Updated November 29, 2015
Here’s the listing of the 2015 games and fan gatherings (FGs). The accompanying photos can be
be found under the league in which a game was played or under “fan gatherings” in the
buttons shown on the right. An asterisk indicates that it is the first time since I began my
ballparks travels in 2002 that a fan has appeared in an account. Bold letters indicate that
it is the first time that a “veteran” fan was encountered in 2015. The number next to each
name indicates order of appearance.
| Story/Details | Details | Fans With | More Details |
| FG1. “Lunch with Nadja” After a hospital stay, it was time for Nadja Hogberg Fechter to meet pals for lunch. |
Mini-Napa High School Class of 1964 Reunion 1/21/2015 (11:00) |
Gerry Bettencourt-1 Mel Fechter-2 Nadja Fechter-3 Ellwin Jobe-4 Barbara Morrow-5 |
Home of Barbara Crane Morrow Granite Bay, California |
| FG2. “Old Times” What do high school class- mates discuss nearly 51 years after graduating together? Families and careers? Absolutely not. The topics are the same as they were in “old times” — namely sports and long-ago dates. |
Napa High School Class of 1964 Men’s Breakfast 2/23/2015 (9:30) Emmy Lou’s Diner Napa, California With Dick Abbey-6 Gary Abraham-7 |
Jerry Belden*-8 Mark Brown-9 Fred Cohen-10 Mike Crane-11 Frank Davidson-12 Jerry Davis-13 Del Domezio-14 Kerry Donahoe-15 Bruce Erricson-16 Ray Guadagni-17 |
With Ken Harbison-18 Ellwin Jobe-4 David Johnson-19 Mike Kerns-20 Don McConnell-21 Doug Murray*-22 Steve Rae-23 Fred Teeters-24 Paul Vallerga-25 |
| 1. “Pace of Game” A clock attached to the scoreboard limits the time between half innings to 2:25. |
Reds 6 Rangers 6 (10 Innings) 3/23/2015 (6:05) Surprise Stadium Surprise, Arizona |
Tim Chambers-26 Ann Nickel-27 Charlie Price-28 Pre-Game Saw Diane Barish-29 |
Pre-Game Saw Robert Barish-30 Jeffrey Gampinski -31 Cactus League |
| 2. “You Forgot Something” The Cubs pitcher was getting pounded, so a visit to the mound was made. When the manager left the pitcher in the game, a Cubs fan behind me yelled out, “You forgot something.” He forgot Edwin Jackson who gave up 8 runs in 1.67 innings. |
A’s 14 Cubs 2 3/24/2015 (1:05) Hohokam Stadium Mesa, Arizona Cactus League Fans With John Antonoff -32 Tim Chambers-26 |
Fans Met Chris Joslyn*-33 David Joslyn*-34 Mark Joslyn*-35 Dianne Reiter*-36 Terry Reiter*-37 Post-Game Saw Bruce Erricson-16 Jerry Thomas*-38 |
Post-Game Met Brenda Thomas* -39 Lino Venerucci*-40 Celebrities Seen Bert Campaneris-C1 Bob Dernier-C2 Rollie Fingers-C3 George Foster-C4 Ferguson Jenkins-C5 Meadowlark Lemon-C6 Blue Moon Odom-C7 |
| 3. “2:03” With the 2:25 clock running, I raced to buy a beer and made it back to my seat with 22 seconds to spare. |
Dodgers 9 Padres 6 3/25/2014 (1:05) Camelback Ranch |
Tim Chambers-26 Bruce Erricson-16 Pre-Game Saw Brenda Thomas-39 Jerry Thomas-38 |
Celebrity Seen Orel Hershiser-C8 Phoenix,Arizona Cactus League (CL) |
| 4. “Seat Backs” The Cubs popularity meant that we had to sit in the bleachers. We chose the back row and each had a cyclone fence seat back. |
Mariners 3 Cubs 2 3/25/2015 (7:05) Peoria Sports Complex/CL Peoria, Arizona |
Tim Chambers-26 Bruce Erricson-16 Dave York*-41 Geleah York*-42 Fan Met Mike Conaboy*-43 |
Fans Met Perry Graves*-44 Fred Johnson*-45 Natalie Johnson*-46 Hank Randall*-47 Liz Tramontana*-48 |
| 5. “Who’s in Left?” School classmates Bruce and Jerry can’t agree on who played left field on their junior high team. |
Brewers 15 Mariners 1 3/26/2015 (1:05) Maryvale Baseball Park |
Tim Chambers-26 Bruce Erricson-16 Julie Krueger*-49 Victor Krueger* -50 |
Fans With Jerry Thomas-38 Lino Venerucci-40 Phoenix, Arizona Cactus League |
| Story/Details | Details | Fans With | More Details |
| 6. “Irish Humor” It makes for a night of laughter with a seat neighbor named “Daly.” |
Rangers 6 Mariners 1 3/26/2015 (6:05) Surprise Stadium |
Tim Chambers-26 Bruce Erricson-16 Fan Met Dan Daly*-51 |
Surprise, Arizona Cactus League |
| 7. “Root for the Uniform” A’s fans do that until they learn their players’ names. |
A’s 7 Rangers 6 3/27/2015 (1:05) Hohokam Stadium |
Tim Chambers-26 Bruce Erricson-16 Fan Met Dwight Travis*-52 |
Fan Met Susan Travis*-53 Mesa, Arizona Cactus League |
| 8. “Home Teams Rule” In eight Cactus League games so far, the home team has yet to lose. OK, there was one tie. |
Padres 7 Rockies 5 3/27/2015 (7:05) Peoria Sports Complex |
Tim Chambers-26 Bruce Erricson-16 Fan Met Anna Jones*-54 |
Fans Met Nisha Parker*-55 Susan Prince*-56 Peoria, Arizona Cactus League |
| 9. “Together 19” The jersey didn’t make sense until Anthony sat next to Linda, who wore the jersey “Since 85.” |
Reds 9 Cubs 5 3/28/2015 (1:05) Goodyear Ballpark |
Tim Chambers-26 Bruce Erricson-16 Fan Met Anthony Casablanca*-57 |
Fan Met Linda Casablanca* -58 Goodyear, Arizona Cactus League |
| 10. “Flag Crew” The rain stopped and the O’s Opening Day Flag Team did its thing under Mary Klepper’s leader- ship, but then the fans watched their American League East Division Champions lay an egg. The Baltimore Sun called it “OPENING DUD” in its headline. The flag crew was successful though as usual. |
Blue Jays 12 Orioles 5 4/10/2015 (3:05) Oriole Park at Camden Yards Baltimore, Maryland American League Fans With Alisa Beverley* -59 Jimmy Bigwood*-60 Beverly Coursey -61 |
Darice Dixon*-62 Kevin George-63 Kristy George-64 Alan Gerofsky-65 Mary Klepper-66 Regina Klepper-67 Andrea Matthews* -68 D.J. McCann*-69 Nick Morazes*-70 Andrew Nickol-71 Sharon Nickol-72 Ross Noll*-73 Bill Pullin-74 Pete Vielandi-75 |
Post-Game Saw Again Jason Arnold-76 Daughter Angela Montgomery-77 Christine Slattery -78 Kiki Tjiong-79 Celebrities Seen Broadcaster Jim Hunter-C9 HOF Pitcher Jim Palmer-C10 American Tenor Richard Troxel-C11 |
| 11. “A World Series Banner but No Lon” The 2010, 2012 and 2014 World Series Championship trophies were paraded across the field with Bruce Bochy carrying one of them. World Series Most Valuable Player Madison Bumgarner carried the 2014 World Series banner to the flag pole while riding a horse and HOF Broadcaster Lon Simmons was mourned pre-game. The Giants then laid a major egg. |
Rockies 2 Giants 0 4/13/2015 (1:35) AT&T Park San Francisco, California National League Fans With John Barakett -80 Richard Cross -81 Devan Cross-82 Sadie Dawson* -83 Simone DuBois* -84 Brett Dyer-85 |
Tiffany Fechter-86 Adofo Garcia-87 Janice Hayes-88 Mark Hayes-89 Brad Kahn-90 Jason Mar-91 John McKenna-92 Tim Nolan*-93 Denise Raabe-94 Gail Raabe-95 George Rosko-96 Yvonne Rosko-97 Brittany Shanahan*-98 Mike Shanahan* -99 Carolina Solis*-100 Carol Stafford-101 George Stafford-102 |
Fans With Eric Stassevitch* -103 Katie Thyken*-104 Brandon Velaski -105 Paul Velaski-106 Randy Yaple-107 Pre-Game Saw Again Holly Malander-108 Celebrities Seen Giants CEO Larry Baer-C12 HOF Broadcaster Jon Miller-C13 Wife Jennifer Montana-C14 HOF Football Player Joe Montana-C15 |
| 12. “Champs Down” Expectations are always high after winning the World Series, so that’s why the Giants 3-6 start, including 0-2 at home is tough to take for their fans. |
Rockies 4 Giants 1 4/14/2015 (7:10) AT&T Park San Francisco, California National League |
Mike Airoldi*-109 Simone DuBois-84 Tim Chambers-26 Jason Mar-91 Mike Milsap*-110 George Rosko-96 Kelsey Sayad*-111 Carolina Solis-100 |
Fans With Judi Stess*-112 Richard Stess*-113 Fan Met Leilani Green*-114 Fan Seen Again Holly Malander-108 |
| FG3. “Nadja’s Neighbors” When Nadja Fechter, my friend from the sixth grade, went to the 2011 Art Dikas Celebration of Life, she turned to me and said, “This is great. You know who would love it? Art!!! He should have been here.” Thus, Nadja had her Celebration of Life when she could attend. Given two weeks to live, she scheduled her party one week later. The Giants #1 Fan Nadja Hogberg Fechter passed away on May 23, 2015, at the age of 68. |
Nadja Fechter Celebration of Life 5/9/2015 (1:00) Greenview, California With Cece Anderson* -115 Frank Anderson*-116 Jonah Anderson*-117 Kortnie Anderson*-118 Brenda Ayres -119 Ron Ayres-120 Gerry Bettencourt -1 |
Jack Bitcon*-121 Vanessa Bitcon* -122 Jeff Dankwerth -123 Doug Eastman-124 Hayden Eastman* -125 Hilary Eastman -126 Tom Eastman-127 Mel Fechter-2 Nadja Fechter-3 Tiffany Fechter-86 Beth Gomes*-128 Briana Hamamoto* -129 Desi Hamamoto* -130 |
With Monte Hamamoto* -131 Ellwin Jobe-4 Pam Jobe*-132 Wife Dee Dee Jones -133 Daniel Kersey*-134 Elliott Kersey*-135 Krista Klingenberg* -136 Barbara Morrow-5 Amy Patane*-137 Raelene Phelps* -138 Brittany Shanahan-98 Mike Shanahan-99 Herb Westfall*-139 Jagger Westfall* -140 Kim Westfall*-141 |
| 13. “Traded Him?” With former Dodger Dee Gordon going 4 for 5 with two doubles, questioned were asked about his trade. |
Marlins 5 Dodgers 4 5/13/2015 (7:05) Dodger Stadium Los Angeles, California |
Tim Chambers-26 Danielle Harrison -142 George Harrison -143 Chuck Holt-144 |
Celebrity Seen Former Player and Manager Tommy Lasorda-C16 National League |
| FG4. “The Greatest Generation” As I stated in my funeral eulogy to Mom, “We are at a seminal event because Mom was the last of her generation of the Lettiere family, which was a part of what Tom Brokaw called the “Greatest Generation.” With roots in the Great Depression of the 1930’s, that generation took America from “the worst of times” to the “best of times” (my apologies to Dickens for mangling his words).” I then mentioned Mom’s sister, four brothers and their mates. The Greatest Generation won the largest conflict in the history of mankind, put men on the moon, stared down an Evil Empire and gave us my mom, who passed away on May 18,2015, at the age of 86. |
Mom Marian Carlson Celebration of Life 5/22/2015 (Noon) Oak Lawn, Illinois With Niece Kelly Craven-145 Nephew-in-Law Rob Craven-146 Steve Grzenia -147 Niece Allie Jones-148 Dee Dee Jones-133 Sister-in-Law Donna Jones -149 Son Keith Jones-150 Niece and Goddaughter Kristie Jones -151 Chuck Koch-152 Cousin Debra Lettiere-153 |
Cousin Dominic Lettiere -154 Cousin Jeanette Lettiere -155 Cousin Ron Lettiere-156 Cousin Renee Luvich-157 Vik Malenko-158 Pete Mankins-159 Cousin Jean Miller -160 Second Cousin Dina Mulcahy-161 Cousin George Mulcahy-162 Cousin-in-Law Joanne Mulcahy -163 Cousin Diane Piazza -164 Karen Rediger*-165 Katie Rediger-166 Pre-Celebration Saw Marie Bongiorno* -167 Billy Cicero*-168 Flossy Cicero*-169 |
Pre-Celebration Saw Dan Clarke*-170 Pattie Clarke*-171 Mary Ann Grzenia* -172 Stattina Horace* -173 Cindy Kaishas*-174 George Kaishas-175 Becky Kurysz*-176 Leo Kurysz-177 Cousin-in-Law Barbara Lettiere -178 Cousin-in-Law Sheila Lettiere-179 Cousin-in-Law Fred Luvich-180 Aynne McLearen -181 Jim McLearen-182 Kristen McRae-183 Amanda Passarelli* -184 Brian Purtell*-185 Jessica Purtell*-186 Tom Queenie*-187 Dan Rediger*-188 Ron Rediger*-189 Tracy Tryban*-190 Sue Wagner*-191 |
| 14. “Core Four in Florida” For the third time I joined on the road the Yankees fans Core Four. What great guys and what a great time. Next year we’ll do it again in a new Core Four city. |
Rays 2 White Sox 1 6/24/2015 (1:10) Tropicana Field St. Petersburg, Florida American League |
Ed Carmosino-192 Tim Chambers-26 Greg King*-193 Jimmy Manzella -194 Mario Narduzzi-195 Steve Teitelbaum -196 |
Fans Met Jean Burt*-197 Georgene McKee* -198 Bruce Paolino*-199 Mary Warszalek* -200 |
| 15. “Florida Converts” Tonight we sat behind two Philadelphia transplants who now root for the Rays. |
St. Lucie Mets 3 Clearwater Threshers (Phillies) 2 (13 Innings) |
Tim Chambers-26 Fans Met Chris Maher*-201 Jack Maher*-202 |
6/15/2015 (7:00) Bright House Field Clearwater, Florida Florida State League (Advanced A) |
| 16. “And the Rains Came” Tropical Storm Bill caused the game to last a mere five innings, and then the rains came. |
Tulsa Drillers (Dodgers) 2 Springfield Cardinals 0 (5 Innings) |
Tim Chambers-26 Fan Met Natalie Vogel*-203 |
6/16/2015 (7:05) ONEOK Field Tulsa, Oklahoma Texas League (Double A) |
| 17. “Bill Missed Us” The other five Texas League games were postponed due to rain. Tropical Storm Bill just missed us tonight. |
Northwest Arkansas Naturals (Royals) 9 Springfield Cardinals 2 |
Tim Chambers-26 Fans Met Lee Williams*-204 Rachel Williams* -205 |
6/17/2015 (7:10) Hammons Field Springfield, Missouri Texas League (Double A) |
| 18. “AL All-Star Team” The travelling troop led by Red Sox season- ticket holders Joel Small and Alan Gerofsky chose to go to Kansas City this year. It is the 17th ballpark to be seen by the group since its beginning in 1998. Tonight the Red Sox defeated the American League All-Star Team by a score of 7-3. That’s right since Royals players lead in the fan voting at nearly every position. It reminds many of the 1957 Cincinnati Reds, when Willie Mays had to be added to the team. |
Red Sox 7 Royals 3 6/19/2015 (7:10) Kauffman Stadium Kansas City, Missouri American League Fans With Peg Bailey*-206 Ed Barber-207 Don Brichta -208 Tim Chambers-26 Ron Chorney -209 Bobby Connelly -210 George Durr -211 Gary Enos-212 |
Michael Francis* -213 Christina Fuhr*-214 Alan Gerofsky-65 Frank Graney-215 Cheryl Hightower* -216 Steve Kaluzny*-217 Brian Kaplan-218 Ed Livingstone-219 Gerry O’Loughlin -220 Jim Pratt*-221 Adi Rappoport*-222 Max Rappoport* -223 Sam Rappoport* -224 Shaina Rappoport* -225 Larry Riddell*-226 |
Fans With Owen Riddell*-227 Mark Rollins*-228 Dave Sereni*-229 Mike Shopmaker* -230 David Shopmaker* -231 Zoey Shopmaker* -232 Irwin Shwom-233 Steve Siegel-234 Ben Small-235 Bruce Small-236 Joel Small-237 Randy Small-238 Richard Small-239 Evan Sokol-240 Gary Sparr-241 Mike Tobin-242 T.J. Tobin-243 Justin Williams-244 |
| FG5. “Stadium Royalty” Once again our group, which is mostly comprised of Red Sox fans, took a stadium tour. It’s an annual tradition. Kauffman Stadium, though the fifth oldest in the Major Leagues, is certainly a member of royalty in the ballparks realm. |
Kauffman Stadium Tour 6/20/2015 (10:00) Kansas City, Missouri Fans With Ed Barber-207 Tim Chambers-26 Ron Chorney-209 Bobby Connelly -210 George Durr-211 |
Gary Enos-212 Alan Gerofsky-65 Frank Graney-215 Steve Kaluzny-217 Brian Kaplan-218 Ed Livingstone-219 Gerry O’Loughlin-220 Larry Riddell-226 Owen Riddell-227 Mark Rollins-228 Irwin Shwom-233 Steve Siegel-234 |
Fans With Ben Small-235 Bruce Small-236 Joel Small-237 Randy Small-238 Richard Small-239 Evan Sokol-240 Gary Sparr-241 Justin Williams-244 Fans Met Morrie Carlson-245 Dakota Strange-246 |
| 19. “Unlimited Hot Dogs” Our group of 33 watched tonight’s game from a suite. When we did that at a 2011 Pittsburgh game, we were initially informed by team leader Alan Gerofsky that we’d be limited to “one hot dog and one hot dog only.” Tonight we ate all the food we desired but still kidded Alan about past hot dog limitations. There were no complaints about tonight’s food which was plentiful and good. |
Royals 7 Red Sox 4 6/20/2015 (6:10) Kauffman Stadium Kansas City, Missouri American League Fans With Ed Barber-207 Don Brichta-208 Toni Cerchi* -247 Tim Chambers-26 Ron Chorney-209 Bobby Connelly -210 |
George Durr-211 Gary Enos-212 Alan Gerofsky-65 Frank Graney-215 Karen Holliday* -248 Steve Kaluzny-217 Brian Kaplan-218 Ed Livingstone-219 Gerry O’Loughlin-220 Jim Pratt-221 Larry Riddell-226 Owen Riddell-227 Mark Rollins-228 Irwin Shwom-233 Steve Siegel-234 Ben Small-235 |
Fans With Bruce Small-236 Joel Small-237 Randy Small-238 Richard Small-239 Evan Sokol-240 Gary Sparr-241 Kathy Tobin-249 Mike Tobin-242 T.J. Tobin-243 Justin Williams-244 Fans Met Tiffani Baldner* -250 Jay Harig*-251 Shelby Nielsen*-252 |
| 20. “Mike Trout’s Angel Stadium” In my Facebook check in, I chose the “Trout” option. |
Yankees 3 Angels 1 (Trout Home Run) 7/1/2015 (4:05) |
Tim Chambers-26 Fans Seen Again Fran Mazenko-253 Jerry Mazenko-254 |
Angel Stadium of Anaheim Anaheim, California American League |
| 21. “$2 Tuesday” A seat seven rows from the field directly behind home plate for $2, beer for $2, and $2 parking. What’s not to like about $2 Tuesday? Absolutely nothing. |
Memphis Redbirds (Cardinals) 13 Colorado Springs Sky Sox (Brewers) 6 7/7/2015 (7:05) |
Fans Met Ernie Campos*-255 Navy Lieutenant Commander Andy Michalowicz*-256 Stacey Michalowicz*-257 Brad Milliman*-258 |
Fan Met Wesley Wasson* -259 Security Service Field Colorado Springs, Colorado Pacific Coast League (Triple A) |
| 22. “Cousins + Two” I haven’t laughed so much in a long time as tonight with six cousins and two friends. Not even rain could dampen our spirit. The beer pavilion was dry, unlike the rock pile. |
Angels 3 Rockies 2 7/8/2015 (8:47) (2:07 Rain Delay) Coors Field Denver, Colorado Cousin Dominic Lettiere-154 |
Second Cousin Dominique “Dee Dee” Lettiere -260 Second Cousin Michele Lettiere-261 Cousin-in-Law Sheila Lettiere-179 |
Fans With Cousin Diane Piazza-164 Cousin-in-Law Doug Piazza-262 Brett Rutz-263 Lauren Stamm*-264 Interleague |
| 23. “Remembering Mare Island” It’s nice to pay tribute to a closed shipyard with the name “Admirals.” A lively crowd ranging in age from one to 90 had a great time thanks to the efforts of owner Kathy Beistel. |
Pittsburg Diamonds 7 Vallejo Admirals 1 7/25/2015 (5:05) Wilson Park Vallejo, California |
Fans Met Admirals Owner Kathy Beistel*-265 Henry Fassinger* -266 Joseph Mickelsen* -267 Lorraine Mickelsen* -268 |
Fans Met Admirals President of Marketing and Sales Kevin Reilly*-269 Pacific Association of Professional Baseball Clubs (Independent) |
| 24. “The Sons of Italy” I joined the Redding Chapter of the Sons of Italy that includes my cousins Diane and Doug Piazza for a Cross-Bay rivalry game. Being half-Italian myself, I definitely fit in well with this bunch. |
Giants 2 A’s 1 7/26/2015 (1:05) AT&T Park San Francisco, California Interleague Fans With Gerry Carroll* -270 |
David Costa*-271 Steve Delben*-272 Roxanne Delben* -273 Carole Dellaragione*-274 David Johnson-19 Liz LaMarre*-275 Jason Mar-91 Pat Malotte*-276 |
Fans With Paul Monette*-277 Jim Nobli*-278 Rose Nobli*-279 Diane Piazza-164 Doug Piazza-262 Sharon Roberts* -280 Shali Shoults*-281 Randy Yaple-107 |
| FG6. “Three-Hour Breakfast” There are lots of things to discuss when graduates from 51-years back gather. That’s why the breakfast gathering last three hours again. |
Napa High School Class of 1964 Men’s Breakfast 7/27/2015 (9:30) Emmy Lou’s Diner Napa, California |
Gary Abraham-7 Jerry Belden-8 Mike Crane-11 Frank Davidson-12 Jerry Davis-13 Ray Guadagni-17 Ken Harbison-18 Ellwin Jobe-4 |
Fans With David Johnson-19 Don McConnell-21 Bill Murray-282 Fred Teeters-24 Fan Met Mimi Ramirez*-283 |
| 25. “PITCHfx Home Plate Ump” For the first time in professional baseball history, a computer called balls and strikes. |
San Rafael Pacifics 7 Vallejo Admirals 3 7/28/2015 (7:05) Albert Park |
Kathy Beistel-265 Former Player Eric Byrnes*-284 Larry Jones-285 Fan Met Kerry Hunt-286 |
San Rafael, California Pacific Association of Professional Baseball Clubs (PAPBC) (Independent) |
| 26. “PAPBC – Check” The box is checked with this game. I have been to every PAPBC ballpark. |
Pittsburg Diamonds 5 Sonoma Stompers 3 |
Pre-Game Saw Larry Jones-285 Step Mom Maxine Jones-287 |
7/29/2015 (7:05) City Park Field #1 Pittsburg, California PAPBC (Independent) |
| 27. “Mississippi Heat” In the heat of a 90-degree humid night, I finally saw a game in the state of Mississippi. |
Mississippi Braves 7 Biloxi Shuckers (Brewers) 0 8/7/2015 (7:10) |
Dee Dee Jones-133 Son Keith Jones-288 Daughter-in-Law Leslie Jones-289 |
Pre-Game Met Jo Barnard*-290 MGM Park Biloxi, Mississippi Southern League (2A) |
| 28. “Eastman Kodak Experience” My Kodak cameras and area resident Tom Eastman were a perfect Louisiana combination in greater New Orleans. |
Round Rock Express (Rangers) 12 New Orleans Zephyrs (Marlins) 7 8/9/2015 (4:00) |
Tom Eastman-124 Dee Dee Jones-133 Pre-Game Met -291 Morgan Blanchard* -292 |
Pre-Game Saw Riley Blanchard* -293 Zephyr Field Metiere, Louisiana Pacific Coast League (Triple A) |
| 29. “2015 Murderers’ Row” Tulowitzki, Donaldson, Bautista, Encarnacion is it. |
Blue Jays 9 Angels 2 8/21/2015 (7:05) |
Kenny Jones-294 | Angel Stadium of Anaheim Anaheim, California American League |
| 30. “Closing Time” In the last game ever at New Britain Stadium (since the team in 2016 is moving to Hartford), it seemed like nobody wanted it to end. After 15 innings, we finally had a game winner. Ex-Major Leagues players were here in force to say “good bye” to a nice ballpark with lots of history. |
New Britain Rock Cats (Rockies) 7 Portland Sea Dogs (Red Sox) 5 (15 Innings) 8/30/2015 (1:35) New Britain Stadium at Willow Park New Britain, Connecticut |
Fans Met William Guzze*-295 Doug Kern*-296 Saw Post-Game Alan Gerofsky-65 Jimmy Manzella-194 Mario Narduzzi-195 Steve Teitelbaum-196 Celebrities Seen Former Players Frank Catalanotto-C17 Darrell Evans-C18 HOF Rollie Fingers-C3 |
Celebrities Seen Former Players George Foster-C4 HOF Ferguson Jenkins -C5 Jim Leyritz-C19 Brian Looney-C20 Mike Torrez-C21 Jon Warden-C22 Gary Waslewski-C23 Eastern League (Double A) |
| 31. “Friendly Détente” I brokered a deal for the Yankees Fan Core Four to go to a game at Fenway Park with Alan Gerofsky, the Mayor of Section 17. I replaced one of the Core Four and was shocked by how the fans from opposite sides of the divide liked each other. It’s like when a Berlin Wall came down in the Northeast. |
Red Sox 4 Yankees 3 8/31/2015 (7:10) Fenway Park Boston, Massachusetts American League Pre-Game Met Kelli Benasky* -297 Fans With Peg Bailey-206 P.J. Costa-298 |
Tricia Costa-299 Sarah Farley*-300 Alan Gerofsky-65 Don Grohman-301 Jay Grohman-302 Alan Hoffman-303 Jimmy Manzella-194 Mario Narduzzi-195 Nicolette Scopa* -304 Ron Spinney-305 Pat Sullivan-306 Steve Teitelbaum-196 Jane Tully*-307 |
Fans With Mark Tully*-308 Mark Tully, Sr.*-309 Mike Tully*-310 Terry Vazquez-311 Gerry Vitti-312 Fans Met Katie Arnsperger* -313 Liz Roberts*-314 Celebrity Seen Former Player and Current Broadcaster Dennis Eckersley-C24 |
| 32. “Ron’s PawSox” Thanks to season-ticket holder Ron Chorney I had a great seat for my first “PawSox” game. Officially the Red Sox. |
Pawtucket Red Sox 10 Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Phillies) 2 9/1/2015 (7:05) |
Pre-Game Saw Jimmy Manzella-194 Mario Narduzzi-195 Steve Teitelbaum-196 |
McCoy Stadium Pawtucket, Rhode Island International League (Triple A) |
| 33. “Room with a Game View” A hotel built next to the ballpark provides an option to have a room with a game view. There’s also a patio restaurant connected to the left field fence. It’s a fan-friendly setup. |
Portland Sea Dogs (Red Sox) 4 New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Blue Jays) 3 (10 Innings) 9/2/2015 (6:35) |
Pre-Game Met Katie Barbour*-315 Christine Coleman* -316 Linda McCue*-317 Met During Game Matt Yaeger*-318 Stephanie Yaeger* -319 |
Northeast Delta Dental Stadium Manchester, New Hampshire Eastern League (Double A) |
| 34. “Here Since 1906” This ballpark is on the University of Vermont campus, and had its first game in April 1906. |
Vermont Lake Monsters (A’s) 4 Hudson Valley Renegades (Rays) 1 |
Pre-Game Saw Christine Coleman-316 Lynda McCue-317 |
9/3/2015 (7:05) Centennial Field Burlington, Vermont New York/Penn League (Single A) |
| 35. “The Other Green Monster” In Red Sox mania Maine, of course the ballpark has to have a replica in left field of Fenway Park’s Green Monster. |
New Britain Rock Cats (Rockies) 3 Portland Sea Dogs (Red Sox) 0 9/4/2015 (7:00) |
Pre-Game Met Elizabeth Knox* -320 Jeff Nappi*-321 Met During Game Beth Cadena*-322 Joe Cadena*-323 |
Hadlock Field Portland, Maine Eastern League (Double A) |
| 36. “Another Boston September with Ruth” For the tenth season in a row, I went to a Fenway Park game with Ruth Flannery. |
Red Sox 7 Orioles 0 9/25/2015 (7:10) Fenway Park Boston, Massachusetts |
Jeff Belanger-324 Joanna Brown-325 Randy Curry-326 Jesse Drotar*-327 Chris Durkin-328 Ruth Flannery-329 |
Fans With Dina Rooney*-330 Gerry Vitti-312 Fan Met Jerry Wellman*-331 American League |
| 37. “In the Pope’s Wake” Like the guy at the OK Corral the day after the gunfight, I said, “Did I miss something?” |
Nationals 2 Phillies 1 (12 Innings) 9/26/2015 (4:05) Nationals Park |
Tim Adams-332 Jason Arnold-76 Angela Montgomery-77 Saw Post-Game Melody Colburn-333 |
Saw Post-Game Kiki Tjiong-79 Washington, D.C. National League |
| 38. “No Vin” For the first time I saw a Dodgers home game without Vin Scully in attendance. He was sidelined by a minor surgical procedure and his team since 1950 was in a funk. It’s a case of no Vin, no win. |
Mets 3 Dodgers 1 10/9/2015 (6:30) Dodger Stadium Los Angeles, California National League Division Series (NLDS) Game 1 |
Tim Chambers-26 Danielle Harrison-142 George Harrison-143 Chuck Holt-144 Celebrities Seen Actor Jason Bateman-C25 Actor Omar Benson Miller-C26 |
Celebrities Seen TV Personality Larry King-C27 HOF Pitcher Sandy Koufax-C28 TV Personality Pat Sajak-C29 |
| 39. “Game Slide” Chase Utley slid into into second base and broke up a double play and shortstop Ruben Tejada’s leg. The play ignited the Dodgers to a four-run seventh inning rally for a come- from-behind win. The commentary began and will last for a good long while. |
Dodgers 5 Mets 2 10/10/2015 (6:07) Dodger Stadium Los Angeles, California NLDS Game 2 Fans With Tim Chambers-26 Chuck Holt-144 Fan Met Carlos Estrellita*-334 |
Fan Met Mari Estrellita*-335 Celebrities Seen TV Personality Mary Hart-C30 Dodgers Organist Nancy Bea Hefley-C31 Dodgers Executive and HOF Basketball Player Magic Johnson-C32 Comedian Nick Troll-C33 |
Celebrities Seen Former Pitcher and Manager Tommy Lasorda-C34 Comedian Jason Mantzoukas-C35 HOF Pitcher Don Newcombe-C36 Pat Sajak-C29 Actor and Comedian Adam Sandler-C37 HOF Player Dave Winfield-C38 |
| FG7. “Nadja’s Birthday Party” Nadja Fechter would have turned 69 on the night the Dodgers were eliminated. Fitting. |
Nadja Fechter Birthday Celebration 10/15/2015 (6:00) |
Gerry Bettencourt-1 Mel Fechter-2 Tiffany Fechter-86 Dee Dee Jones-13 Barbara Morrow-5 |
Scoma’s Restaurant (Nadja’s Favorite) Fisherman’s Wharf San Francisco, California |
| FG8. “Sports Memorabilia Interest Group” I had the honor of making a 45-minute slide show presentation to a great audience that enjoyed laughing. |
Ballparks Across America Slide Show 11/4/2015 (10:00) Mesquite Room Sonoran Plaza Surprise, Arizona |
Diane Barish-29 Robert Barish-30 Tim Chambers-26 Frank Daniel-336 Bruce Erricson-16 Rick Gamble*-337 Lyle Hill*-338 |
Fans With Jim Murray*-339 Steve Rothschild -340 Bill Verterose*-341 |
| 40. “A Star is Born?” Outfielder Raimel Tapia went 4 for 4 with a home run and a double. |
Salt River Rafters 12 Mesa Solar Sox 6 |
John Antonoff-32 Tim Chambers-26 Bruce Erricson-16 Susan Price-342 |
11/4/2015 (12:35) Sloan Park Mesa, Arizona Arizona Fall League |
| 41. “A Rare One-Run Game” A 1-0 game is extremely rare in the Arizona Fall League. |
Surprise Saguaros 1 Glendale Desert Dogs 0 |
Tim Chambers-26 Bruce Erricson-16 Charlie Price-28 Jerry Thomas-38 |
11/5/2015 (12:35) Camelback Ranch Phoenix, Arizona Arizona Fall League |
| 42. “Home and Away” We saw the same teams yesterday but at a different ballpark. |
Mesa Solar Sox 4 Salt River Rafters 2 11/5/2015 (6:35) |
Tim Chambers-26 Bruce Erricson-16 Susan Price-342 |
Salt River Fields at Talking Stick Scottsdale, Arizona Arizona Fall League |
| 43. “Back from Tommy John” 2011 fourth-overall pick Dylan Bundy is back after June 2013 surgery. |
Surprise Saguaros 6 Peoria Javelinas 1 11/6/2015 (12:35) |
Tim Chambers-26 Bruce Erricson-16 Charlie Price-28 Susan Price-342 |
Salt River Fields at Talking Stick Phoenix, Arizona Arizona Fall League |
| 44. “Back to Don & Charlie’s” Since 1981, Scottsdale’s memorabilia- packed restaurant has been a must stop for true sports fans when in the area. |
Scottsdale Scorpions 5 Salt River Rafters 4 11/6/2015 (6:35) Fan With Tim Chambers-26 |
Bruce Erricson-16 Jerry Jahn-343 Susan Jahn-344 Susan Price-342 Pre-Game Saw Again Shelly Lemonds-345 Kathy Popp-346 |
Fans Met Daniel Badal*-347 Kara Murray*-348 Scottsdale Stadium Scottsdale, Arizona Arizona Fall League |