Must experience sights in Major League Baseball

Cover Image
Photo credit © Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Sometimes when you do something over and over, you take it for granted.  Like living in San Diego.  Do we appreciate it like someone who is here on vacation?  Recently I have had friends and family come to town, as we all do, and I had time to spend with them as they enjoyed what we do every day in San Diego.  Sunday I sat down on the left field line and just sat there enjoying the game next to folks who had never been to Petco Park before.  I also took the time to watch one of the best spectacles in baseball: Military Appreciation Day at Petco Park. 

I sat and thought of all the ballparks that I have seen through the years and have come up with my must-see experiences in Major League Baseball in no particular order.  

Upper Deck at Dodger Stadium  

Dodger Stadium > Anywhere else pic.twitter.com/sBniFAgCIh

— Dodgers Talk (@LaDodgersTalk) July 24, 2019

There aren't many nice things I will ever say about the Dodgers with the exceptions of Vin Scully, grilled Dodger Dogs and the view from the upper deck behind home plate at Dodger Stadium.  Most anti-Dodger fan have to admit the view as you walk out of their team store is breathtaking.  Add in the memorabilia from Brooklyn, and it's a must experience.   

The Green Monster at Fenway Park  

Nothing beats BP from the top of the Green Monster!Who do you like in tonight’s #MLBNShowcase? #TheRivalry pic.twitter.com/2yLQv2vuw9

— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) July 25, 2019

I have broadcasted many games from Fenway Park, and it's a treat to see that type of history.  But it's just different from anything a West Coaster has ever seen in their life because it's just so darn old.  You walk through and see the cracks in the cement concourse and the uneven pathways.  The seats are so cramped you wonder why anyone loves this place.  But when you get a chance to see the ballpark from the top of the Green Monster, you experience nirvana.  It is like a master artist laid their perfection before your eyes and you pinch yourself at the perfection.  

The fountains in KC

View of the famous centerfield fountains at Kaufman Stadium. You can feel the spray as you walk by. pic.twitter.com/wjY17xEL

— Ray E. Boomhower (@RayBoomhower) May 8, 2012

They have been around forever in KC, but to stand next to the cascading water is a treat for anyone.  Watching on TV does not do them justice.  

Fireworks in Oakland 

Our Pixar Fireworks night presented by Delta Dental is TOMORROW! Bring out the entire family for a night that everyone will love.https://t.co/aQsMBp9Vio pic.twitter.com/Veq35eHHoH

— Oakland A's (@Athletics) July 26, 2019

The Athletics have held Friday night fireworks for years to help sell tickets.  They have probably the longest and most intense shows in sports, and they get bigger and better each season.

Milatary Appreciation Sunday in San Diego

On this #SDMilitary Sunday, the #Padres are proud to present the newest members of the @USMC! ---- pic.twitter.com/v0xRRnk4NF

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) July 28, 2019

Thank you to the F-18 Hornets from Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 101, stationed at MCAS Miramar, for today's flyover! #SDMilitary ---- pic.twitter.com/oi97zvHlFU

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) July 28, 2019

There is nothing better than a Sunday at the ballpark, except when it's at Petco Park.  I got a chance to see the Marines that were honored on Sunday as they came into Petco Park.  As the Soldiers, Airmen, Coast Guardsmen, Sailors, and Marines line the baselines each Sunday, it is quite a sight to see.  The playing of the Marine Hymn gives you chills when it's played and you see the recruits from MCRD San Diego sit in the upper deck down the right field line. The flyby at the end of the national anthem brings smiles to the sellout crowd. All in all, it is one of the best sights you will ever see at the ballpark.  But I saw something even more touching this weekend.  I saw the faces of the young Marines as they streamed past me through the turnstiles on Sunday.  It dawned on me that they are the same age as the players on the field that we come out to see play all season long, which makes the Padres' tradition of honoring them on Sunday mean even more.  It's just another reason why San Diego is so fantastic and going to Petco Park is something none of us should take for granted.   

Rich Herrera

Rich Herrera

Rich Herrera

Rich Herrera