July 7, 2014, Arthur W Perdue Stadium (Salisbury, MD). Delmarva Shorebirds vs West Virginia Power.

On Monday July 7, 2014, I attended the Delmarva Shorebirds game in Salisbury, MD versus West Virginia Power.  The Shorebirds are a Single A Affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, and the Stadium is located about 25-35 mins west of Ocean City, MD (I happened to be on vacation in Ocean City and thought it be a great day to check out the Shorebirds).

View from General Admission Seats

The Shorebirds run their special $2 deal this year on Monday nights.  With the deal you can get $2 general admission tickets, $2 hot dogs, and $2 Pepsi.  So, I decided to go with the general admission deal (which the seats are actually pretty good for general admission).  The general admission seats are the normal bench bleacher chairs, so if you happen to have a padded cushion you probably should bring it if your going general admission.

The stadium wasn't very full (and I didn't expect such on a monday night), but it was pretty easy to get a good seat in general admission.  I even arrived only 30mins before the game (gates open an hour before game time).

Press Box Behind Home Plate

The concessions were also good.  I took advantage of the $2 hot dog and $2 Pepsi deal.  Even the normal prices were much cheaper than the other minor league games or major league games I've been too.  Their souvenir soda ran in at only $3.75 (most major league parks are around $6-9, and the minor leagues have been around the same price).

Souvenir Cup

I also brought my Birdland Passport with me to the stadium and got it stamped at the concession level near fan assistance behind home plate (only have 3 more stadiums to visit!!).  As normal, I stopped at the team store and picked up a Shorebirds hat and baseball. 

Birdland Passport Stamp

Shorebirds Fitted Hat

Shorebirds Baseball

The Shorebirds game started off great and was a pitching dual for most of the game.  Mitch Horacek pitched for the Delmarva Shorebirds against Buddy Borden of the West Virginia Power.  Both pitchers pitched 5 scoreless innings.  In the top of the 6th inning the Shorebirds ended up giving up 5 runs, all 5 being attributed to Horacek.  The Shorebirds unfortunately were unable to come up with any runs during the game though had several close chances of scoring.  The Shorebirds were shutout and lost 5-0.

July 5, 2014, Nationals Park (DC). Nationals vs Cubs, Performance T-Shirt Give-A-Way.

On Saturday July 5, 2014, I attended the Nationals game vs the Chicago Cubs in DC.  The game was a Performance T-Shirt give-a-way with a shirt going to the first 25,000 fans sponsored by McDonalds. 

T-Shirt Give-A-Way Front

T-Shirt Give-A-Way Back

After entering the Stadium around the time the gate was opened I went to my favorite stand in Nationals Park, Box Frites (more information can be found in my April 27, 2014 post).  Box Frites is located by the Scoreboard walk at the 200 level.  This time I ordered the Cheddar Bacon Fries and the Blue Cheese Dog. 

Cheddar Bacon Fries

Blue Cheese Dog

The Fries were about $9, and the dog was about $6 (I also got a bottomless souvenir soda at about $9...my total was around $25 with tax).  The fires were awesome.  I really enjoy the dips they allow you to get too.  The Blue Cheese Dog was great...it was topped with carrots and celery.  I think I prefer the BLT dog, but this one is just as good.

Scoreboard Walk Band Stage

I was surprised to see what was on the Scoreboard Walk when I came in the stadium.  There was actually live music, a cover band called Junkfood.  They were playing all types of music from pop music, alternative rock, reggae and everything in between.  The played till just about the start of the game (and Miller Lite was pushing their Happy Hour $6 beers too).

Junkfood Band

After eating my food and hanging out in front of the stage a bit I wondered around the stadium and found some good freebies.  I stopped by the MASN tent and got a free T-Shirt for showing them I followed them on Twitter and their recent post (the MASN tent was located in front of the escalators that lead to the Scoreboard Walk...typically this is where they set up if they are at the game).

Back of MASN Free T-Shirt

Front of MASN Free T-Shirt

After getting my free T-Shirt from MASN...I wondered to the Toyota tent which sets up on your left after you enter the Stadium via Center Field Gate.  After filling out a piece of paper from Toyota they let you choose what item you want (in the past they have had Sun Tan Lotion, Sun Glasses, Key Chains...etc..).  I picked the Nationals Draw String Bag (to throw all my freebies in...).

Toyota Nationals Draw String Bag (Freebie)

So, after loading up on food, music, and a bunch of free swag, I went to my seats to catch the start of the game.

Panorama from Section 305

The pitchers for the game would be Gio Gonzalez for the Nationals and Carlos Villanueva for the Cubs (by the way...the Cubs pitcher has a ridiculous mustache which reminds me of the Natty Boh guy....).  The Nationals scored first in the bottom of the 2nd with 1 run.  The Nationals put on a hitting clinic in the bottom of the 3rd and added 6 more runs to their score.  Unfortunately for Carlos Villanueva, the power of the stash wasn't helping.  Nationals scored 2 more runs in the 6th inning and scored another 4 runs in the 7th inning.

View from Section 305

Gio Gonzalez pitched a great shutout game through 8 full innings earning 7 strikeouts.  Craig Stammen pitched the 9th inning for the Nationals and also shutout the Cubs. 

Nationals won 13-0 (with 19 Hits).

June 30, 2014, Nationals Park (DC). Nationals vs Rockies, Bryce Harper Bobblehead Give-A-Way.

On Monday June 30, 2014, I attended the Nationals vs the Rockies game in DC.  The day was also a Bobblehead Give-A-Way for a Bryce Harper Bobblehead.  The Give-A-Way was given out to the first  25,000 fans and was sponsored by PNC bank.

Batting Practice Prior to the Game

Prior to the game, I went to Gordon Biersch off M Street by the Stadium (http://www.gordonbiersch.com/locations/navy-yard/largeparties).  This is one of the few bars/restaurants close by the stadium, and they have a decent Happy Hour from 4-7pm.  I had gotten off the Metro well before gate opening so I decided to swing by Gordon Biersch.  I ended up getting the fish tacos and Hefeweizen beer, both on Happy Hour.  The tacos were about $7 and the beer was about $4/$5.

Fish Tacos

Hefeweizen Beer

While at Gordon Biersch I even got to see part of a World Cup game, Germany vs. Algeria.  After finishing my food I headed over to the Stadium since the gates were about to open in 5 mins. 

Line into the Stadium at Gate Opening

The line was longer than normal at gate opening, but nothing too crazy.  It only took about 5-10 mins to get in the stadium and get my Bobblehead. 

Bryce Harper Bobblehead

The pitchers for the game was Jordan Zimmerman for the Nationals vs. Yohan Flande for the Rockies.  The first 3 innings both pitchers went scoreless.  In the bottom of the 4th inning Flande gave up a run and Bryce Harper got a RBI with Ryan Zimmerman scoring.  The Rockies answered back in the top of the 6th by scoring 2 runs.  In the bottom of the 6th the Nationals bats came alive and scored 5 runs.  Both the Rockies and the Nationals would go on to score 1 more run and the game ended with the Nationals winning 7-3.

When leaving the stadium I got to take a few good shots of some of the views from the stadium which I hadn't noticed before (from the Left Field Upper Deck area).  I got a good view of the Capitol and the Washington Monument. 

View of Capitol

View of Washington Monument

June 29, 2014, Camden Yards (Baltimore). Orioles vs Rays, Dempsey's Pub and Oriole Hat Give-A-Way

On Sunday June 29, 2014, I attended the Orioles final game of the Ray's 4 game series at Camden Yards.  The day was a Orioles baseball hat give-a-way which was a replica of the 1954 Orioles.  The baseball hats were given out to the first 20,000 fans 15 and over and was sponsored by DAP. 

Orioles Give-A-Way 6/29/14, Orioles 1954 Hat Replica

Since I arrived at the game early, I thought I'd finally give Dempsey's Brew Pub (http://www.dempseysbaltimore.com) a chance just off Eutaw Street.  It is the only sit down restaurant that anyone can access at Camden Yards (there are a few I believe at Club Level).  We also got a seat outside right on Eutaw Street which was fun to people watch and since it was such a great day outside. 

View from Table on Eutaw St.

I went in not expecting very much from the place since many people who have went to the Brew Pub did not talk highly of the beer.  So my first course of business was to choose one of Dempsey's own brews, and I went with the '83 Golden Ale (the others are Wild Pitch Wheat, Rick's Red Ale, and Rain Delay IPA).

'83 Golden Ale

Well, I'll have to say the beer was nothing to write home about.  It was ok and at ballpark prices ($7.75).  To be honest, I probably would have preferred a Yuengling as the '83 Golden Ale was not any better than the Yuengling (though Yuengling in my opinion is actually a pretty good brew, but I expected something exceptional since Dempsey's brews the beer themselves).

Old Bay Wings at Dempsey's

My next course of business was selecting an appetizer.  I went with the Wings with Old Bay but was tempted by their other flavors of Sweet Thai, Lemon Pepper, BBQ, Buffalo, or Dempsey's Sauce (the Wings were $12).  When the wings came out I saw the Old Bay was a dry rub so I wasn't expecting too much (most old bay wings end up being dry rub, I personally prefer sauce style wings).  The wings looked like they were grilled or just lightly fried.  They were good wings, but if I had the choice again I would defiantly pick another appetizer since there nothing spectacular and just about anyone can throw some old bay on wings and get roughly the same effect as theses wings. 

"The Walk Off"

My final choice at Dempsey's was one of their signature entree items, "The Walk Off".  The Walk Off is an Old Bay Roma Sausage in a Pretzel Roll with Dempsey's House Made Old Bay Crab dip.  The thing was huge and it looked awesome.  I added old bay fries with my food so "The Walk Off" came in at $16 and another $5 to add fires (Chips would have come with no extra charge).  The Walk Off was awesome and definitely worth a try and a trip to Dempsey's even considering the mediocre beer and wings.  

"The Walk Off" being devoured

My friend got the Crab pretzel at one time, and it turns out "The Walk Off" is the same thing except you get a sausage thrown in the pretzel and a side (the Crab pretzel is only $12).  The Old Bay fries were ok, but I was expecting a little more.  My friend got the sweat potato tater tots and I tried one.  The sweet potato tater tots are the best option of side on the menu...they were awesome.  They came with a raspberry sauce and were delicious.  So if you get any sides, say no to the temptation of the Old Bay fries (...I know thats hard to say as a Marylander...) but do get the sweat potato tater tots. 

So overall, the food was good at Dempsey's, some of their specials and sides were amazing.  So far I'd have to agree with everyone I've heard comment on their beer thus far, its not much to talk about (but I do want to give the other beers a chance...who knows).

The service, well its inside the ball park and it gets mobbed when the gates open (that is when we got there...about 2 hours before game time).  The service wasn't very quick and not very helpful.  We had to ask for silver wear, napkins, and to remind our server that he forgot the crab pretzel.  Then he had the nerve to say there was a "malfunction" in the oven that couldn't cook it (...probably the same one that successfully cooked the same looking pretzel item I ate before we got the crab pretzel...). 

Anyway, don't expect fast or good service during game days.  It would be nice though if some of the items were a little cheaper (the cost is about $40 a person with 1 beer, an appetizer, and an entree with "premium" side). 

Field Pre-Game from Section 67

So after eating I went to my seats for the game.  I was really hoping we would split the series with the Rays.  The first 5 innings was a back and forth challenge with the Orioles and the Rays.  Miguel Gonzalez was the starter for the Orioles and was facing Alex Cobb of the Rays.  

Gonzalez gave up a run in the top of the first with a Zobrist double that Jennings scored on.  Matt Joyce hit a homer off Gonzalez in the top of the 3rd giving the Rays a 2-0 lead.  The Orioles would answer back with a run in the bottom of the 3rd.  Bottom of the 4th Manny Machado hit a 2 run homer giving the Orioles the lead 3-2.  Zobrist would homer off Gonzalez in the top of the 5th brining the game tied 3-3 (and Gonzalez was taken out of the game and replaced by Evan Meek.

Gonzalez on the Mound

The Orioles would score in the bottom of the 5th taking back the lead 4-3.  Then...all hell broke lose.  The Orioles gave up 7 runs in the top of the 6th.  The Orioles would give up another 2 runs in the top of the 7th.  Shockingly, with the Orioles replacements in the bottom of the 9th they managed to get 3 more runs off a 3 run homer from Ryan Flaherty (who was put in around the 8th inning to replace JJ Hardy).

All in all, the Orioles lost 12-7.  So much for splitting the series. 

June 28, 2014, Camden Yards (Baltimore). Orioles vs Rays, State of the Orioles, and Crush City T-Shirt Give-A-Way

At Camden Yards on Saturday June 28, 2014, the Orioles held their annual State of the Orioles address prior to the 4:05 game against the Tampa Bay Rays.  The State of the Orioles address is open to all Season Ticket Holders (full season, 29 game plans, and 13 game plans).  The full season holders and 29 game plan holders got to get in earlier than the 13 game plan holders and were also allowed to participate in the autograph session held for them (though from seeing the lines and hearing people, many of them did not get autographs).  

Lines by Gate A at Camden Yards

I am a 13 game holder so I got to go in at 1:15, prior to the 1:30 State of the Orioles address.  The lines were a little more awkward then normal prior to the game since there was a line for 13 game plan holders, normal tickets, and those participating in the autograph session for full season ticket holders and 29 game plan holders. 

Upon entering the Stadium I was given the day's Give-A-Way.  A Crush City performance T-Shirt.  A T-shirt was given to the first 20,000 fans 15 and over. 

Crush City T-Shirt Give-A-Way

Waiting for Buck and Dan

The State of The Orioles was held at 1:30 on top of the visiting dugout.  Fans got to hear from Buck Showalter, and Dan Duquette.  After Buck and Dan spoke the fans got to ask questions.  There were plenty of questions asking Buck about his decision making, and Dan about how he was going to keep Manny Machado an Oriole.

Buck Showalter and Dan Duquette

I really enjoyed some of Buck's responses to fans, he seems like a down to earth person and very comical.  He explained to fans on one question that he knew everyone expected them to be perfect all the time and that they would try.  One of the questions for both Buck and Dan was what was their favorite baseball movie.  Dan answered the question with "Bang the Drum Slowly", and Buck said his was "Sandlot".  Buck and Dan even asked the fan her favorite movie which turned out to be "The Field of Dreams".  Dan also spoke briefly on the Manny Machado bat issue.  He did mention he didn't think it was equitable for the batter who "threw" a bat to get a 5 day suspension when the pitcher who almost threw at Machado after a recent injury was warned once, then thrown out the second time he almost hit Machado and isn't facing any suspension.

Batting Practice

Overall the State of the Orioles address was pretty neat to see the Coach and Front Office face to face with the Fans.  It really showed how much they appreciated the fans. 

The nice thing about getting in to the stadium so early is I got to see some batting practice with the Orioles.  Normally about 2 hours or an 1.5 hours prior to the game the visiting team is up for batting practice (so this was a rarity to see the O's batting practice).  I got to see David Lough, Adam Jones, Chris Davis and a few other Orioles take their practice swings on the field.  The Season Ticket holders who got to see the State of the Orioles were also given 1/2 price food options behind Home Plate (which was kind of nice, but I didn't buy any food in the Stadium today). 

Retired Numbers Banners behind Home Plate

Since I had a ton of time before the game I wondered the Stadium a bit.  I got to see some neat things in the Stadium behind Home Plate which I haven't noticed before.  Behind Home Plate they have banners of all the retired numbers for the Orioles.  On the banners they also have the year in which they were retried.

World Series and Pennants behind Home Plate

I also noticed a painted mural behind Home Plate which listed the Orioles World Series Wins and American League East Championship wins.  

After wondering around the Home Plate concessions I then went off to see what else was around, and found several freebie give-a-ways by some other vendors.  On Eutaw Street right by Gate A, I saw MASN which was giving away sunglasses for those who would follow them on Twitter, and Outback Steakhouse which was giving away Coozies along with $5 Coupons.  On the Lower Level, behind roughly Section 17 was the Chevy dealership who gave a way an Oriole bag for those who gave out their e-mail address to get some spam (little do they know I gave them my e-mail with a .net when it should have been .com... hahahaha). 

Free MASN Sunglasses, and Free Outback Coozie (and $5 Coupon)

Free Chevy Orioles Bag

The game started around 4:05 and it was a bright sunny day.  Chen would be the starting pitcher for the Orioles and former Oriole, Erik Bedard would be pitching for the Rays.  Chen didn't start out very well.  He gave up a 1 run homer in the 1st, followed by a 2 run homer in the 2nd.  Chen would then give up another 2 run homer in the 4th and was then replaced by Brad Branch. 

The Orioles didn't give up anymore runs the game. The Oriole's bats woke up in the bottom of the 6th inning with Nick Markakis hitting a home run to right field. Manny Machado would hit a 2 run home run in the bottom of the 8th and Adam Jones would hit in another run in the bottom of the 8th.  The Orioles were unfortunately unable to get anymore runs in the game and lost 5-4.

The Orioles made the game close at the end but finished just short (they missed a few good opportunities and left men in scoring position a few too many times without capitalizing on it). 

June 27, 2014, Camden Yards (Baltimore). Orioles vs Rays, Floppy Hat Give-A-Way.

Friday June 27, 2014, was the infamous Floppy Hat Give-A-Way day at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.  The Orioles have a Floppy Hat night every year (or at least as long as I can remember).  The day's game was against the Tampa Bay Rays, and was the second game of a double header (the Orioles lost game 1).

Floppy Hat June 27, 2014

The Floppy Hat was given out to the first 20,000 fans 21 or older (though I'm sure plenty people under 21 got them).  Chris Tillman was the starting pitcher for the orioles and was looking for win number 7. 

Lucky for the Orioles, Chris Tillman would get win number 7.  Tillman gave up a home run in the 2nd inning but was lights out for the rest of the game.  In the bottom of the 2nd, the Orioles would come back to score a run with a Nick Hundley fly ball to Left Field and JJ Hardy on 2nd.  Nick Hundley would homer in the bottom of the 6th bringing the Orioles to a 2-1 lead.  Nelson Cruz added to his home run list with number 25 in the bottom of the 7th with Adam Jones on earning Cruz 2 more RBIs.

Camden Yards

Zach Britton came on in a save situation in the 9th and put away the Rays, earning himself his 10th save.  Orioles won 4-1. 

June 22, 2014, Nationals Park (DC). Nationals vs Braves, Baseball Cap give-a-way and Signature Sunday.

On June 22, 2014, I attended the Nationals vs Braves game at Nationals Park.  Today, being a Sunday, would be a Signature Sunday.  The first 20,000 fans would also receive a baseball cap sponsored by MASN. 

Baseball Cap Give-A-Way (first 20,000 fans)

I got to the gates early like normal on Sunday to get a signature voucher (I arrived at 10:00 AM and was about the third person in line).  On Sunday's the Nationals Park only opens 3 gates at fist, the Center Gate, and the two season pass holder lines with the red carpet (So if you plan to get there early make sure you get in the right line or you may not get a signature voucher).  From talking with fellow Nationals fans who I've waited in line at several times with Signature Sundays there appears to be about 75 vouchers for each player given out (2 players sign each Sunday). 

Game Time Picture Nats vs. Braves 6/22/14

This Sunday would be a great Signature Sunday with Tyler Clippard signing and Gio Gonzalez. I was able to get Gio Gonzalez's autograph.  I was glad I got a good signature since I wasn't able to get a Major League Baseball at my local sporting goods store and bought one in the stadium for $32...yes $32 (way over priced, they should cost $18).

Gio Gonzalez signed Baseball

After getting my autograph I went to thus far my favorite hot dog stand in Nationals Park, Box Fritas and got their BLT dog again.  The hot dog is amazing, although I really do need to try their other hot dogs which sound just as good. 

BLT Dog from Box Fritas

The game for the Nationals also started out awesome.  The Nationals scored 2 runs in the bottom of the 1st.  The Nationals scored another run in the bottom of the 5th.  Tanner Roark pitched a great game.  He pitched 5 1/3 inning giving up only 1 run in the 6th.  The Nationals went on to beat the Braves 4-1.

Panorama of Nationals Park