Thursday, March 17, 2022
2021 California League Tour -- Lake Elsinore Storm
Tuesday, March 15, 2022
2021 California League Tour -- Modesto Nuts
On June 15, I was in Modesto for an evening game between the Modesto Nuts and the San Jose Giants. Since 2017, the Nuts have been affiliated with the Seattle Mariners. The weather was about perfect for shorts and t-shirt.
Wally Walnut was on hand to give me a fist bump as I headed to my seat behind home plate. The Nuts actually have three mascots, Wally Walnut, Al the Almond and Shelly Pistachio. I only saw Wally. who wandered the stadium meeting and greeting fans. Kids love the mascots. But, even for adults, they lend a special fun and laughter to the minor league experience.
Saturday, March 12, 2022
2021 California League Tour -- Stockton Ports
On June 13, I was in Stockton to see the Stockton Ports play the San Jose Giants. Stockton is an Oakland A's affiliate and San Jose Giants are affiliated with that San Francisco team. The field is in downtown Stockton and is rather unassuming from the street, but beautiful inside. Officially named Stockton Ballpark, the field is locally and more colorfully known as Banner Island Ballpark.
One of the truly beautiful parts of Banner Island Stadium is the view from the berm behind the right field fence. As you can see above, the field and stands are nicely laid out below the berm. But, when you turn around....
By the way, here are the Northern Division standings as of June 13. It would appear that the Mighty Ports have struck out, or at least had a very tough season. They are in last place in these standings, ten games out of first. They would go on to finish the season in last place, 33 games out of first.
Thursday, March 10, 2022
2021 California League Tour -- First Stop - Visalia
My tour started June 12, 2021 at Visalia's Valley Strong Ballpark for a game between the Visalia Rawhide and Fresno Grizzlies. The Rawhide is a minor league affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks; the Grizzlies are affiliated with the Rockies.
Though the team's name and major league affiliations have changed over the years, minor league baseball has been played here nearly every year since the ballpark was built in 1946.
Monday, March 7, 2022
2021 California League Tour
If you want to head north out of LA (and who doesn't) you have the coastal route on 101 or the Grapevine up the 5. Either way, you have lots of company.
For 2021 (and this year), the California League has 8 teams:
- Fresno Grizzlies
- Modesto Nuts
- San Jose Giants
- Stockton Ports
- Visalia Rawhide
- Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Inland Empire 66'ers
- Lake Elsinore Storm
By summer's end, I had experienced all 8 stadiums, learned a bit about 8 very different cities, sampled some local beer, enjoyed great baseball, and had a lot of fun. I will try to recreate some of that on the pages that follow.
Incidentally, for 2022, major league baseball's work stoppage does not affect the minor leagues. Across the country, minor league baseball is set to start up April 5. One of those leagues is the Low-A West League, which was formerly named the California League. Because the new "Low A West" name lacks any appeal, I continue to use the traditional California League name.
Sunday, March 6, 2022
Reflections on the Dodgers' 2021 Season - Lockout Edition
Saturday, March 5, 2022
MLB Baseball Cancelled -- Joe Kelly for Baseball Commissioner
Spring training was cancelled. Now Major League Baseball has cancelled opening day and the first week of the season.
Stadiums that should be full are empty. I should be in Arizona watching the Dodgers' spring training. Yet, we are all on the sidelines, waiting as the rich and powerful divvy up $11 Billion in annual baseball revenue.
Just as we are wallowing in baseball misery, in rides Joe Kelly to remind us of all that is good and can be again.
The Dodger pitcher has written a wonderful piece in the LA Times, "First Person: Joe Kelly pleads with fans "not to forget about baseball" during MLB lockout."
It is the best baseball article I have read in years. And it is all the better coming from a character like Kelly, who has two world series rings, can throw triple digits, but is most famous around here for his mariachi jacket. Kelly gets baseball. More, he can lay it out in words. Baseball, he says, is "a combination of chess, ballet, a classroom and cannon fire." Yes, yes, yes and yes.
I will be following Joe Kelly, not Rob Manfredi, at @BBisntBoring.
On behalf of all good and fair-minded people everywhere, I nominate Joe Kelly as Baseball Commissioner.