huge thank you goes to them for the food and good times.  The next morning Beth and I would fly back to Idaho.

 

 

 

 

 

 

For additional photos check Daren and Troy’s photo galleries on the main BaseCrawl page (left side).

 

When viewing a slideshow, click on “Options” and choose “Always show title and description” to view photo captions.  For photos click here and choose between Thumbnails (left), Detail (left) and Slideshow (upper right).

 

Later…………….Nolan  (Key Grip)

All-Night Drive …….

At roughly 11:00 pm we were back at the Jeep after the Padres game.  It was Thursday, June 5^th (…at least for another hour…) and we were still in San Diego.  I needed to be at a wedding rehearsal dinner in Denver the next afternoon…….1,000 miles away.  Our plan was to drive all night.  I predicted we would arrive in Denver at around 5:00 pm the next day.  (…Mathematicians like to do this kind of shit, i.e. taking into account the time change, gas stops, Troy doesn’t know what cruise control is, etc…)  We parked the Jeep in front of the Denver hotel at 5:08 p.m.  Damn.    I showered and ran to the lobby to find the rehearsal just under way.  There was applause from the wedding party as I entered.

 

My college buddy Brad had asked me to be in his wedding a few months back.  Of course this was a huge honor.  Brad is the only guy I know with a 5.63 GPA.  (…Inside joke…)  I have known him for about 12 years now.  Fond memories include two-on-two basketball, Center Street (bar) and Sunday NFL games.  He’s a Jazz fan, but he’s cool otherwise. 

 

The rehearsal dinner was excellent.  Laurie (bride) and Brad gave speeches and handed out gifts to the wedding party.  I went to sleep that night excited knowing I was going to pick Beth up at the airport the next morning.

 

Beth’s plane in Salt Lake City attempted to take off, but was stopped do to smoke and fire alarms.  Wow!!!  She was put on a new plane and gave me a big hug about four hours late. 

 

 

 

The wedding was very nice, of course.  Laurie and Brad looked sharp and happy together.  Troy visited the reception and took some footage for the documentary.  My BLM friend Lindsey came with him.  It was good to see her.

 

 

 

Late night drinks followed the reception.  The next day would bring Game No. 7 at Coors Field.

 

When viewing a slideshow, click on “Options” and choose “Always show title and description” to view photo captions.  For photos click here and choose between Thumbnails (left), Detail (left) and Slideshow (upper right).

 

Later………………..Nolan  (Key Grip)

Petco Park, San Diego, CA – Game No. 6

After breaking the news to my buddies that I was going home, I decided to treat them to beers in El Cajon, CA. 

 

 

We had been staying in a beautiful home there.  We owe many thanks to Judy and Jack for their hospitality.  Their house overlooks a golf course, and was truly an oasis on our trip.  Thanks again, you two, for your kindness and conversation.  We really appreciate you letting us stay.

 

This morning we packed the Jeep and headed out.  Prior to today’s Padres game we visited Coronado Beach.  A little catch was played while we enjoyed the Pacific. 

 

 

Today’s game is at Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres.  The game will prove to be quite interesting as the Mets are visiting Petco, and Daren is a CRAZY New York fan.

 

After a few pregame beers,

 

 

and Troy getting hassled a little by security about the large camera, we were in.  The park is awesome; comparable to Safeco and AT&T in features and age.  After buying my “Wienerschnitzel Grilled Hot Dog,” I went to the condiments area.  Several of the parks have had fountain type ketchup and mustard, and this is the second that has BLOWN on me.  &%$@# nice.  I was wiping off when a big tall Padres fan came walking up with a straight face.  I was expecting to take shit about my Red Sox jersey, but instead he looking at me and said, “Watch out for that @#$%&!!”  Hilarious.  The Wienerschnitzel gets a thumbs up, with the standard review.  It will be third.

 

MLB Park “Dogs”

 

1.  Major League Mariner Dog  (Safeco Field – Mariners)

2.  Super Dodger Dog  (Dodger Stadium – Dodgers)

3.  Wienerschnitzel Grilled Hot Dog  (PETCO Park – Padres)

4.  Farmer John Super Dog  (Angel Stadium – Angels)

5.  Miller All Beef Coliseum Dog  (McAfee Coliseum – Athletics)

6.  Giants Dog  (AT&T Park – Giants)

 

I watched the game, and thought of how nice it will be to be home with Beth again.  I’ve made the right choice.

 

Well……….Daren wasn’t happy as we left.  The Mets pitcher choked, and the Padres won with a walk-off hit batsman.  I gave him no shit as I could tell he was not pleased.

 

 

When viewing a slideshow, click on “Options” and choose “Always show title and description” to view photo captions.  For photos click here and choose between Thumbnails (left), Detail (left) and Slideshow (upper right).

 

Later…………………Nolan  (Key Grip)

Coming Home …

So………………for you regular “Nolan’s Travel Blog” readers, this won’t come as a surprise.  I’m coming home.  I miss my girlfriend too much.

 

First and foremost, I need to thank Troy (project leader/editor) for understanding and being such a good friend.  He didn’t even blink an eye when I started to cry and said I had thoughts of leaving.  Daren (second in command) and Troy said they could tell I had been struggling, and they love me, and they were cool with what makes me happy.  I am so thankful for their understanding.  I feel like the rock band member who’s breaking up the group.  However, I am doing what my heart says is right.  Beth told me it was my decision.  She said she would support me either way.  I love her for that.

 

However, the experience isn’t over for me, or Beth.  The three of us dudes are in San Diego now.  Today is Wednesday, June 4.  Tomorrow night we will attend a Padres game.  After the game we will drive all night to Denver as I have a wedding rehearsal dinner to attend on Friday afternoon.  My college buddy Brad is getting married, and I am in the ceremony.  Beth is flying in to Denver on Saturday morning to attend the ceremony with me.  All will go to the Colorado Rockies game on Sunday, and I will fly back to Idaho with Beth on Monday.

 

It doesn’t end there.  Beth’s plane tickets have already been purchased for her to attend baseball games in New York and Boston.  This was going to happen in early July, and still will.  The only change is I will be flying with her, instead of picking her up at the airport back east.

 

I truly do need to thank Troy and Daren, again, for being so cool with my decision.  I will miss some great experiences, but if you’ve ever been in love…….you understand.

 

Later…………………..Nolan  (Key Grip)