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

JPLeave a comment
“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

JPLeave a comment
“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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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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