So, as I pursue my bucket list here and there, I got to go to the San Diego Padres v. Arizona Diamondbacks game last night and it was really fun and a great time.

The stadium is beautiful- good atmosphere, clean, close to the action, open and few walls, an ocean breeze and smell.  The Padres were hosting an awesome Oktoberfest night at the stadium and the food was actually pretty decent.  My brother had a BBQ brisket sandwich that he is still raving about.  I had a “Slugger Dog” that was huge and very tasty, with jalapeno’s, onions, and mustard.  The seats were great seats right down on field level and two balls actually made their way our way during the game- oh so close.  The game was wonderful and as it turns out, I think very highly of Petco Park and the Padre’s game experience.

Left field!

But here is what I thought was very cool.  My brother and I actually got there two hours early and watched batting practice from left field.  The experience of watching players spray the ball around the field, hit home runs into the upper deck off of batting practice 60 mph pitches, pitchers lounge around playing catch and catching the batting practice flies like little kids- that experience is priceless.  There is something about that experience.  In fact, for me it is an almost magical experience.  As a kid, I love playing catch- the game itself is not nearly as fun as the “batting practice” experience.  Just being there made me want to go get my glove.  It reminded me that I love baseball, I love the experience and the magic of playing hit and catch and watching others play too.  It makes me want to get on the field, or just get on a field, and be a kid again playing baseball in the field by my house.  It is a sound of my summers from the past, and one that I absolutely prize.  Thank you to Petco park and the Padres for a great experience at a great ballpark.  Now, only 25 more ballparks to get to.