AT&T Ballpark vs. Wrigley Field

In News And Rumors by aisle424181 Comments

I had the opportunity to take in a ballgame at AT&T Park in San Francisco on Friday so I thought I would put it up against Wrigley to see how it compares.  Of course, I have one game experience at AT&T and hundreds at Wrigley, so this is not intended to be the final word in comparisons.  I’d welcome any additional viewpoints in the comments

Customer Service

Almost everybody I dealt with at AT&T was very friendly and courteous.  The concessions people were very nice, answered questions politely and moved the lines along pretty quickly.  Most of my interactions with concessions was on the Club Level, so I would expect the service to be better there, but I also had an opportunity to get food in the lower level and bleacher area and the service was just as good there.

The ushers held up people from entering aisles when a batter was in the batters box.  Again, this was in the club level so I don’t know if that is standard in the rest of the ballpark, but I thought it was a nice touch.  We were warmly greeted upon entering and also upon leaving.  One woman usher gave me a high-five as we went out after the Giants had won on a walk-off single by Freddy Sanchez.

The one weird, off-putting event was in the bleacher area.  We walked out to the Standing Room area behind the right-field bleachers right above McCovey Cove for the last inning and found a gap where we could see through all of the people standing in front of us (the game was exciting so everyone was on their feet). A security guard told us we had to move back away from the bleachers, so we did, and then immediately a bunch of teenagers moved into the spot we had just been with no word from security.  It was very weird and seemed unnecessary, but we just moved on to another spot where we actually had a better view of the game-winning hit, so it worked out.

I have complained for years that the Cubs’ customer service is atrocious when considering how much money they take from us on a yearly basis while usually providing an inferior product on the field.  Based on my small sample-size I can’t think of a single area where the Cubs do something better to serve their fans than the Giants do and they just won the World Series, so if anyone could take fans for granted, it should be the Giants and not the Cubs.  The Ricketts have made vast improvements in this area, but visiting AT&T highlights how wide the gap still is.

I had a screen shot of a personalized thank you e-mail we received from the Giants, but I can’t get the photo to work and I’m on my way out the door so you’ll just have to take my word for it.

I’m fairly certain the Cubs don’t do anything like this for their ticket purchasers.

Concessions

This isn’t even close.  If we were to liken this to comparing players’ baseball skills, AT&T is like Albert Pujols and Wrigley Field is Koyie Hill.

I stuck mostly with staples so I could compare apples to apples and hot dogs to hot dogs.  The hotdogs were about the same as what you’d find, but the buns were fresh.  Again, this was one time and maybe I just got lucky, but my odds of finding a hot dog with a bun that isn’t too stale or too soggy is about 50%.  We got two hot dogs at AT&T and they were both good quality.

The nachos were drenched in cheese and jalapenos, and they weren’t the lowest quality chips or cheese either.  The only dissapointment was that we ran out of chips before running out of cheese and we opted not to lick the container.  They also had a higher grade nachos available with beans, guac, sour cream and chili available which looked really good if you like all those extras.

I’ve always liked Wrigley’s nachos, but I never really realized how much better simple cheese and chips with jalapenos could be.

Then there was the options.  Oh my lord, the options.  Crab sandwiches. Garlic fries (I ate plenty of garlic fries in San Fran, so I opted not to get them at the ballpark). Something called a cha-cha, which I’m informed is a Jamaican dish.  They had vendors selling hot chocolate straight out of a thermal dispenser backpack that included a dollop of whipped cream, if you so desired.  Think about that the next time you get a tepid chocolate at Wrigley.  They had churro vendors coming around with the sticks of cinammon sugary goodness.  I could go on, but you get the picture.

I know Wrigley has tried to get better with the food options, but again, AT&T just highlights how little bang a fan at Wrigley gets for his or her buck.

The last snack I got was a simple bag of cinnamon-sugar candied almonds.  I love those things and it seems like most minor league ballparks have them available.  As far as I know, they aren’t at Wrigley yet despite needing very little room to operate.  This is a crying shame, in my opinion.

Fans

The fans, for the most part, at AT&T seemed very interested in the game itself.  They watched the game and had opinions on just about all the players.  They seem to hate Miguel Tejada and Mike Fontenot is gaining popularity (he helped himself there with a triple into the gap to get the Giants on the board).  Of course, Buster Posey is the main man in the lineup and in the Giants’ fans’ hearts.  I would assume only Lincecum would come close to Buster, but I didn’t have the pleasure of seeing him pitch.

Just about everyone was wearing orange and black and the tone throughout the game was extremely hopeful despite getting no-hit by Ubaldo Jimenez through the first 5 innings and falling back 3-0 early on.  Every walk or single was greeted with a big cheer as the start of a potential rally.  When they actually came back to tie the game in the 8th and win it on a walk-off single in the 9th, the place went crazy.  

I tweeted in the 9th that it was strange being in a stadium not filled with an impending sense of doom when things didn’t go exactly right.  I guess winning a World Series is good for a healthy sense of optimism.

The bleachers reminded me of the days in Wrigley before the prices went through the roof.  Those are decent enough seats, but they aren’t prime and they aren’t priced like prime seats.  So it was an interesting mix of demographics with limited budgets.  The roving bands of teens were annoying, but they were mostly hanging out in the back of the bleacher area so if we had actual tickets to those seats, I don’t think they would have been a problem.

Up in the club level, there were few blatant businessmen who were only there to entertain clients.  They may have been, but if so, they were better at blending into the fan atmosphere than the folks who try to impress clients with seats at Wrigley.  I didn’t notice many people on their phones.  In fact, Kris and I were probably on the most as we tweeted periodically throughout the game.

Fans are fans, and I think the similarities between the two fanbases far outnumber the differences, but overall, I’d say the fans at AT&T were there for the game. I can’t always say that about the Wrigley crowd.

Logistics

We arrived to AT&T via a ferry from Larkspur across the bay.  Not having to deal with game traffic was a huge plus and we got some great views of the city as we came across the bay. I’d recommend it if you’re in the area.

There was also a ferry that docked in McCovey Cove from Oakland, so that is another good option.  Not that I recommend spending a ton of time in Oakland.  Otherwise, access to the park is pretty good from the city.  It’s right near the Bay Bridge so car access from across the bay is pretty easy.  It’s also far enough from the Wharf and other touristy areas that I imagine knowledgeable drivers can get there from the city itself without a ton of problems, but I didn’t do it so I don’t know how it actually works for drivers.

Once in the park, we had a hell of a time finding the Club Level.  It is possible we are just dense and missed the signage, but I never saw a single sign pointing the way to the 200 level.  We figured it out and discovered the memorabilia area in the Club section that is pretty cool.  Lots of autographed balls and bats, plus other stuff from Giants’s history.  We didn’t have time to spend in there, but I’d definitely go back to check it out further.

Obviously, taking a boat to Wrigley isn’t an option, but the location right off the Red Line and having the Brown Line within easy walking distance is a huge plus.  I’d never want to drive to Wrigley for a night game either since you can’t park anywhere near the ballpark without paying a crapload of money to someone (whether its a private garage owner or the team).  

I always thought the signage in Wrigley Field was pretty good too.  It’s been a long time since I didn’t know exactly where I was going in there, but I don’t remember ever having a problem finding my way around.  So Wrigley has a bit of an edge there, from my experience.

Stadium Aesthetics

AT&T Park is beautiful.  There is no getting around it.  The location gives great views of the Bay, the architecture is classic yet modern, and they did a phenomenal job of getting advertising all over the park without beating you to death with it.

The scoreboard and outfield area is the most heavily advertised and I just didn’t seem to mind it.  This photo doesn’t even include the giant Coke bottle behind the left field bleachers.

Wrigley is still tops in my book from the inside, but it isn’t a runaway and I’d be thrilled if Wrigley was re-done to include the modern features like this that allows for added revenue without distracting from the beauty of the game.  

From the outside, AT&T has Wrigley beat.  The brick facades are fantastic and the surrounding area is very nice and inviting.  For all of the charm of Wrigleyville, it isn’t pretty to look at and we’ve been over how dumpy the outside of the stadium is.

Overall

The day started off great because it was the first homegame since Willie Mays’ 80th birthday, so there was a nice pre-game birthday party for Willie including video testimonials from former teammates, colleagues, and celebrities ending in the park singing Happy Birthday.  It was fantastic to see one of the best players of all-time, even if he was just sitting in a chair taking it all in.  Throughout the game, we were treated to various highlights from the career of the Say Hey Kid.  It was all very well done and Willie seems genuinely touched.

Unfortunately, we didn’t arrive soon enough to get the Mays statue or the orange and black birthday hats they passed out to the fans, but it was still cool.

Any game that ends in a walk-off win is great, and it still baffles me how the Giants are doing it.  Pitching obviously, but Cain started off a little rough and dug the 3-0 hole that the climbed out of in the later innings.  Nate Shierholtz tied it with a 2-run, 2-out single in the 8th, and Freddy Sanchez got the walk-off single to drive in Cody Ross who had led off the 9th with a pinch double. Who are these freakin’ guys?

I really enjoyed the experience at AT&T.  It was nice seeing a couple of good teams in a well-played game.  It was nice having room to roam in the corridors of the ballpark.  It was really nice to be treated pleasantly by the stadium staff.

I still love Wrigley and the feeling of watching my favorite team when they win, but if I removed my personal bias, I’d have to say AT&T is the superior ballpark and the fan experience is far superior.  I’d really like to go back again.


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Comments

  1. Rice Cube

    Glad you had a great time Tim.

    Ironically, even as a NorCal native, I’ve only been to AT&T (then PAC Bell) once. It was a great experience though and about ten thousand times better than the Oakland Coliseum, especially since we had 3B seats.

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  2. Tyler Smith

    That park looks beautiful on tv. I’d love to visit there someday.

    I do think there’s a difference, though…. since you go to so many Cubs games… your experience isn’t fresh. And if you go to lots and lots of games, things like food options become more important. But I can’t imagine anything beating the experience of Wrigley Field.

    I’m glad the Rickett’s are making some improvements. I go there for the game.. and I’d love improvements to the place.. but there’s still nothing in the world like it.

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  3. Berselius

    Breast cancer awareness has to be the laziest way to appeal to women fans. Taking a stand as an org to fight breast cancer is like taking a stand against Nazis.

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  4. Berselius

    Votto gets MVP treatment from the home plate umpire after that strikeout. Shocked he wasn’t ejected.

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  5. Berselius

    [quote name=bubblesdachimp]Castro seems to be getting on top of a lot of balls instead of squaring em up[/quote]
    He hits a lot of balls on the ground

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  6. talkingtocactus

    interesting comparison. i just wanted to say i did have an email saying thanks after i went to wrigley last summer. it was a nice surprise as (being stuck in britain) i’ve only really been to football (soccer) games before and they definitely never do it as far as i know. actually i believe i still have it!

    also on a tangent i agree with berselius about breast cancer awareness. where that comment came from is a mystery to me but hey!

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  7. Berselius

    I applaud mlb, nfl, and anyone who gives money to fight cancer. I just think the link between “give money to fight breast cancer” and “build our brand with women” is incredibly tenuous.

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  8. GW

    [quote name=Berselius]I applaud mlb, nfl, and anyone who gives money to fight cancer. I just think the link between “give money to fight breast cancer” and “build our brand with women” is incredibly tenuous.[/quote]
    there was a bullshit episode about breast cancer awareness. pretty interesting.

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  9. Berselius

    [quote name=GW]there was a bullshit episode about breast cancer awareness. pretty interesting.[/quote]
    What did they say? That everyone is aware that breast cancer exists? Or that it’s become an entire lucrative side industry for Public Relations firms?

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  10. GW

    [quote name=Berselius]What did they say? That everyone is aware that breast cancer exists? Or that it’s become an entire lucrative side industry for Public Relations firms?[/quote]
    yeah, i don’t remember it completely. just that breast cancer awareness is mainly about moving merchandise, there are a lot of other cancers that are more dangerous/prevalent, but not as marketable. If you want to support it, you could do a lot better than buying ribbon clad merch, etc…

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  11. Berselius

    [quote name=GW]yeah, i don’t remember it completely. just that breast cancer awareness is mainly about moving merchandise, there are a lot of other cancers that are more dangerous/prevalent, but not as marketable. If you want to support it, you could do a lot better than buying ribbon clad merch, etc…[/quote]
    Thanks for the info GW. Definitely not surprised to hear that but glad to see that my wild assumptions are true.

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  12. Berselius

    We didn’t get a good look at that play, but it seemed pretty clear to me that should have been an error on Renteria, not Phillips

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  13. Aisle424

    [quote name=talkingtocactus]interesting comparison. i just wanted to say i did have an email saying thanks after i went to wrigley last summer. it was a nice surprise as (being stuck in britain) i’ve only really been to football (soccer) games before and they definitely never do it as far as i know. actually i believe i still have it!
    [/quote]
    I hope the Cubs do it. I bought single game seats for Opening Day last year and never got a thank you or anything, but that was last year. It would be easy enough for them to do.

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  14. Suburban kid

    What’s so great about getting a thank you by email? I agree they should treat you well at the park, but I hate that cheesy over the top thank you shit.

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  15. Aisle424

    [quote name=Suburban Kid]What’s so great about getting a thank you by email? I agree they should treat you well at the park, but I hate that cheesy over the top thank you shit.[/quote]
    It’s just a nice touch. It is simple and easy to do to give you a feeling that they gave a damn you showed up and spent money at the park.

    Sure it’s all marketing since there are links to buy additional seats, but there is also a link to a customer survey so they are marketing, gathering information and being pleasant all in one shot.

    That shit works and the Cubs would be wise to follow suit if they aren’t already.

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  16. melissa

    I bought individual tickets from the Cubs on opening day and received an e-mail from them after that said, “thank you for buying tickets to a recent game.” Other than that they had no personal message other than ads to buy tickets to future games. They also had a box that asked you to give them feedback on your experience.

    I sent them a pissed off e-mail about not being able to get any AT&T service in the park thus rendering my MLB iphone app pointless. It really pisses me off that they don’t have free AT&T wifi in the park, you can get it at every freaking Starbucks and McDonalds. They also happen to be sponsors of the Cubs too. So, their e-mail was basically just an advertisement to buy more tickets but luckily it afforded me the opportunity to bitch at them as well.

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  17. Berselius

    [quote name=melissa]I bought individual tickets from the Cubs on opening day and received an e-mail from them after that said, “thank you for buying tickets to a recent game.” Other than that they had no personal message other than ads to buy tickets to future games. They also had a box that asked you to give them feedback on your experience.

    I sent them a pissed off e-mail about not being able to get any AT&T service in the park thus rendering my MLB iphone app pointless. It really pisses me off that they don’t have free AT&T wifi in the park, you can get it at every freaking Starbucks and McDonalds. They also happen to be sponsors of the Cubs too. So, their e-mail was basically just an advertisement to buy more tickets but luckily it afforded me the opportunity to bitch at them as well.[/quote]
    I thought they were touting increased bandwidth or wifi or something in the park in the offseason. Maybe it was a future scoreboardless “innovation” for people to get highlights.

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  18. melissa

    [quote name=Suburban Kid]I’m sure they read and took your comments on board, Melissa.[/quote]
    (dying laughing) They did actually have one of their “Wrigley Ambassadors” write a personalized reply so I have to give them credit for that. I’m sure she was making the stroking motion the whole time she was reading my complaint.

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  19. Suburban kid

    (dying laughing)

    That one exists.

    I just thought I’d go ahead and URL my question in advance.

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  20. melissa

    [quote name=Berselius]I thought they were touting increased bandwidth or wifi or something in the park in the offseason. Maybe it was a future scoreboardless “innovation” for people to get highlights.[/quote]
    I thought I had heard something about that too which added to my annoyance. My phone indicated that I had 3G service and 3 or 4 bars but it wasn’t actually receiving any signal, internet or cellular network. Couldn’t even text. I was sitting in the lower bowl out in the open so building interference shouldn’t have been an issue. 2 of the people with me were having the same issues with their iphones. I also couldn’t pick up any WI-FI within the park. I wanted to hear the radio call and check the gameday portion of the app so it was disappointing. The app is $15 so you should be able to use it in the actual park.

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  21. mb21

    Great comparison, 424. I really enjoyed reading it and am glad you enjoyed the visit.

    I haven’t had time to read the comments, but I wonder how different the opinions would be if it wasn’t a walk-off win. Those are just damn exciting regardless of who is playing and might give you a biased opinion regarding some of the experience.

    That comes from someone who much prefers the experience in most any other park to Wrigley Field, but I do wonder if it had an impact.

    Excellent point about the almonds and how simple something like that would be to add to Wrigley.

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  22. mb21

    [quote name=Tyler Smith]That park looks beautiful on tv. I’d love to visit there someday.

    I do think there’s a difference, though…. since you go to so many Cubs games… your experience isn’t fresh. And if you go to lots and lots of games, things like food options become more important. But I can’t imagine anything beating the experience of Wrigley Field.

    I’m glad the Rickett’s are making some improvements. I go there for the game.. and I’d love improvements to the place.. but there’s still nothing in the world like it.[/quote]It really depends on what you’re looking for. Most fans favorite ballpark is the one that their favorite team plays in. The reason we know Wrigley is special is because many other fans also love Wrigley, but we also know they don’t cherish it as much as Cubs fans do. I think that perspective is necessary in evaluating the Wrigley experience.

    I’m obviously a Cubs fan, but I’m looking for entirely different things than a lot of Cubs fans when I go to a game. I want there to be easy access to parking. It’s actually one of the things I consider most before going to any ballpark. I hate standing in lines. There aren’t many things I despise more. I want to be comfortable. Imagine there’s this awesome movie you have really wanted to see, but it’s in a theater that’s 100 years old. It’s unlikely you’ll be as comfortable in that theater than if you were at another one. So many things would be better that would make the experience of that same movie superior.

    I’d be lying if I said I didn’t love the Field of Dreams feel to Wrigley Field, but it fades quickly for me. After being there 15 to 20 minutes I’m wanting better food. I’m wanting modern restrooms. I’m wanting easier to access to concessions and the restrooms. I’m wishing I was at a ballpark where I could get in my car and be on my way within 5 minutes after the last pitch. After 15-20 minutes I don’t care about the Field of Dreams. It was awesome for that amount of time. Now I want an experience that makes the modern cost of tickets feel worth it.

    That’s just me though. The feeling of Wrigley fades quickly enough that I haven’t bothered to go there in a decade.

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  23. mb21

    [quote name=Berselius]Cubs should pinch hit Jeff Baker here….oh wait[/quote]Why can’t they?

    /notwatchingthegame

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  24. Aisle424

    @Haudricourt
    Tom
    Albert Pujols hits a blast to center and stands and watches. When CF Carlos Gomez loses it in sun on track, Pujols only gets a double.
    via web Favorite Retweet Reply

    Cubs should not sign Pujols.

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  25. Berselius

    Great outing for Demp today – even better than his last start. Only 81 pitches in 7 innings, 4 K, 0 BB, 10 GB – 6 FB/LD

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  26. melissa

    [quote name=mb21]
    I want there to be easy access to parking. It’s actually one of the things I consider most before going to any ballpark. I hate standing in lines. There aren’t many things I despise more. I want to be comfortable. Imagine there’s this awesome movie you have really wanted to see, but it’s in a theater that’s 100 years old. It’s unlikely you’ll be as comfortable in that theater than if you were at another one. So many things would be better that would make the experience of that same movie superior.

    I’d be lying if I said I didn’t love the Field of Dreams feel to Wrigley Field, but it fades quickly for me. After being there 15 to 20 minutes I’m wanting better food. I’m wanting modern restrooms. I’m wanting easier to access to concessions and the restrooms. I’m wishing I was at a ballpark where I could get in my car and be on my way within 5 minutes after the last pitch. After 15-20 minutes I don’t care about the Field of Dreams. It was awesome for that amount of time. Now I want an experience that makes the modern cost of tickets feel worth it.
    [/quote]
    Would you also like a seat tray for all your spread sheets? (dying laughing)

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  27. Rice Cube

    There’s no reason to drive in downtown Chicago or in Wrigleyville with the CTA being so well-connected, so I never understood what the deal was with so many people wanting to park at Wrigley. Just drive to one of the Metra stations with parking and train in…heck of a lot cheaper.

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  28. Berselius

    I feel the opposite of MB when it comes to parking. Ballparks on public transit lines are a HUGE plus for me.

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  29. Rice Cube

    424, did you get to check out the screen in RF before or after the game where fans can get a peek at the action? I tried to get there for one of the 2002 World Series games but it was obviously packed as shit.

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  30. mb21

    [quote name=Aisle424]Cubs should not sign Pujols.[/quote]Definitely. Who needs another lazy Latino that will build walls in a small clubhouse?

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  31. Aisle424

    [quote name=mb21]
    I haven’t had time to read the comments, but I wonder how different the opinions would be if it wasn’t a walk-off win. Those are just damn exciting regardless of who is playing and might give you a biased opinion regarding some of the experience.
    [/quote]
    I tried to take note of atmosphere throughout the game, even when the Giants were losing and it was pretty cool. They were genuinely excited about any runner reaching base, like they knew it was the start to a rally.

    It was really positive. I don’t think there is a cause-and-effect relationship like Nathan H. from Omaha might think, but it was refreshing.

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  32. mb21

    [quote name=melissa]Would you also like a seat tray for all your spread sheets? (dying laughing)[/quote]I’d like to be able to view my spreadsheets on the scoreboard. That would be awesome.

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  33. Berselius

    [quote name=mb21]I’d like to be able to view my spreadsheets on the scoreboard. That would be awesome.[/quote]
    Just make sure you don’t open up your Alien Porn tabs while you’re on the big screen.

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  34. mb21

    [quote name=Berselius]Great outing for Demp today – even better than his last start. Only 81 pitches in 7 innings, 4 K, 0 BB, 10 GB – 6 FB/LD[/quote]I wish I had waited to publish the Nothing Wrong With Dempster article for a few days. If I’d done that, this place would be re-undiscredited.

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  35. melissa

    There are also buses that go directly to Wrigley from the suburbs so you can park and ride. Very convenient and I think it’s only $4 each way. I do like to drive to the park if I want to hang out before or after the game. I’m aware of a bar where I can park for free that’s close to the park and a surface lot that almost always has space available and is very close so it’s worth the $30. I don’t think parking is as big of an issue if you’re familiar with the area but traffic in and out is almost always a bitch.

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  36. mb21

    [quote name=Aisle424]I tried to take note of atmosphere throughout the game, even when the Giants were losing and it was pretty cool. They were genuinely excited about any runner reaching base, like they knew it was the start to a rally.

    It was really positive. I don’t think there is a cause-and-effect relationship like Nathan H. from Omaha might think, but it was refreshing.[/quote]You guys should have taken Nathan H with you to SF. It would have been a jolly good time.

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  37. Berselius

    [quote name=melissa]There are also buses that go directly to Wrigley from the suburbs so you can park and ride. Very convenient and I think it’s only $4 each way. I do like to drive to the park if I want to hang out before or after the game. I’m aware of a bar where I can park for free that’s close to the park and a surface lot that almost always has space available and is very close so it’s worth the $30. I don’t think parking is as big of an issue if you’re familiar with the area but traffic in and out is almost always a bitch.[/quote]
    I usually park at the DeVry lot and take the shuttle if I’m driving in for a game. IIRC it’s $5

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  38. Aisle424

    [quote name=mb21]You guys should have taken Nathan H with you to SF. It would have been a jolly good time.[/quote]
    I sent him directions, but he missed the left turn at Albuquerque.

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  39. mb21

    [quote name=Berselius]I feel the opposite of MB when it comes to parking. Ballparks on public transit lines are a HUGE plus for me.[/quote]I’m one of those people who hates public transit.

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  40. Rice Cube

    [quote name=mb21]I’m one of those people who hates public transit.[/quote]
    I don’t blame you. Most people suck.

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  41. melissa

    [quote name=Berselius]I usually park at the DeVry lot and take the shuttle if I’m driving in for a game. IIRC it’s $5[/quote]
    I used that lot once for a weeknight game a long time ago. Very convenient. I’ve used the Pace bus from the Northwest suburbs a lot.

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  42. Berselius

    [quote name=mb21]I’m one of those people who hates public transit.[/quote]
    I’m one of those people who fucking hates sitting in traffic

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  43. Suburban kid

    [quote name=mb21]I’m one of those people who hates public transit.[/quote]As Patrick Henry famously said, “Give me convenience, or give me death!”

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  44. Rice Cube

    Did anyone ever do that “offensive LOB%” study for the Cubs? This amount of fail is hilarious.

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  45. Berselius

    Aside from not having to deal with traffic, I like transit because you can do stuff like read a book, play with your phone, etc. when you’re not driving. I’ve gotten a lot of reading done since my bike was stolen a few months ago (dying laughing)

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  46. Berselius

    [quote name=Rice Cube]Did anyone ever do that “offensive LOB%” study for the Cubs? This amount of fail is hilarious.[/quote]
    Zonk said in yesterday’s pregame that the Cubs were 3rd in MLB in hitting and 27th in hitting with RISP. Go figure.

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  47. Rice Cube

    [quote name=Berselius]Zonk said in yesterday’s pregame that the Cubs were 3rd in MLB in hitting and 27th in hitting with RISP. Go figure.[/quote]
    Maybe they’re trying too hard.

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  48. Suburban kid

    [quote name=Berselius]Aside from not having to deal with traffic, I like transit because you can do stuff like read a book, play with your phone, etc. when you’re not driving. I’ve gotten a lot of reading done since my bike was stolen a few months ago (dying laughing)[/quote]You can also get shoved around by dirty or smelly people, and squished with no seat, and made late because of a late train/bus. But mostly I agree.

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  49. mb21

    [quote name=Berselius]I usually park at the DeVry lot and take the shuttle if I’m driving in for a game. IIRC it’s $5[/quote]I can park in Cincy for about $7 and be in my car within 10 minutes after the game. That’s what I want. It helps that I have family in Cincy, but that’s a huge selling point for me. I can catch a weekend series and I fly in Friday afternoon for the evening game. I’m home by midnight on Sunday.

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  50. Berselius

    [quote name=Suburban Kid]You can also get shoved around by dirty or smelly people, and squished with no seat, and made late because of a late train/bus. But mostly I agree.[/quote]
    It certainly helps when you have a job where you set your own hours (dying laughing). I’ve had problems a few times here with buses held up by people getting on the bus and refusing to pay.

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  51. mb21

    [quote name=Suburban Kid]You can also get shoved around by dirty or smelly people, and squished with no seat, and made late because of a late train/bus. But mostly I agree.[/quote]Correct.

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  52. mb21

    [quote name=Berselius]Aside from not having to deal with traffic, I like transit because you can do stuff like read a book, play with your phone, etc. when you’re not driving. I’ve gotten a lot of reading done since my bike was stolen a few months ago (dying laughing)[/quote]I do that stuff while driving. I read, work on my spreadsheets and smoke weed from my 2 foot bong all while driving. I’ve got mad skillz.

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  53. Berselius

    [quote name=Suburban Kid]I would have started DeWitt today, but that’s just me.[/quote]
    Not just you, SK

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  54. mb21

    [quote name=Suburban Kid]Do you fly in on a private jet, or travel among the common people? (dying laughing)[/quote](dying laughing) I fly coach. As much as I’d like to not have to put up with the common man, it’s not a long flight.

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  55. melissa

    [quote name=Rice Cube]Seems unfair that the Reds can hit it out of the park and the Cubs can’t until Carlos Pena comes to bat in the 9th. :-P[/quote]
    fixed

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  56. Suburban kid

    I think it’s funny that the Cubs have two bullpen catchers, while Koyie Hill just sits there doing nothing for two weeks straight.

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  57. Aisle424

    Cubs have not won on a Sunday yet this year. 0-5 so far. This does not bode well for the comeback attempt.

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  58. Berselius

    [quote name=Aisle424]Cubs have not won on a Sunday yet this year. 0-5 so far. This does not bode well for the comeback attempt.[/quote]
    Ari Kaplan agrees

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  59. Aisle424

    [quote name=Suburban Kid]I think it’s funny that the Cubs have two bullpen catchers, while Koyie Hill just sits there doing nothing for two weeks straight.[/quote]
    He’s doing intangible things.

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  60. Rice Cube

    [quote name=bubblesdachimp]soriano had no chance[/quote]
    He couldn’t NOT swung at that pitch.

    And I could be the king of England.

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  61. melissa

    [quote name=Aisle424]Cubs have not won on a Sunday yet this year. 0-5 so far. This does not bode well for the comeback attempt.[/quote]
    How did last year’s team perform on Sundays? I’m assuming they won since this team does the opposite of whatever happened last year.

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  62. Aisle424

    [quote name=melissa]How did last year’s team perform on Sundays? I’m assuming they won since this team does the opposite of whatever happened last year.[/quote]
    They didn’t win much, but this year the team ALMOST wins more, because Lou sucks.

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  63. mb21

    [quote name=Aisle424]Only 31,931 sold for the game today. This is uglier than I thought possible.[/quote]Isn’t attendance down about 4000 from last season? I imagine actual attendance is down almost double that.

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  64. Berselius

    [quote name=Aisle424]Only 31,931 sold for the game today. This is uglier than I thought possible.[/quote]
    A lot fewer in the stands too. You’d figure they could sell out Mother’s Day.

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  65. Suburban kid

    I have 12 minutes left on my laptop battery. Should I bother to go get the plug in the other room?

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  66. Aisle424

    [quote name=mb21]Isn’t attendance down about 4000 from last season? I imagine actual attendance is down almost double that.[/quote]
    I haven’t looked lately, but that sounds about right.

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  67. mb21

    [quote name=Suburban Kid]I have 12 minutes left on my laptop battery. Should I bother to go get the plug in the other room?[/quote]http://www.shouldibothertogogettheplugintheotherroom.com

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  68. Rice Cube

    [quote name=Suburban Kid]I have 12 minutes left on my laptop battery. Should I bother to go get the plug in the other room?[/quote]
    Pretty sure the Cubs can make 3 outs in less than 10 minutes.

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  69. Suburban kid

    [quote name=Berselius]A lot fewer in the stands too. You’d figure they could sell out Mother’s Day.[/quote]Yeah but, maybe not. People might want to spend the day with their moms, who probably don’t want to spend Mother’s Day at Wrigley Field

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  70. melissa

    [quote name=Berselius]A lot fewer in the stands too. You’d figure they could sell out Mother’s Day.[/quote]
    It’s a pretty good weather day too so I’m surprised.

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  71. melissa

    [quote name=mb21]Buying my mom tickets to a Cubs game at Wrigley Field would be the worst decision every.[/quote]
    (dying laughing) I was thinking that too, I’m sure there are a lot of Moms thankful that their family didn’t ruin the day by dragging them to Wrigley. My mom always went to the games with us as a family when we were kids but she did not enjoy it. (We never took her on Mother’s Day)

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  72. Suburban kid

    [quote name=Aisle424]At this rate, SK might still have time for some alien porn before the battery runs out[/quote]6 minutes to spare…(dying laughing)

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  73. mb21

    [quote name=Aisle424]At this rate, SK might still have time for some alien porn before the battery runs out[/quote]Once you start watching alien porn you can’t stop so he’d need his battery. That’s why I keep 7 battery back-ups on hand at all times.

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  74. mb21

    [quote name=melissa](dying laughing) I was thinking that too, I’m sure there are a lot of Moms thankful that their family didn’t ruin the day by dragging them to Wrigley. My mom always went to the games with us as a family when we were kids but she did not enjoy it. (We never took her on Mother’s Day)[/quote]Same with my mom. She’d think she was a horrible mother if I bought her tickets to Wrigley for Mother’s Day.

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  75. mb21

    [quote name=Suburban Kid]6 minutes to spare…(dying laughing)[/quote]last year’s team would have left you 9 minutes to spare. That’s how you know this team is different.

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  76. mb21

    [quote name=melissa]Damn, Peen-ya almost made my 9th inning homer prediction come true.[/quote]I don’t know what’s wrong with me, but when I read this comment I thought ‘homer’ was ‘boner.’ Sorry. (dying laughing)

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  77. melissa

    [quote name=mb21]I don’t know what’s wrong with me, but when I read this comment I thought ‘homer’ was ‘boner.’ Sorry. (dying laughing)[/quote]
    (dying laughing) It’s all the alien porn talk getting you confused.

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  78. mb21

    [quote name=Aisle424]The comments would be so boring without Al’s dumbassery as a constant comedic prop.[/quote]It’s quite entertaining. If the Cubs had come back and won today Al would have talked about how different this team is. Today he’ll say something about sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. I don’t really care how optimistic someone is, but the obvious attempts for him to convince himself and his readers that something special is happening is hilarious. He has literally convinced himself that all the time he is wasting is worth it because it’s part of something larger. Something truly special that will change lives.

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  79. Berselius

    [quote name=mb21]Buying my mom tickets to a Cubs game at Wrigley Field would be the best decision every.[/quote]
    in my case at least

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  80. Rice Cube

    [quote name=Berselius]in my case at least[/quote]

    My mom would yell at me for wasting money.

    /typical Asian’d

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  81. Suburban kid

    [quote name=Rice Cube]The L flag isn’t as funny as the Kool Aid man.[/quote]Remember when Crane Kenney wanted to get rid of the L flag? That was awesome.

    “NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! WE MUST preserve the tradition of the fail flag!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

    /Cubs fans

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  82. Suburban kid

    Not that I wanted to get rid of the L flag. The flags are a cool tradition. It’s just funny thinking about wanting to keep the loser symbol. (dying laughing)

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  83. Rice Cube

    [quote name=Suburban Kid]Remember when Crane Kenney wanted to get rid of the L flag? That was awesome.

    “NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! WE MUST preserve the tradition of the fail flag!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

    /Cubs fans[/quote]
    I didn’t know they tried that. In fact I didn’t know we had an L flag until you guys did the “It’s a way of (L)ife” meme last year (dying laughing)

    It really does seem like the Cubs faithful fear change…might explain their aversion to actual good players and guys who can get on base.

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  84. fang2415

    Just reading this after getting back from 9 innings of offense fail at Wrigley…

    I went to a game at AT&T last year (to watch the Giants beat the Cubs, (dying laughing)) and thought it was all very nice except for the lines at concessions. I went to buy a hot dog at the top of the third and got back to my seat in the fifth. It seriously took almost 45 minutes, and the dog, while very good, cost something like 11 bucks IIRC. (Also, they sold different types of sausages in different booths, so my friend who wanted a veggie dog also had to wait the whole time in a line 20 feet away.)

    So, my impression of AT&T’s concessions was that they were slow but fine for high-end stuff, but needed a low-end option for those of us who just want a quick, cheap, shitty hot dog.

    But yeah, all in all, a very nice park, and a good scene around it. Ass-freezingly cold in the upper deck, but hey, that’s SF in July…

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  85. Rice Cube

    So that Whitenack guy did pretty well yesterday, and Brett Jackson has a hit and a walk plus a SB in five PAs, but why is BJax playing RF-LF but not CF? Adduci was playing CF. Made no sense.

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  86. Suburban kid

    Shows what kind of fan I am. He was drafted by the Cubs two years ago and I didn’t know Richard Robert Whitenack existed.

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  87. Aisle424

    Fang, I noticed the lines were absurdly long before the game started down in the main concourse, but I figured that was just the pre-game rush to get food before the action started. The lines upstairs were not bad at all. We walked up to get our hot dog to an empty station. I waited behind 2 people for the nachos. The longest line was for the bathroom and that moved pretty well.

    Again, this was the Club Level, so it was a bit separate from the main concourse areas and probably not a reflection of the real lines. We did get the cinnamon sugar almonds down in the main concourse after the 7th inning and there was almost no line. I also noticed the bleacher area stuff was very accessible as we passed. But I chalked that up to being after beer sales had ended.

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  88. Suburban kid

    I wonder if MiLB radio broadcasts are blacked out of normal radio station internet streams like with the MLB broadcasts.

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  89. Suburban kid

    I think I’ll start following the Giants. I’d like to follow the Reds again this year, but I don’t like their announcers AT ALL.

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  90. Aisle424

    This has nothing to do with AT&T, but I also had a chance to try an Anchor Steam while out there and that was a nice beer.

    There was also a brewpub we tried called Marin County Brewing that had an excellent chocolate porter. Great nightcap beer.

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  91. Aisle424

    [quote name=Suburban Kid]No offesne, 424, but it sounds like you ate a boatload of food that day.[/quote]
    I pretty much didn’t eat much all day until I got to the ballpark.

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  92. Rice Cube

    Did you guys go across the Golden Gate into Sausalito? The Bay Area is full of all kinds of goodies, glad you guys enjoyed yourselves.

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  93. uncle dave

    Good article and glad you enjoyed your time out here. One major point that I don’t agree on, though — Oakland is now the most interesting part of the Bay Area, and it’s not even close. That wasn’t the case eight years ago when I first showed up here, but it is now…I also like A’s games quite a bit, but that’s another story for another day.

    Anyway. I prefer Safeco to AT&T, but it’s still a pretty nice place to take in a game. My only real objection to it is that the upper deck is quite a ways from the field, though I guess that’s a peril of going to a new ballpark. Also, the lines at the concessions and the restrooms are longer than you might expect for a park that’s relatively new, but it’s not a Wrigley-caliber clusterfuck.

    If that’s all I can find to bitch about, I suppose that ain’t too bad. The place is easy to get to by transit, which is another plus. MUNI stops right outside of the park, and that connects to BART about three stops down the line so you can pretty much get anywhere in a hurry. I’ve never actually drove to the place because there’s no compelling reason to do so.

    As for the fans, the whole city is a hell of a lot more into the Giants than they were a year ago at this time, to say the least. The amount of Giants gear worn on a regular basis increased by about 1000% once they got to the playoffs, and this town is now absolutely foul with beards. I guess it doesn’t hurt that the personality of the team is a pretty good match for Northern California, but it’s been interesting to watch.

    It all makes for a pretty good night out, if you can afford it and if you bundle up. I don’t think I’ve ever been warm in that place.

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  94. Aisle424

    [quote name=uncle dave]Good article and glad you enjoyed your time out here. One major point that I don’t agree on, though — Oakland is now the most interesting part of the Bay Area, and it’s not even close. That wasn’t the case eight years ago when I first showed up here, but it is now…I also like A’s games quite a bit, but that’s another story for another day.

    Anyway. I prefer Safeco to AT&T, but it’s still a pretty nice place to take in a game. My only real objection to it is that the upper deck is quite a ways from the field, though I guess that’s a peril of going to a new ballpark. Also, the lines at the concessions and the restrooms are longer than you might expect for a park that’s relatively new, but it’s not a Wrigley-caliber clusterfuck.

    If that’s all I can find to bitch about, I suppose that ain’t too bad. The place is easy to get to by transit, which is another plus. MUNI stops right outside of the park, and that connects to BART about three stops down the line so you can pretty much get anywhere in a hurry. I’ve never actually drove to the place because there’s no compelling reason to do so.

    As for the fans, the whole city is a hell of a lot more into the Giants than they were a year ago at this time, to say the least. The amount of Giants gear worn on a regular basis increased by about 1000% once they got to the playoffs, and this town is now absolutely foul with beards. I guess it doesn’t hurt that the personality of the team is a pretty good match for Northern California, but it’s been interesting to watch.

    It all makes for a pretty good night out, if you can afford it and if you bundle up. I don’t think I’ve ever been warm in that place.[/quote]
    (dying laughing) Yes, I probably should have mentioned the cold. We were really hoping it wouldn’t go to extra innings.

    Oakland is that much better now, huh? I’ll have to take a look next time. We easily could have spent much more time and not ever repeated ourselves. Didn’t get a chance to do Alcatraz and Muir Woods was packed by the time we got there at about noon on Friday. I could easily have spent a day in Sausalito, and we only briefly hit Pacific Heights and Russian Hill.

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  95. AndCounting

    Nice article, Tim. I’ll go back and read every word of the comments later, but in case no one has said this yet, I had the same experience with the ushers not allowing fans to go to their seats with a batter in the box. We didn’t have great seats, and the usher in our section was a real hard ass about that point. I loved it.

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  96. Rice Cube

    The ushers at hockey arenas (at least at the one in Raleigh; never been to the UC for a Blackhawks game) also won’t allow fans to go to their seats while the puck is in play. It seems like something logical that all teams should do anyway.

    I’m not sure if it’s because the ushers at Wrigley are old and senile or if they don’t care, but I’ve never seen this done at Wrigley. Just have to be a bit more vigilant when heading to the concessions or bathroom when the pitch is about to be delivered; I figure at least 20 seconds in between pitches so just dash to the tunnel while keeping a corner of an eye on the field (dying laughing)

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  97. Aisle424

    The ushers at Wrigley don’t give a damn about anything other than keeping poor people out of the expensive seats.

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  98. Rice Cube

    [quote name=Aisle424]The ushers at Wrigley don’t give a damn about anything other than keeping poor people out of the expensive seats.[/quote]
    ZOMFG. I noticed that too, they kept running people out of the 90% empty section 32 boxes that my friend and I were sitting in. I was like “THERE IS NOBODY HERE” but I guess it’s a hard-line policy that people can’t sneak into the expensive areas no matter what. Makes no sense.

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  99. Rice Cube

    Also, maybe it’s because of the lighting from all the night games they play in SF, but I always thought the Coke bottle and the glove in the bleachers were bigger than they actually were. When I look at pictures these days I barely notice them. But I’m one of the rare fans who actually looks at what’s going on within the field of play rather than the signage…although that Toyota sign at Wrigley would look much better as a Jumbotron presented by Toyota/United/Best Buy/Whatever.

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  100. uncle dave

    [quote name=Aisle424](dying laughing) Yes, I probably should have mentioned the cold. We were really hoping it wouldn’t go to extra innings.

    Oakland is that much better now, huh? I’ll have to take a look next time. We easily could have spent much more time and not ever repeated ourselves. Didn’t get a chance to do Alcatraz and Muir Woods was packed by the time we got there at about noon on Friday. I could easily have spent a day in Sausalito, and we only briefly hit Pacific Heights and Russian Hill.[/quote]

    Yup, Oakland is pretty much like Brooklyn was about two years into its gentrification…all of the artists and restaurants have moved over there, but the housing hasn’t quite gotten crazy yet. It’s definitely worth a look if you get the chance.

    I remember my first order of nachos at that place a little less fondly than you do, though. I got it with all of the exotic stuff on it and really wasn’t expecting it. I mean, they were good, but I saw carrots piled on the chips and my first thought was “what the fuck is this, Russia?” The crab sandwiches make up for it, though.

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  101. Dr. Aneus Taint

    [quote name=GBTS]That’s a really nice drawing of your son, JG.[/quote]
    It’s not a drawing of my son, asshole.

    It’s a painting.

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  102. Dr. Aneus Taint

    Cuban had to insert himself
    into the spotlight at the end of today’s (Sunday) playoff game by hugging Phil Jackson.
    That could have been done privately well after the game, out of the sight of cameras.
    Wear a damn suit and act like an owner. Not a teenager.
    by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on May 8, 2011 10:24 PM CDT reply

    HIS TEAM JUST DESTROYED THE LAKERS….
    UTTERLY.DESTROYED. THEM.
    by santoswoodenlegs on May 8, 2011 11:14 PM CDT upreply

    Is that the Mavs being good?
    Or the Lakers being not good?
    It seems possible that the Mavs may make it to the Finals. We’ll see.
    by Al Yellon on May 9, 2011 7:27 AM CDT upreply

    Congratulations on perpetuating the irrational hate, Alvin.

    I don’t care for basketball at all, but I’m rooting for the Mavericks to win the Championship harder than I’ve rooted for any non-Texas team in the last six years.

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  103. Dr. Aneus Taint

    I guess a mammoth ego isn’t noticable to many here.
    by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on May 8, 2011 10:28 PM CDT reply

    I’ll take an asshole with an ego who demands success and doesn’t serve up a load of bullshit to the press and fans…
    over a smiling empty suit that “gets it”.
    by santoswoodenlegs on May 8, 2011 11:16 PM CDT upreply

    I’ve come around on SWL.

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  104. Dr. Aneus Taint

    See puckishcubsfan.
    And that means what, now? I don’t see any Mavs rings and I doubt if we’ll see any this year.
    by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on May 8, 2011 10:30 PM CDT reply

    I guess SDSJM is jealous of all the Alvin hate, because he’s sure spewing diarrhea from his fingertips.

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  105. Dr. Aneus Taint

    This is how he works. He flies under the radar and then this blitzkrieg ensues. He’s a streaky douche, but NO ONE is as douchey as him when he’s on.

    Alvin’s just a retard.

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  106. Rice Cube

    [quote name=Jame Gumb]Congratulations on perpetuating the irrational hate, Alvin.

    I don’t care for basketball at all, but I’m rooting for the Mavericks to win the Championship harder than I’ve rooted for any non-Texas team in the last six years.[/quote]
    Dallas has been banished from Texas proper?

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  107. Dr. Aneus Taint

    [quote name=Rice Cube]Dallas has been banished from Texas proper?[/quote]
    Pretty much.

    But what I meant was that I’d be cheering harder for the Mavs than I’ve cheered for any team, except for Longhorns football/baseball and the Rangers in last year’s postseason.

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  108. Mucker

    [quote name=mb21]Can someone tell me how the Cardinals are scoring 5.3 runs per game?[/quote]Sure MB. It’s proof that your faget stats and spreadsheets don’t play the games.

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  109. mb21

    [quote name=Muck Muckintuck]Sure MB. It’s proof that your faget stats and spreadsheets don’t play the games.[/quote](dying laughing) In my opinion, the biggest surprise so far this season is just how well the Cardinals have played. Pujols got off to an awful start, but the rest of the players carried the offense. Chris Carpenter hasn’t pitched like chris Carpenter and Adam Wainright is out for the season. Despite this, the team is in first place in the NL Central. I thought the Cubs and Cardinals would battle it out for 4th. They still might, but they have more than just one or two hitters now. Colby Rasmus is very good and of course they have Matt Holliday and Lance Berkman as well. And then there’s Pujols. Still, 5.3 runs per game is quite surprising.

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  110. Berselius

    [quote name=mb21](dying laughing) In my opinion, the biggest surprise so far this season is just how well the Cardinals have played. Pujols got off to an awful start, but the rest of the players carried the offense. Chris Carpenter hasn’t pitched like chris Carpenter and Adam Wainright is out for the season. Despite this, the team is in first place in the NL Central. I thought the Cubs and Cardinals would battle it out for 4th. They still might, but they have more than just one or two hitters now. Colby Rasmus is very good and of course they have Matt Holliday and Lance Berkman as well. And then there’s Pujols. Still, 5.3 runs per game is quite surprising.[/quote]
    berselius—–>patting himself on the back for projecting the Cards in first place in the offseason

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  111. Mucker

    [quote name=mb21](dying laughing) In my opinion, the biggest surprise so far this season is just how well the Cardinals have played. Pujols got off to an awful start, but the rest of the players carried the offense. Chris Carpenter hasn’t pitched like chris Carpenter and Adam Wainright is out for the season. Despite this, the team is in first place in the NL Central. I thought the Cubs and Cardinals would battle it out for 4th. They still might, but they have more than just one or two hitters now. Colby Rasmus is very good and of course they have Matt Holliday and Lance Berkman as well. And then there’s Pujols. Still, 5.3 runs per game is quite surprising.[/quote]Berkman’s resurrection definitely is surprising. I thought he was done.

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  112. mb21

    [quote name=Berselius]I still wish Cuban bought the team, just so Al’s head would explode (dying laughing)[/quote]It wouldn’t have. He’d have written a post later in the day about how Cuban was the right man all along. Al is a company man and even though he doesn’t work for the company, he thinks he does and shows more loyalty than anyone else. Whoever owns the Cubs is the best possible owner in Al’s mind.

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  113. Mucker

    even though he doesn’t work for the company, he thinks he does

    (dying laughing)
    Truer words have never been spoken.

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  114. mb21

    [quote name=Aisle424]Wait, I thought he was their best customer…[/quote]I don’t think Al realizes the difference between customer and owner. I truly think Al believes that being as valuable a customer as he is it means he’s part owner.

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  115. mb21

    the funny thing is if Al has taken all the money he’s spent on tickets over the years and put it in a piggy bank, he could be part owner. (dying laughing)

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