Akron Aeros

 

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Ahh Akron, home of Lebron James and Rubber Town USA or something like that.  Actually a nice looking downtown, there was also a Italian-American festival going on a block away from the stadium, a nice park, a few restaurants scattered around.  This park reminds me totally of Greensboro.  But the hats.  argh. Only fitted ones.  Why teams do that I don’t know 49-40 New Era hats.  BOOO.  Anyway… a hot summer Sunday afternoon.  The capacity was 9500, seemed like about 1000 were there.  I hope that there are usually more people there.  I can imagine it would be a nice atmosphere.  Also better players.  The pitcher was throwing 65mph breaking balls, and they were getting hit.  Hard.  And then his fielders decided not to catch either.  So not he best team.  The Indians of the future, hard at work!

And their food.  Lots of good options, crazy options.  Including ‘Three Dog Night’  A hot dog in a sausage in an Kielbasa.  Incredibly awesome.  And for like 8.50, it better be awesome!

So Akron, you have a nice ballpark, but get more fans!!

Cleveland Indians

 

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Well, there is a song that said, “Cleveland Rocks!”  It did well for me.  The Rock and Roll HOF was quite well done, with a ton of memorabilia.  They also did the history of music justice, going all the way back to Robert Johnson and the blues, giving them all the credit they deserve.  And the museum is well laid out, which I appreciate. 

But onto Progressive Field, originally called Jacobs Field, home of the Indians.  Sold out game against the Tigers.  They were playing for first place and while I did wear an Indians hat, I couldn’t help but root for the Tigers.  Before the game, there is an alley where different events are going on, music, magic, etc.  Good idea.  The stadium is right next to the Cavs’ arena, and near some good restaurants (I went to the Winking Lizard).  I got there when the gates opened, and was able to see the Tigers take batting practice.  Fielder and Cabrera were knocking it out like its their job!  A beautiful park with a nice view out past left field (see the sunset picture).  With a sold out stadium, it is easy to realize how little legroom stadiums have!  It was dollar dog night (again) and they were trying to set their record for most dogs consumed.  I think they posted like 50000+ as of the 8th inning or so.  65K was the record.  Either way, that’s a lot of dogs.  I contributed 4 to the good of Cleveland.  The game was a good one for Detroit, they won 6-0.  Then the fireworks show.  It was July 5, and a Friday, so you can believe they brought out the big ones.  It was one of the best shows I’ve ever seen.  I also love how the lights are positioned above the stadium, with those tall stanchions.  Great job Cleveland, you have great energy at your stadium!

Mahoning Valley Scrappers

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Mahoning Valley Scrappers are outside of Youngstown, Ohio.  The stadium is at the edge of a mall.  With all that free parking available, they fence off an area for themselves and charge $3.  Someone tried to walk in and were still charged $3.  weird.  But it was $1 dog and beer day and $1 GA tickets!  So there were plenty of people, even for a Short Season A (Indians affiliate) game.  A pretty good fireworks show after the game as well.  A nice park though, good fan involvement and another great hat.  They have plenty of food options, and the Kielbasa was quite good.