BCC's of the GT
(Not that we need a frame of reference on this subject, but we'd be foolish not to check other sources. Fortunately, we have this puff piece to rely on, written by a BCC!)
| Beer Cart Chick Service (at least from early May through late August | No Beer Cart Chick Service |
| Connecticut | Connecticut |
| Airways (Suffield): generally good service provided by the members of the prune juice drinking demographic that operate the cart. | Banner Country Club...and Resort (Moodus): maybe you can get a "spa treatment" instead. |
| Blue Fox Run (Avon): generally pretty good course coverage over all 27 holes, til around half an hour before sunset. Site of, hands down, the funniest BCC story of all time, at least according to Golfer Number Two and Rabbit Ears. | Brooklyn CC (Brooklyn, go figure): seems implied that one should BYOB here. We respect mgmt's decision not to put anyone on the course carrying cold beverages to "interfere with the enjoyment" of this fine Goat Track. |
| Copper Hill, a/k/a "The Goat Track" (East Granby): usually good, occasionally exceptional BCC service, although it is very depressing when one walks up to the 1st tee in early spring or fall and sees the beverage cart imprisoned in the cart corral. They do offer "rent-a-cooler" service when the BCC's aren't around, which is appreciated. | Chanticlair (Colchester): BCC? no chance in hell. There is a vending machine though, which we appreciate because it reminds us of the one behind the 6th green at our favorite former stomping grounds, Canton Public (moment of silent reverence, please). |
| Goodwin GC, a/k/a the "Urban Goat Track-South" (Hartford): the only course we've run across that actually makes it sound like they feel bad when there's no BCC on the course; gotta love the plastic bag w/beer (6 for the price of 5) and ice available at the 19th to take out on the course. Classic Goat Track beverage toting. | Fairchild-Wheeler a/k/a "Ferris Bueller" (Fairfield/Bridgeport line): course going through "rehab"; trying to class the place up by implementing a dress code etc.; probably little good comes from having a BCC here. |
| Hawk's Landing (Southington): winners of the 2008 BCC of the Year award, but we've run into spotty service on occasion. | Fenwick (Old Saybrook): advisable to bring something to drink, since there's no water on the course either. |
| Keney a/k/a The Urban Goat Track (Hartford - north end): home of one of our all-time favorite BCC's, but don't hold your breath if you're waiting to be offered a beer on the course after 6 p.m., 6:30 at the latest. You have a much better chance of scoring a rock or a dime bag on the other side of the park. | |
| Tradition GC (Windsor): as consistent as the course maintenance; draw your own conclusions | Rockledge (West Hartford): good 19th with a balcony/deck and "upscale" service, so we can't complain too much (despite the unmatched misery that Rockledge consistently provides Golfer Number Two every time he gets near the parking lot). |
| Vermont | Simsbury Farms (Simsbury): no BCC, but a great patio for hanging out before and/or after the round. The "smooth jazz" piped in through the outdoor speakers is just a bonus. |
| Okemo Valley GC (Ludlow): long ago (circa 2000), there was a BCC at this fine course...and we were happy. (longer ago, mid '90's, it was the Fox Run course, an absolutely great Goat Track, and we were even happier). On the last trip there, in 2007, there was no BCC...and we were not quite as happy. | Skungamaug, a/k/a "The Skunk (Coventry, part of Coventry's "dynamic duo") |
| Tower Ridge (Simsbury): used to be private, when it was known as Cliffside CC. As Ron Burgandy would say, "stay classy." | |
| Tunxis Plantation (Farmington): there are a couple of "refreshment shacks" strategically located within this 45-hole flood plain golf compound, but consider yourself forewarned if you're inclined to think outside the box. Although there is a paved cart path that leads to the package store across the street from the course on Route 4, the managment (rangers) generally frown upon golfers following the proverbial yellow brick road to grab some beers when the on-course shacks are closed. Way back when, Ornery Bob, after some encouragement from Golfer Number Two, took the initiative to find beers that the course service staff was not willing/able to provide. Shame on us. In what was an apparent standoff between young and thirsty vs. old and cranky, we caught way more crap than we expected. We should've sent Ornery Bob back over for another 12, just to make our point. |
|
| Twin Hills (Coventry, the other half of "the dynamic duo"): no real reason not to have a BCC here | |
| Westwoods (quasi-executive muni Track, Farmington): probably for the best that there's no BCC here; advisable to keep one's head on a swivel at this Track. No one wants to get his ticket punched getting pegged in the temple with a screamer from the next hole over while tipping one back, although there are surely worse ways to go. | |
| Massachusetts | |
| Edgewood (Southwick) | |
| Oak Ridge (Feeding Hills) | |
| New York | |
| Grossinger's Little G (Liberty): according to Sherpa JB, you're hard-pressed to find anyone on this pristine course, let alone a BCC. | |
| Van Cortlandt a/k/a "Vanny" (Bronx, NYC): it's in the Bronx, enough said. | |
| Vermont | |
| Killington: working the "resort course" angle; much better to have golfers tripping over their tongues on their way off the course, so that if they make it to the 19th, they can gladly hand over their wallets for just the mirage of a beer. Goes without saying that this was a less than enjoyable round, despite the "breathtaking views." |
The Goat-Track.com BCC Review Archives:
On the one hand, we're somewhat embarassed that this is the only BCC writeup of the year, on the other, we're glad that we pulled back enough not to waste our readers' time and let the Tracking Public know that the GT site is more about quality over quantity. (The only other BCC's worthy of a writeup this year were the group at Blue Fox Run, who were swarming over the course and demonstrating great BCC skills and talent)
The Winner(s) of the 2009 BCC of the Year Award is/are...Leia and her sidekick at Copper Hill, based on their enthusiasm displayed during an 8/20 lap around the Ol' Goat Track (no doubt due to the fact that their summer jobs were wrapping up).
A great job of under-promising and over-delivering, as the beverage cart sat idle while Sherpa Jeff and Golfer Number Two embarked on the
ir tune-up for the fourth Goat Track Minor Event of the season. This seemed to be an extension of Copper Hill's masterful job of lowering expectations at the first Goat Track Minor Event back in April, when the beverage cart was in lockdown.Then came the hard-charging BCC cavalry; closing fast on the 3rd hole. The cavalry metaphor is important here because Leia's BC sidekick apparently came from the paddock across the road from the GT, with her riding boots on. Giddyup.
Things may have started to take a slightly different turn after that, based on adding the following variables at the next BCC pit-stops:
- "test tube shots": generally speaking, if you're being offered test tube shots for personal consumption...or...the opportunity to buy test tube shots for the person(s) selling them to you, you have transcended the golf experience and either moved to the next level or flashed back to something vaguely resembling it. Sherpa Jeff set the table for this when, after some encouragement from the BCC's, he signed on for the "I'll buy you both a shot if I make this 30-foot putt" [on the 8th]. Good planning on his part; based on the greens being what they were, there was no chance in hell he'd sink that putt. The BCC's, astute as they were, sought the next shot opportunity, Golfer Number Two's chance at saving triple bogey from 10 feet. Cha-ching..
- "the bouncer": there was a fairly chatty, space-eating gentleman in a cart running alongside the dynamic BCC duo after the first stop. In all of our Goat Tracking experiences, we've never run across a Beer Cart Motorcade. This, the first for us, obviously struck an inquisitive note. The only things missing were a velvet rope, a cover charge (which we paid at the pro shop), and a brass pole.
At that point, the "collective unconscious," as defined by Carl Jung, started to kick in. Maybe it wasn't the true "collective unconscious," but it sure seemed to resonate with Trackers accustomed to the old 19th at Keney, (which was off-site and did have a brass pole). That subsection of the "collective unconscious" is tuned like a Stradivarius to such things and generally puts, "boots, 'buy me a shot,' and bouncer" into a certain framework. No need for further elaboration. The Disney-esque quality in which it was pulled off and the sheer entertainment value of it, in the most harmless of ways, earns the Copper Hill BCC staff this year's award.
And the winner of 2008 BCC of the Year is....the staff at Hawk's Landing. It may seem kind of weak not to single out a particular BCC for the award this year, but the judges determined that Hawk's Landing had the best overall "talent pool" of any Track we played this year, based in large part on the staff working the deck at #19. Time spent there was too enjoyable, particularly during the "shift change," for them not to be recognized with this prestigious award. We hope that Morgan will graciously accept on behalf of her dedicated co-workers. (this wasn't a slam dunk, based on our second time around the Track in July, but there were enough votes to push them over the top)
And so it is that 2007 GT BCC of the Year, Heather, who plied her considerable skills at Goodwin, hands over the sash...
2008 BCC Reviews
11/14/08 @ Airways (Report filed by Sherpa JB, following some general Track recon). I wandered into the clubhouse, just to waste some time, and witnessed a BCC who seems to have made the transition to Grill Chick. She was frying burgers and serving beers to patrons and looked good doing it. She wasn't in the same class as witnessed at Bali Hai in Vegas a couple of weeks ago, but was well north of the bell curve that we usually grade on, so I just felt it important to report this news. (editor's note: just the fact that there was a BCC/GC at Airways who's not a card-carrying AARP member is shocking)
9/10/08 & 9/17/08 @ The GT. Post Labor Day, reality sets in. The jury's still out as to whether it's better to be ignored by a BCC during peak Goat Tracking season (see 6/15 comment) or actually have course-side beverage service via a BCD (Beer Cart Dude) after the BCC's have left and the "talent pool" has dried up. The consensus is that, althought it's not the best possible outcome, as long as someone's toting beer in a golf cart, it will appease the masses; and there's generally less bitching from people who've had a beer than from people who were not affoded the opportunity. So, while we applaud the GT's efforts to keep the drinks flowing, the GT cannot have a candidate for BCC of the Year.
7/2/08 @ the GT. Based on the 6/4 BCC review by Sherpa Jeff, the "working analogy" for tonight's BCC effort is "make up sex." That said, we were half-expecting to be ignored again as the BCC was making laps around the Goat Track like it was the NASCAR event at Loudon, but she did eventually catch us after #2 and made several return trips, which may have rinsed away the bad taste left by the BCC debacle on 6/4. She even got a chuckle out of Judy talking during Matt's backswing at the tee on #6, with her "nice butt, nice wiggle" comment. For now, the GT BCC is off "double secret probation."
6/25 @ the UGT. Altough we're not big fans of Keney's policy to have the BCC leave the course to bartend at 6:00 or 6:30, as is generally the case, we can't fault Jen for that. In fact, she may well be the best BCC that Keney has had in quite some time, which may not say a whole lot, but the fan base is growing and justifiably so. We look forward to seeing Jen during our next round and appreciate her efforts thus far. Not that it's an award that she would care to win, but Jen does display many of the attributes that could earn her Miss BCC 2008.
6/12/08 @ Blue Fox Run. Apparently BFR (under the same ownership as Copper Hill a/k/a the Goat Track) has taken a page out of the GT's training manual from last year, i.e., "the BCC in training program," with a BCC and a BCC assistant making the rounds. Our BCC for this round was cute and pleasant, making her a good mentor for her trainee, who was either really studious or just along for the ride and disinterested in her summer job because she didn't say a word. This may not bode well for the trainee. Overall rating 3 1/2 coolers out of 5.
6/4/08 @ the GT (Copper Hill, courtesy of Sherpa Jeff). "The BCC approached and passed us at 15 m.p.h. near the first green, never to be seen again. She did say "hi" on her way by though." This seems out of character for the BCC's at the GT. We'd like to chalk it up to the fact that she may have just started, since most college students have only been home for 3 weeks or so, but that may be a stretch. This raises an interesting question, is it better to be blown off entirely by the BCC (Keney's specialty) or to be lured in, convinced that she'll stop, then left hanging? A good opportunity for self-reflection right there...
5/29/08 @ Hawk's Landing. Morgan was the most diligent BCC we've run across in quite a while and was reasonably "talented"; however, the name led us to wonder whether she might be using a fake name for work, not unlike some people we've run across at other venues named Autumn, Dakota, Summer, Savannah, etc. She circled our group more times in 15 minutes than the average BCC at Copper Hill, Keney, or Airways would in a month. Good job and a possible contender for 2008 BCC of the Year. Overall rating 3 1/2 coolers out of 5.
5/14/08 @ the GT (Copper Hill). Since this marks the first BCC sighting of the Tracking Season (for purposes of this page), this is the benchmark. Bad job on our part for not pulling information from the BCC. Then again, it didn't seem necessary, her good deeds and personability didn't need to be drawn out. She gets points for finding, retrieving, and returning a sweatshirt lost by a member of our group and additional points for intriguing most of the group with the small stud piercing above the corner of her lip. Good job of going above and beyond the call. Highly commendable and we don't expect to see that level of effort again anytime soon (this prognostication/BCC prophecy was fulfilled on the 6/4 review)
5/10/08 @ the UGT (Keney). In true Goat Track fashion, during today's late afternoon round it looks like the folks at Keney have applied the GT theory on practice greens to the BCC, i.e. , if the sign in the pro shop says the BCC is on the course, don't expect to see one, if it says she's off the course, you may have a 50/50 shot. Both clever and somewhat irritating. Well played, Urban Goat Track.
2007 BCC Reviews
9/20/07 @ Airways. This Track has always had the most reliable BCC's. Much like US Airways flight attendants, they may be a bit older, but they're always reliable and friendly. Throw that load of crap out the window and let someone else scoop it up! Although the Airways BCC was ten years younger than we were accustomed to (i.e., barely AARP eligible), the "last call at 5:30" didn't sit well with the Trackers at the fourth Minor and understandably so. All present would've traded those ten years of "youth" for another appearance or two by the cart.
9/14 @ Goodwin. Although it provided the front-runner for BCC of the Year, Goodwin needs to work on its recruiting. Post-Labor Day, many Trackers have been left hanging high & dry because Goodwin only seems to recruit BCC's from the college ranks (not complaining, just hoping for alternatives when necessary). That said, on this incredibly hot and humid day, DM and I were "forced" to go to the 19th for refreshment, where we met Michelle. Kudos to DM for opening the conversational floodgates. The most noteworthy comment from Michelle (and there were many) was how she kept getting speeding tickets in her Infinity I-20 (or was it an I-30?). What college student, at Central no less, is driving a car like that? By her own admission, Michelle isn't "book smart", but is great nurse material because she likes dissecting things (I'm sure I'm not the only one shuddering at this thought). Style points awarded for her double piercing (i.e. the bar in her ear, in one side and out the other, as are most comments and thoughts, possibly). These were just the highlights, but this was possibly the most disturbing conversation with a BCC or quasi-BCC since Due Passe was involved a few years ago.
9/2 @ Goodwin. Heather is the pre-eminent candidate and front-runner for BCC of the Year (her ascension to this status may be due in part to an 'Amelinda backlash' after the UGTO). She scored very high on all relevant criteria, which are kept as secret as the formula for Coca-Cola. That said, she also scored major points for sporting "Jackie O" shades while making her rounds and being the coolest BCC of the year.
7/17@ the UGT. The folks at Keney kicked it up a notch today. After what can only be described as a major disappointment on the BCC front at the Urban Goat Track Open (6/14/07), we were faced with a beer cart DUDE on the third hole (the guy who usually works the register in the pro shop). Completely unacceptable. Due Passe and I were so scarred by this abomination that we didn't win another hole on the front nine. After various rants were issued regarding this subject, we saw a new BCC in the distance on the 9th; an apparent oasis in the desert, as it were. Apparently Due Passe needs glasses because his recon from 200 yards out was less than accurate. Suffice it to say that we were left to wonder whether we were better off with the BC dude or the BCC that eventually showed up. In all fairness, she was personable and efficient, but Fred was kind of disappointed that her tattoos were so obvious (and large) that he didn't get to ask his signature question, "do you have any tattoos?" Kudos on her part, I suppose for pre-emptively answering the question. This poor showing served two purposes: 1) lowering the bar for Amelinda, who apparently needs to be graded on a curve and 2) bringing the dynamic duo from the GT back into serious contention for Miss GT 2007.
6/14 @ the UGT. Amelinda disappointed the Trackers today, en masse. First, the highlights: charm...Amelinda has no shortage of that; based on first impressions from this group and my prior experience earlier in the season. By getting out of the gate well at the UGTO, it looked like she was going to nail BCC of the year honors shut. Then reality set in and we realized that, much like the Red Sox, you can't clinch anything meaningful in June (of course the Red Slobs ultimately took care of their business, unfortunately). The "lowlights": apparently BCC's at the UGT call it a day around 6:30, which is fine; however, Amelinda did herself a disservice in the running for Miss GT 2007 (whether she realized it or not) by doing a poor job of setting and meeting expectations, not to mention blowing off the two other groups of Trackers entirely. We're all used to being disappointed, but much prefer to get a heads up that we will ultimately be disappointed, rather than be surprised by it. It may take an "extraordinary act," to quote Sherpa JB, at a future event in order for her to regain her front-runner status for this prestigious award.
5/21 @ the UGT. On Dollar Day, we met Amelinda's counterpart (apparently Amelinda's the weekend BCC). I wasn't wearing glasses, so I couldn't read the name tag, so she's still anonymous here, but she gets points for being exceptionally organized and personable, both of which are assets on Dollar Day. Her talents would definitely help the BCC trainees at the GT. We hope to run into her again soon.
5/11 @ the GT. The GT BCC's, (plural, as in 2 operating 1 cart; one was a BCC trainee [insert your own "light bulb" joke if you're so inclined]). The early returns were not highly favorable, but there was a re-grading process undertaken; very complicated stuff that requires serious "contemplation before execution".
5/4 @ the UGT. The first official BCC sighting of the 2007 Tracking season was of the lovely Amelinda at Keney (UGT) 5/4. After playing a couple of nines at the UGT, what a refreshing change... to be offered a distraction and a beverage while closing out a match. The consensus is two thumbs up on all criteria; the fact that Amelinda was wearing a name tag just highlights how customer-friendly Keney is and why it's near the top of my list of favorite Tracks.
Rabbit Ears and I were not camera-capable, so there's no photographic documentation of Amelinda's skills and talents; however, being first has its privileges and she will be the benchmark for other BCC's during this Tracking season.
As noted on the Yankees Haiku page, back in 2007 yours truly headed to Florida for some r&r and to catch some Grapefruit League games. In the spirit of the GT course reviews, some observations from the four ballparks visited during the trip are posted below...
More current info.: field correspondent and esteemed Goat Tracking Sherpa Friar Tuck provided some good insights from his 2009 boondoggle on the Gulf Coast (reviews of the RedSlobs and Pirates spring training ballparks).
3/8 & 3/10 City of Palms Park, Fort Myers (Red Sox), review provided courtesy of Friar Tuck.
A great facility a mile or so south of the "historic downtown" of Fort Myers. Very easy to find from my base just north of the bridge in North Fort Myers; straigtht down Cleveland, left on Edison. I went to two games there, on Sunday and Tuesday, against the Rays (a win) and against the Orioles (a loss), respectively, not that either one is relevant.
Parking prices are in the $5 - $7 range. At the first game I attended, I paid $5 for a spot in a private lot a block away from the ballpark. The guy overseeing the place seemed like a redneck lush just out of central casting, but since one of Fort Myers' finest was stationed right next to the lot, I took a chance and had no problems.
99% of the seats at the park have an unobstructed sight line. Of course, my original seat fell in the other 1%. If you buy tickets for the right field bleachers, be advised that they are not located in the home run area of right field, but rather along the right field foul line beyond the grandstands. If your seat number is 47-50 in any of the rows, you are going to be looking through a chain link fence and posts to see home plate. Although the City of Palms ballpark does a reasonably good job of replicating the Fenway obstructed view experience, I saw no need to repeat it here; so I found a standing room only place between the lower and upper grandstand seats and parked there for most of the rest of the game. The standing room only places are great because they only allow for a one-person depth and stay shaded along the first base line for most of the game. For the last three innings, one of the seniors they hire as ushers scored me an empty seat in the first row just behind first base. I think it might have been a reward for giving my bottle of water to an older lady who was having a bit of a spell. For the second game, I was in the grandstand along the shady third base line, no chance to improve upon the "Celtic suntan" I acquired on Sunday.
Other Items of Note: Concessions were what you would expect at the prices you would expect, with nothing local from New England (no chowder [chowdah]). The beers were all macros, nothing much to attract this beer snob, although I was happy to see some Amber Bock on sale during the second trip, since I'm partial to the darker brews. The field seemed to be in excellent condition, no worn spots, even though someone forgot to turn off the sprinklers the night before the first game.
They have a board with the retired Red Sox numbers in roughly the same place as at Fenway. The advertising along the outfield wall was a little weird, with New England Ford and (Boston-based) Sullivan Tire sharing space with The Children's Hospital of Southeast Florida and the local Hooters, quite the odd mix. Speaking of the latter establishment, since Hooters originated in this neck of the woods, their orange-shorted representatives were in great supply, giving out 2 for 1 wings deals at all the entrances. Three of their 2009 calendar girls were signing autographs at the Tuesday game.
If I can swing it, I am definitely making this trip again. Palm trees, blue skies, and 80 degrees are a welcome departure from the cold, wet, and dank of New England in March. Next time, I'll also get to the Fort Myers Country Club, a public course played by Edison and Ford way back when. (editor's note: we look forward to an updated review from Friar Tuck once the new ballpark is built, as described in this WSJ article 4/2/08)
"The Good"
3/2 Bright House Networks Field, Clearwater (Phillies)
Hadn't been to this park prior to this year's trip and wasn't sure what to expect, but there was a definite buzz in the air. Was it due to the fans' excitement about the upcoming season? Not quite. The (very audible) buzz in the air surrounding the Phillies was caused by.........the high voltage lines overhead that you walk under while you cross from the parking lot/field to the park.
This is the newest park in the bay area and by far the best. It replaced Jack Russell Stadium, which was old & worn out (also closer to Clearwater Beach, which was a good thing), but had a lot of GT charm & personality to it. Fortunately, this park has a lot of the same features of CB Ballpark in Philly, plus some great extras. This is the only park (other than CBB) I've been to where you can watch the game from the concessions stand and freely roam the concourse without being harassed by ushers and rent-a-cops. There's berm seating in the outfield (which the Lakeland Tigers also have) plus a tiki bar in left field with live music after the game if you don't want to jump right into the post-game traffic. I'd rank getting out of this place as being just about as much fun as trying to get to the Deegan after a Yankee game or being poked with a sharp stick. On the other hand you can probably walk to the park in about 15 minutes from one of the hotels nearby on Route 19 and save yourself a half hour and $8, or you can just ride it out at the tiki bar. Still can't get over how cool that is...
Concessions: you can grab a cheese steak or the local Philly swill, Yuengling. Nice touch.
Foul lines: Although I have the utmost respect for the job Skippy did patrolling the 3rd base line in the Bronx, the Phillies' local corporate partner, Hooters (founded in Clearwater in 1983), provides people to patrol the foul lines with talents that Skippy will never have. (As a side note, it appears that Skippy is no longer patrolling the 3rd base line at the Stadium; inquiring minds want to know what happened, one rumor is that he moved to the clubhouse. Maybe he's in line for Cashman's job after Hank & Hal make the first of what will most likely be several irrational decisions)
"The Bad" or at least "The Annoying"
3/5 Legends Field (renamed George M. Steinbrenner Field in 2008), Tampa (Yankees)
Where to begin...such a long list of unnecessary annoyances at the "off-off-off-Broadway 'Theater of Excellence'"
Let's start with the parking...
Since the Yankees control all the parking near Legends Field, you have a) no chance to park for a few minutes to grab a ticket, leave, and come back later and b) no chance to pay less than $8 (if you're lucky; $10 is the prevailing price). As far as the parking goes, I kind of liked Bradenton and Dunedin. The guys running Ernie's Transmission Repair and Carlson Pest Control were more than happy to let you park on their property for $5; hell, if it cleared out enough, they'd probably let you do donuts on the lawn.
Onto the ticket purchasing...
Apparently the window opens at 10:30 and at that point the line is at least 60 deep, which results in a grand total of ONE window being opened, which is just f'ing great because by the time you get out of the line, you've missed b.p., etc...time well spent, NOT! Of course, there are only two reasons to show up that early for tickets: 1) you think the game will be sold out if you show up near game time or 2) you'd like to choose where you sit. This logic became painfully useless when my requests to 1) get a cheap seat and/or b) "don't put me behind the net" fell flat because they work on a "best seat available" basis. So, after getting gouged for an obscene $25 to sit behind the net/plate and seeing the same crap being sold in the Yankee's souvenir shop for $5 more than it was in anyone else's, I finally had enough of the "INSTITUTIONALIZED ARROGANCE", but still hung around to see Shef get plunked and Bronson Sardinha go yard against Heredia in the 9th for a walkoff HR, so all in all, the game itself was okay.
The other annoyances/disappointments were minor by comparison and probably not worth noting here. That said, although this is considered the pinnacle of spring training facilities, this complex runs counter to all I've ever come to know and revere as a Goat Tracker.
On the plus side, although it was tough to get autographs, career minor league catcher and non-roster player Jason Brown was accommodating all fans who asked, including those who asked who he was.
"The Ugly"
3/3 Knowlogy Field, Dunedin (Blue Jays)
It was "Canada Day" at the ball park, so in addition to handing out Canadian flags to the fans, it also made sense to have incredibly miserable, cold & rainy weather (which only took 3 weeks and 2 prescriptions to recover from).
According to the P.A. announcer, this was voted "one of the 5 best places to watch a spring training game"; no doubt that was on a day when the weather didn't suck and was probably circa 1977 when the Jays started playing there. This place is as worn out as the old Jack Russell, just with less charm and charisma, which I suppose makes it true to its Canadian affiliation. As far as people watching goes, there seemed to be a considerable Canadian fan base there, but none with the "talents" of native Canadians like Evangeline Lilly, Pam Anderson, Shania Twain...or even Stacy Dales, for that matter.
The silver lining in this debacle was the best vendor call of the week, "get your ice cold Canadian beer here......in a Budweiser can!"
"Middle of the road"
3/4 McKechnie Field, Bradenton (Pirates)
Apparently the Bucs got a new park here to keep them in town and by all accounts it's a pretty good place to watch a game, until you realize you're watching the Pirates. At least they had all the ticket windows open to handle the walk-up crowd.
No need to back up the moving truck because it looks like the Pirates aren't leaving the basement (in the NL Central) anytime soon. Upside of this game was that it gave new hope to the BCFC (Bubba Crosby fan club), since he was in camp with the Reds, who beat up on the Bucs that day.
The McKechnie Field update, courtesy of Friar Tuck, circa 3/09
3/6 Progress Energy Park, St. Petersburg (Rays)
(2008 update: I read on a blog that the Rays will move to Port Charlotte starting in 2009, hopefully some other team will fill the void)
Nothing too exciting about this place, but it's a good change of pace after putting up with a boatload of b.s. at Legends Field. On the plus side it's in a good spot, near the marina & St. Petersburg Yacht Club. Also, since there aren't any surrounding facilities and it's basically in the middle of a city block, you can look in at the game through the fence on the first base side if you're just passing by.
After a 2003 visit here, it was determined that the 1st base berm seating was the place to be. Kind of cool being right behind the bullpen, although the people watching wasn't nearly as good as expected, based on what I recall from '03 (Dave M. can confirm that it was the place to be, based on "talent level"). Still, at only $7 for a ticket, how can you complain? Plus, how many times do you get to hear, "now batting, designated hitter, Bubba Crosby"? Classic.
