Ivy League Tournament

JP

It took a sweep of Dartmouth in the last series of the year for Yale to claim a share of the regular season championship with Columbia, and to also host the Ivy League Tournament. It was Yale’s first regular season championship since 2018, as they looked to win the win the tournament and gain their first automatic berth to the College World Series since 2017.

We were able to attend 4 out of the 6 games played, including the championship game. Weather was perfect all weekend, but there were lighter crowds than I expected. I was hoping for a packed Yale Field to bring some extra energy, but it wasn’t in the cards.

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Rumble Ponies @ Yard Goats

JP
“Pitching duels are the purest form of baseball drama.” — Vin Scully

It was kid’s jersey giveaway night at Dunkin’ Park, but an overall light crowd given the mid-week game on a school night. We arrived early to catch batting practice, and sat in the right field stands for a bit. Eli got a toss-up and turned out to be one of the new minor league balls, which I didn’t realize were being used. The blue font is much brighter than the previous iteration.

The Yard Goats and Rumble Ponies entered the game tied, 18-13, both a half game back of the Sea Dogs. We got to see Ronny Mauricio on a rehab assignment, as he tries to make his way back to the Mets after 18 months off following an injury.

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LeHigh @ Holy Cross

JP
“They ran out of room on the scoreboard.”

After a night in Worcester at Polar Park, we made the drive back a few miles down the road to Fitton Field to see the Holy Cross Crusaders take on the LeHigh Mountain Hawks in the final series of the regular season for the Patriot League. In retrospect we probably should have spent the night in Worcester, but the drive isn’t that bad.

It was Senior Day for the Crusaders, with a short pre-game ceremony and many family members in attendance. Eli was conflicted on what to wear, and chose a Red Sox hat and Phillies t-shirt – something to represent both teams. I still can’t figure out his admiration for the Phillies, but that’s ok!

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Mud Hens @ WooSox

JP

We visited Polar Park in Worcester for the first time for some Friday night baseball. Parking was a bit confusing, but getting in and out of the stadium was easy. We hung out in the team store prior to the gates opening which made for quick entry since they scan your tickets in advance.

We got tickets for front row on the third base side of home plate (Section 6) but moved around throughout the game. Eli talked to both managers pre-game, and he got some food before first pitch. Our tickets also gave us access to the DTC Club, which we took advantage of for seating for a couple of innings – even though it seemed afterwards those were separately tickets seats.

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Princeton @ Yale

JP
“It’s a great day for baseball. Let’s play two.” — Ernie Banks

We made the quick 30 minute drive to Yale for the second time this year, to see the Princeton Tigers live for the first time in an Ivy League double header. We arrived for Game 1 at the start of the 6th inning, with Yale ahead 11-0. It was Senior Day, with a slightly larger crowd than I’ve seen previously – mainly parents and alumni. It was decently warm, around 70F, but the intense wind and intermittent cloud coverage made it slightly uncomfortable at times.

We sat front row, 3rd base side as we normally do at Yale Field, and Eli was chatting up players as they walked between the club house and dugout. After Game 1 ended, Eli talked to both head coaches and was able to get their dugout cards.

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Norfolk State @ CCSU

JP
“The game is a lot like life. You’re going to have your ups and downs.” — Phil Rizzuto

Norfolk State was in town so we took the opportunity on a Friday afternoon to head to CCSU for a double header to see a new team. They entered with a record of 1-29 overall and 1-17 in the NEC, with CCSU having the opposite conference record of 17-1.

I picked Eli up from school a few minutes early, and we headed to New Britain. The weather was warm-ish and sunny, with high wind gusts. We arrived early in Game 1, around 3:00, and spent time passing a ball to the right of the home plate netting – something Eli has wanted to do more and more as of late.

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WestConn @ Wesleyan

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“There are only two seasons – winter and baseball.” — Bill Veeck

Even though Wesleyan is a few minutes from the house, we hadn’t seen a game there so decided to go on a Wednesday after school before the season was over. The field leaves a bit to be desired, but the backdrop of buildings dating back to the 1800s creates a nice atmosphere. There is minimal actual seating, but most people – mainly students hanging out on a beautiful afternoon – sat on the hills behind home plate and on the third base side.

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UMass @ UConn

JP
“A hot dog at the ballgame beats roast beef at the Ritz.” — Humphrey Bogart

We took the opportunity to see UConn host UMass at Dunkin’ Park while the Yard Goats were on the road, on what turned out to be a nice Tuesday night. This was our first time seeing UMass live, and third of the season seeing UConn.

There isn’t much more I can say about Dunkin’ Park than I have previously. It’s an amazing stadium to catch a game, with a beautiful field and extremely easy to get in and out. We arrived early to catch some BP, with Eli talking to players whenever he could. Before first pitch we headed to our seats, this time selecting the Home Plate Club which is a unique area, both for the proximity to the action as well as the slightly sunken seating.

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Cornell @ Harvard

JP
“Win the inning, we win the game.” — Bill Decker

Concluding Eli’s spring break trip was an Ivy League matchup, with the Crimson taking on the Big Red. This was our first trip to Harvard and first time seeing them play, while we saw Cornell @ Yale earlier in the season. The ride was short from our hotel by Fenway, but I didn’t anticipate the parking nightmare that would shortly unfold.

I didn’t realize it was the first annual “Cambridge Day” hosted at Harvard, with many local vendors, activities and sports. I counted 5 teams hosting matches, including baseball, softball, rugby, lacrosse and tennis, and believe there were even more. Parking was awful – single line of traffic from outside the gates, and by the time we arrived had to park past the rugby fields making for a long walk to the baseball field.

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White Sox @ Red Sox

JP
“Fenway is the essence of baseball.” — Tom Seaver

Made the trek back to Boston for more baseball, starting with the Red Sox hosting the White Sox. Game 4 of 5 for Eli’s spring break trip. It’s hard to not want to go to Fenway, and this game was at the top of Eli’s list, especially when I told him they were playing the White Sox – who we were supposed to see in Chicago.

We checked into our hotel – The Verb – and grabbed some quick lunch. Eli took a dip in the hotel pool, and we headed to Fenway to get in line at Gate C for early entrance with Red Sox Nation. It proved to be too much of a wait for Eli, but we managed and got in to catch the Red Sox batting practice from center field. A ball came dangerously close, hitting the rail in front of me and popping over my head, while I wasn’t paying attention. Eli was quick to grab the ball.

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