First Twins game and Wrigley field

[akmanak]

I am finally going to see the Twins in Minnesota and I am stoked! I was curious if Target Field is autograph friendly? I have only been to Safco and used to show up two hours early for batting practice and could score some autographs that way.

 

After I get done seeing the Twins game I am flying to Chicago to see the Cubs and know zero about that stadium. Same question applies and if anyone could suggest a hotel and anything awesome to do in Chicago that would be appreciated. I have an 11 year old so factor that in too. Thank you!

[Squirrel]

How long will you be in Chicago? If you are going to be around for a bit, I would recommend staying downtown and using the red line to get to the game.

 

With an 11 yr old I'd recommend stopping by Millennium Park, Navy Pier, the Aquarium and the Museum of Science and Industry. Check online for discount passes to activities in Chicago. They are well worth it as the individual fees to some of these places can be very expensive. I'd also recommend working out your day so you can take a water taxi from Navy Pier to the Aquarium, or vice versa. If you think he might like it you can take an architectural boat tour up the Chicago River. (My nieces and nephews have done this at various ages over and under age 11)

 

Oh, and I don't really know my ins and outs with Wrigley as I don't go there that often.

[akmanak]

We will be flying to Chicago after the Twins game on 6/24 and catching the afternoon game at Wrigly the following day, so roughly 24 hours.

[spinowner]

With the possible exception of the playing field itself Wrigley is quite probably the most overrated stadium in the majors. Cubs fans love it because it's where their team plays its home games but beyond that it's ordinary. IMveryHO, of course.

[akmanak]

With the possible exception of the playing field itself Wrigley is quite probably the most overrated stadium in the majors. Cubs fans love it because it's where their team plays its home games but beyond that it's ordinary. IMveryHO, of course.

It has so much history though. My kid just did a report on Ruth and if my memory serves me correctly, that is where he called his shot.

[Squirrel]

 

It has so much history though. My kid just did a report on Ruth and if my memory serves me correctly, that is where he called his shot.

Oh, it's absolutely worth a visit for historical purposes, bucket list purposes, whatever, and good you are able to get in a trip ... but as a stadium I want to watch many games at? No. Not as it currently stands. But we'll see when I go there to see a game soon if the changes are enough to change my mind on that!

[jokin]

 

With the possible exception of the playing field itself Wrigley is quite probably the most overrated stadium in the majors. Cubs fans love it because it's where their team plays its home games but beyond that it's ordinary. IMveryHO, of course

 

Couldn't disagree more, the big difference being that what it doesn't have in the modern bells and whistles, it makes up for in the historical aspects of the game... and the ivy... and the streetside urban ballpark on Clark St.

[spinowner]

 

Couldn't disagree more, the big difference being that what it doesn't have in the modern bells and whistles, it makes up for in the historical aspects of the game... and the ivy... and the streetside urban ballpark on Clark St.

It's not a bad stadium but I do not put it in the top 5 like a lot of traditionalists rate it. Plus the concessions are very poor, at least that was the case the last time I was there. That's why I said overrated. I haven't been to a lot of stadiums but I'd put it somewhere in the middle of the pack.

[Squirrel]

 

It's not a bad stadium but I do not put it in the top 5 like a lot of traditionalists rate it. Plus the concessions are very poor, at least that was the case the last time I was there. That's why I said overrated. I haven't been to a lot of stadiums but I'd put it somewhere in the middle of the pack.

You've been to more than a lot of people have.

[TheLeviathan]

 

Couldn't disagree more, the big difference being that what it doesn't have in the modern bells and whistles, it makes up for in the historical aspects of the game... and the ivy... and the streetside urban ballpark on Clark St.

 

I don't need bells and whistles, but a legitimate place to get food and go to the bathroom?  That's sort of important in my eyes.

 

It's also one of the worst crowds IMO.  Too many aging frat boys and people just there to feel important.

[jokin]

 

I don't need bells and whistles, but a legitimate place to get food and go to the bathroom?  That's sort of important in my eyes.

 

It's also one of the worst crowds IMO.  Too many aging frat boys and people just there to feel important.

 

As I noted, plenty of legitimate places nearby to get refreshments before and after the game.   And for me, anyway, the game is the most important, and Wrigley is a shrine, nothing fake in there, they never cut down the ivy because some "frat boy" players complained about it.  I haven't been there recently, but the crowd was always part of the experience for me.

[TheLeviathan]

 

As I noted, plenty of legitimate places nearby to get refreshments before and after the game.   And for me, anyway, the game is the most important, and Wrigley is a shrine, nothing fake in there, they never cut down the ivy because some "frat boy" players complained about it.  I haven't been there recently, but the crowd was always part of the experience for me.

 

I once tried to watch the game there with three pillars in my way.  The ivy is cute and all, but a shrine?  I think the urine saturation of that place long ago left the shrine element in the dust.  Just my two cents.  

 

I appreciate the history - you can get that on a tour during non-game times.  If I want to appreciate the game of baseball, I'll watch somewhere that makes watching it enjoyable.

[jokin]

 

I once tried to watch the game there with three pillars in my way.  The ivy is cute and all, but a shrine?  I think the urine saturation of that place long ago left the shrine element in the dust.  Just my two cents.  

 

I appreciate the history - you can get that on a tour during non-game times.  If I want to appreciate the game of baseball, I'll watch somewhere that makes watching it enjoyable.

 

I've been to Wrigley for at least 75 games, including a half dozen frigid opening days,  not once was the experience "not enjoyable" or "unappreciated"  (not even the game where two drunken fools fell from the second deck right in front of our group in the midst of a fist fight).  Nothing artificial in "the friendly confines", but I understand the concept of those who appreciate more, the modern concept that the baseball club's are obligated to create "the fan experience".... to each his own.

[Squirrel]

Everyone's experiences are different. We all appreciate different things in a ballpark and all of them valid. There is no point in debating Wrigley when none can (or should) alter our opinions of the park, which are usually somewhere in the all or nothing realm when it comes to Wrigley. Personally, I think the Cubs should build a new stadium elsewhere and leave Wrigley as a 'shrine' to 'old-time' baseball. Let the Cubs move into a new millennium (hopefully this one). I live in Chicago and have been to Wrigley several times albeit not very recently. Went to one game last year. Cold, cold, cold ... with nary a vendor in sight, let alone one selling watered down hot chocolate or coffee. Will be there next Monday and can report on the 'improvements' but am hoping not have to use the bathroom as I will be relegated to using a port-o-potty. Yep, great facilities there.

 

Oh, and since this has become a Wrigley debate, I've moved this to the 'Other Baseball' forum.

 

[TheLeviathan]

It's not just the "fan experience" and your tone jokin comes off as shaming any slight against Wrigley as if the person isn't a real baseball fan. I've had a dozen experiences there - sunny and in the bleachers was fun. Under the 3B overhang on a cold day? Couldn't see the game and froze. Everywhere else? Eh, not as charming the more times you go. But again, just my experience but one I know shared by many Chicagoans.

 

I think it's fair to tell people that after the historical nostalgia wears off it can be very hard to view the game at times from parts of the park and basic needs (bathroom, food, space) can be obnoxious.

[Willihammer]

I am finally going to see the Twins in Minnesota and I am stoked! I was curious if Target Field is autograph friendly? I have only been to Safco and used to show up two hours early for batting practice and could score some autographs that way.

 

After I get done seeing the Twins game I am flying to Chicago to see the Cubs and know zero about that stadium. Same question applies and if anyone could suggest a hotel and anything awesome to do in Chicago that would be appreciated. I have an 11 year old so factor that in too. Thank you!

I've never actually tried to get an autograph but according to the Twins' website:

 

 

 

 

Autographs/Fan Mail

Autograph opportunities prior to any game cannot be guaranteed. Guests seeking autographs are asked to comply with the safety instructions given by our Guest Service Staff. The Minnesota Twins are unable to honor any autograph requests during a batting practice visit. Guests may write to specific players requesting an autograph; however each player responds to fan mail as he is able. Mail for Minnesota Twins players, associated personnel and broadcasters can be sent to:

Minnesota Twins

Attn: Fan Mail

1 Twins Way

Minneapolis, MN 55403

If a guest wishes to obtain an autograph in this manner, it is recommended to include the item and a self-addressed, postage-paid envelope or box with the request. There is no guarantee that items sent to a particular player will be returned. The Minnesota Twins are not responsible for items not signed or returned safely to the sender.

 

 

 

also:Kids Day

Every Sunday home game is Crystal Farms Kids Day. Any kids 14 and under with valid tickets to a Sunday home game may participate in a special pre-game autograph session as well as running the bases after the game. The autograph session is in the South Ramp on the Club level, and typically runs from 11:55-12:15. Any kids wishing to participate in running the bases should proceed to the North Ramp on the Main Concourse (near section 130) at the conclusion of the game. For very young children, we politely request that only one adult accompany the child as they run the bases.

[James]

 

We will be flying to Chicago after the Twins game on 6/24 and catching the afternoon game at Wrigly the following day, so roughly 24 hours.

It's too bad you're not getting a little more time in.  I personally really enjoy the Field Museum and the Art Institute of Chicago.  The Museum of Science and Industry is also very cool.  

 

Then again, I've only been to Chicago a few times, but those are places I have been and would go again.  

 

As for Wrigley, I've only been there once, and I had a decent time. I enjoyed the history of the park, but the game watching experience was just ok in my mind.  But, I'm sure that it's going to be a fun experience for you and your kid.  I wish I could recommend more to do around the stadium, but from what I remember, there were a lot of bars around the stadium, which probably isn't much help.     

[TheLeviathan]

 

It's too bad you're not getting a little more time in.  I personally really enjoy the Field Museum and the Art Institute of Chicago.  The Museum of Science and Industry is also very cool.  

 

I'd add that if you don't stop for pizza at Giordano's that you may have wasted the entire trip.  (Also, Shedd aquarium is one of the best stand alone aquariums I've ever been to)

[James]

 

I'd add that if you don't stop for pizza at Giordano's that you may have wasted the entire trip.  (Also, Shedd aquarium is one of the best stand alone aquariums I've ever been to)

That is true.  The aquarium is great, as is Giordano's.  Although there will be a Giordano's in Minneapolis in the near future.  Hopefully it's just as good as the original.  

 

[TheLeviathan]

 

That is true.  The aquarium is great, as is Giordano's.  Although there will be a Giordano's in Minneapolis in the near future.  Hopefully it's just as good as the original.  

 

For sharing this news with me and my now giddy wife (native Chicagoan) I may owe you a deep dish pizza.  That is some fantastic news!

[jokin]

 

It's not just the "fan experience" and your tone jokin comes off as shaming any slight against Wrigley as if the person isn't a real baseball fan. I've had a dozen experiences there - sunny and in the bleachers was fun. Under the 3B overhang on a cold day? Couldn't see the game and froze. Everywhere else? Eh, not as charming the more times you go. But again, just my experience but one I know shared by many Chicagoans.

I think it's fair to tell people that after the historical nostalgia wears off it can be very hard to view the game at times from parts of the park and basic needs (bathroom, food, space) can be obnoxious.

 

It's also fair to say that Wrigley, with all its warts and shortcomings to modern convention, never wears off for countless others.  There was no intent on my part to shame any perceived slight towards Wrigley.  I've just never been bothered by what others perceive as objections and inconveniences- if I still lived there, I'd still go to games- no matter if I froze or got sunburned, it is what it is.

 

Just a different perspective, is all.

 

The park is one of the last vestiges of a completely different Americana- the antithesis of the typical modern ball park. People who go there expecting some level of Chicago haute cuisine, have properly calibrated down their expectations to Old Style and a Chicago Red Hot Hot Dog.   I've even enjoyed a few games on a roof across the street on Sheffield Avenue.  And as old ball parks go, it's special in a way that Comiskey, a similarly aged park, could never match.  As many games as I've attended, I still spend time staring at the workings of that oddly wonderful hand-operated CF scoreboard and I remember attending extra inning games without ballpark lights, and wondering how the players could possibly still see the ball.

[Squirrel]

 

The park is one of the last vestiges of a completely different Americana- the antithesis of the typical modern ball park. People who go there expecting some level of Chicago haute cuisine, have properly calibrated down their expectations to Old Style and a Chicago Red Hot Hot Dog.   I've even enjoyed a few games on a roof across the street on Sheffield Avenue.  And as old ball parks go, it's special in a way that Comiskey, a similarly aged park, could never match.  As many games as I've attended, I still spend time staring at the workings of that oddly wonderful hand-operated CF scoreboard and I remember attending extra inning games without ballpark lights, and wondering how the players could possibly still see the ball.

I just wonder if it's time to make Wrigley a museum of sorts, a nod to the 'old-time' game. Personally, there are things about Wrigley I like ... I like the ivied covered walls, the field, the old-time scoreboard, it is a place to experience for the history of the game it is ... but the rest? I'm sorry ... when port-o-potties are put out because their facilities just can't meet usage, it's a problem. (Although to be fair, this will hopefully be 'fixed' throughout this season and during next offseason.) And I'm not one to worry too much about fancy drink and edibles, but it's hard to get even simple fair in that dank, dark, crowded concourse.

[Thrylos]

 

 Wrigley is a shrine, nothing fake in there, they never cut down the ivy

 

The rats and clogged toilets are real too.  Part of the shrine experience.

[jokin]

 

I just wonder if it's time to make Wrigley a museum of sorts, a nod to the 'old-time' game. Personally, there are things about Wrigley I like ... I like the ivied covered walls, the field, the old-time scoreboard, it is a place to experience for the history of the game it is ... but the rest? I'm sorry ... when port-o-potties are put out because their facilities just can't meet usage, it's a problem. (Although to be fair, this will hopefully be 'fixed' throughout this season and during next offseason.) And I'm not one to worry too much about fancy drink and edibles, but it's hard to get even simple fair in that dank, dark, crowded concourse.

 

Hopefully, as in successful changes/upgrades made in the past, they improve the amenities without destroying the living museum factor.

[jokin]

 

The rats and clogged toilets are real too.  Part of the shrine experience.

 

I'd still take that over cavilierly removing the CF evergreens, without any aesthetic consideration whatsoever.

[spinowner]

The Google says Giordano's is opening in June at 27th and Hennepin in Uptown.

[TheLeviathan]

I just wonder if it's time to make Wrigley a museum of sorts, a nod to the 'old-time' game. Personally, there are things about Wrigley I like ... I like the ivied covered walls, the field, the old-time scoreboard, it is a place to experience for the history of the game it is ... but the rest? I'm sorry ... when port-o-potties are put out because their facilities just can't meet usage, it's a problem. (Although to be fair, this will hopefully be 'fixed' throughout this season and during next offseason.) And I'm not one to worry too much about fancy drink and edibles, but it's hard to get even simple fair in that dank, dark, crowded concourse.

I like the old fashioned baseball feel - the kind you find in town team ball and even at some semi-pro locations, but you are spot on with the criticisms. I felt the same way about old Yankee stadium. Yeah, the history and aura are amazing, but at some point it does interfere with the actual game enjoyment. At least for me.

[Longdistancetwins]

Fascinating, everybody, thanks.  I was hoping to get to Wrigley this year as a bucket list thing, but it will have to wait until next year.  Now, I’m thankful if I can use decent bathroom.  I did rather like the old Yankee Stadium and Fenway Park in their unrenovated states, but Fenway is indeed more comfortable now.

[Sarah]

You will be in good company- I am going to be at the Cubs game on June 25 too! There will be a lot of knowledgeable fans there that day because I'm going with the people in town for the Society for American Baseball Research national convention which is in Chicago that week. I hear you about the amenities but I actually feel that way about the new Yankee Stadium. I went to the old stadium and yeah, it was a dump, but at least it had history. The new Yankee Stadium is just like a big corporate behemoth without a soul...yeah, kind of like the Yankees so it does fit. I have been to Wrigley four times and love it so I'm definitely looking forward to going back. It's a little hard comparing the really old ones to a game experience at Target Field- both are great, just different.