Two Texas two-steps ten years apart
First Pitch: 1:10 PM CT
TV: Twins.TV
Radio: TIBN
Know Thine Enemy: Brew Crew Ball
Almost exactly ten years ago, my sister and I lit out for Arlington, Texas to see the Minnesota Twins play the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field (now used for multipurpose TX events with the Rangers in new Globe Life Park).
Though hot, we enjoyed that ballpark and also toured Dealey Plaza of 11/22/63 JFK infamy…
Last week, I got back from another Lone Star State adventure—this time Space City (HOU)! I again braved the heat—of the humid variety (ick)—to get a first-hand look at the park formerly known as Enron Field the park formerly known as Minute Maid Daikin Park.
Before any ‘Stros fans come at me, I’ll say this: your ballpark is a perfectly fine place to watch a game. Nothing abjectly wrong with it in any fashion. The train is legitimately cool!
I do, however, have to be honest in saying I am now—after years of Target Field and visits to other spectacular outdoor venues—partial to baseball under an open sky. This isn’t the Astros’ fault whatsoever. Even when the retractable roof is closed the place is still a little warm—just too much humidity seeping in. So I understand the need for a topper.
But for that same reason it will never rank in the top of my ballpark listings. What was interesting is that at the end of one game I attended, they opened the roof for fireworks. It was the rare non-humid night in HOU and the breeze felt WONDERFUL! If only their location would allow for that every night, not just once in a blue moon.
I also found some interesting sights scattered around the stadium…
Per tradition, I like to hit a few of the local non-baseball sites too. The short turnaround prevented a jaunt to the Houston Space Center, but I did walk through the Houston Zoo & found the coolest 1980s diner—Hungry Like The Wolf—ever!
I have now been to 20 MLB parks past and present. I have 13 to go for the entire circuit—12 at the exact moment because I’m not seeing the Athletics unless/until they get a real home.
My next trip? Late July in Denver for Twins/Rockies. Let’s hope the Twins have a win by then.
Here’s today’s mound matchup, and you can click here for the lineups (I may be in-and-out a bit this morning and not able to drop those in):
