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)

Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA – Game No. 5

By Nolan Rice

LOS ANGELES — Once again, our day began with writing reviews. I don’t stare at a screen this much at work.

OK, it’s time for a negative review. Today we went to Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. The Dodgers beat the Colorado Rockies, but that’s beside the point.

Upon arriving at the park we were informed by security that there is no tailgating. What the hell? Whatever. Daren’s backpack was put in to “check” at the gate for him to retrieve after the game because it was too big, even though all he had in it was a clipboard and a whiteboard. My bag is almost as big, and full of stuff, and I made it through.

Five minutes after getting seated we were escorted to a security station again because we had cameras. Daren was forced to talk to security personnel on the phone about our project in order for us to be able to stay. Apparently no one has ever seen a camera in HOLLYWOOD.

After doing a lot of thinking about Beth and how much I miss her, I realized I had a project to complete. The dudes and I had previously discussed that I was to eat as much stadium food as possible today (in addition to my standard dog) and give an opinion. We had heard that Dodger Stadium has an “all you can eat” park buffet. We asked where it was and were informed that our tickets were in the wrong section for this and we would not be able to visit the buffet. What the hell? Whatever.

I decided to try several items from the concession area we were allowed to visit. The “Super Dodger Dog” does deserve a positive review. It will be No. 2, behind Seattle’s dog. The Super was longer than the bun. The bun wasn’t soggy. Condiments were still standard. No sauerkraut. Don’t people know about the benefit of sauerkraut?

MLB Park “Dogs”

1. Major League Mariner Dog (Safeco Field — Mariners)
2. Super Dodger Dog (Dodger Stadium — Dodgers)
3. Farmer John Super (Angel Stadium — Angels)
4. Miller All Beef Coliseum Dog (McAfee Coliseum — Athletics)
5. Giants Dog (AT&T Park — Giants)

Next was a park pretzel. This pissed me off. I paid $4.50 for the pretzel and when I received it I was informed I had to pay $1.50 extra for cheese. Who eats a pretzel without cheese? Next I dug into some nachos, which came with cheese and salsa included. Explain that logic.

Next were ballpark peanuts. I was full. The food was good, but the experience here sucked. I drank three beers, including one in my “flashing lights” Dodger beer glass, and thought about my girlfriend some more. If you haven’t noticed, you’re going to continue to hear about her.

I left the park disgusted. I can’t wait for the Celtics to put away the Lakers this week.

We returned to our host’s apartment. Bryan Mansell is a grade-school buddy of Troy’s, and has put us up for the past two nights. We owe him thanks. After the game he showed me his collection of Jordans. He had my favorite pair of Jordan 4’s. I know it’s wrong to hate Jordan, like his shoes and root for Larry Bird, but that’s what I did as a kid. Thanks again, Bryan.

Later…………………Nolan  (Key Grip)

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

Angel Stadium, Anaheim, CA – Game No. 4

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Al and Rochelle for allowing us to stay in their beautiful home while we were in the Oakland/San Francisco area.  Your hospitality was wonderful.  We enjoyed your stories and having drinks with you on our final night.

 

June 1^st.  As we entered the LA/Anaheim area we came across Knott’s Berry Farm (accidentally).  This was quite nostalgic for me, as I hadn’t seen the park since my family trip when I was in third grade.  From the street I took a photo of the free-fall ride.  I remember this ride specifically.  The floor of the ride is see-through, and was quite a scary experience for me at the age of 8.

 

We arrived at Angel Stadium late.  Today’s game features the Toronto Blue Jays vs. the Anaheim Angels.  We discussed the game plan in the parking lot, and headed in.  The park was quite impressive.  I expected to take loads of hell for my jersey as a result of last year’s playoffs.  However, everyone was friendly.  At one point I dropped my Fred Meyer Rewards card and a fan came running with it.  What a nice gesture.  A Yankee fan would have looked at my jersey and kept walking.  (…OK, Maybe that’s not fair…) 

 

Upon going to the concession area to get my standard game dog, I met Kaleb.  The young man couldn’t have been more than four or five years old.  He was decked out in Angels gear.  His dad asked him to tell me, “Who’s #1?”  His first response was, “Daddy!!”  His father laughed and asked again.  His second response was, “The Yankees!!”  Hilarious.  What a cute little boy.

 

 

The “Farmer John Super Dog” was a slight step up from the last few parks.  I think I might have to rethink my standards for MLB park dogs.  When the trip began I was expecting large, juicy, bratwurst type meals.  Seattle has been the only park to come closest.  The Farmer John was juicy and charred, yet small.  It was hot, so consequently the bun was a little soggy.  The condiments were typical.  No sauerkraut.

 

MLB Park “Dogs”

 

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

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

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

4.  Giants Dog  (AT&T Park – Giants)

 

I informed my comrades that Beth and Wendy are planning to do some painting in my house while I’m gone.  I am a little scared.    Actually, I’m not.  Any color will be an improvement.  Wish I was there to help those foxy ladies.  Daren does too.

 

We were lucky to see an exciting game today.  The “Rally Monkey” appeared after the seventh-inning stretch.  I have learned the words to, “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.”  Beth gave me shit about that in Seattle.  The Angels hit a walk-off base hit to win 4-3.  The crowd roared!!!

 

We stayed in the stands late.  The attendant asked us nicely to leave.  He was cool, and jealous of our project.  Upon leaving, Troy realized he left his phone in the stands.  He was let back in to find it.

 

 

So far I have almost lost my phone and Daren almost lost one of the cameras.  We are a “hot mess,” as Beth would say.  (…Can you tell I miss her?…)

 

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)