Tuesday, August 18, 2009

A Religious Experience

As one of our yearly traditions, we headed to another baseball stadium - Wrigley Field in Chicago to see the Cubs play the Phillies. Our friends & family told us what an amazing field and experience it is, but we didn't think anything could top our favorite - PNC Park in Pittsburgh.

Tom, Jean, Brian and I took the train to the field early so we could soak it all in before the game started at 1:30. And from the moment we stepped off the train at 10:30am - it was like a religious experience. It happened to be a gorgeous sunny day with just the perfect amount of breeze to keep you comfortable. The community of bars surrounding the field invited us in and we began our day bar-hopping while scoping out all the Cubs baseball memorabilia on the walls. After hitting up a few bars, we headed in for batting practice and some exploring of the stadium. Before heading to our seats, we hit up some grub & another drink refill.

The simplicity of the field was what made it so special - little to no advertising, no Jumbo-Tron, no bells and whistles, just the purest of the game right in front of you. Grab a beer, some peanuts and cracker jacks and your day is set.

I will have to add that Brian and I ranked this as one of the best days we have ever had - probably ranks right after our wedding day and we are glad we had good friends join in the fun. And by the way - the Phillies swept the Cubs!

Jean, Tom, Me, and Brian inside Murphy's Bleachers bar. We were one of the first to arrive. Another happening bar we hit before the game.Picture from our seats.The field from our seats.Brian and the Cub's mascot right after the Phillies swept!