Talking Chop, I need your advice...again
by mvandonsel on Apr 30, 2009 2:57 PM EDT
55 comments
Most of you know that I have been trying to pull off a baseball trip to the east coast this summer. Well the stars have aligned and I will be over there June 13th - 27th. But I have several questions.
1) I will be in Baltimore on Saturday (6/13) and Sunday (6/14) for the Braves series. Do you think that I should buy tickets now? Going through mlb.com, I would get hit with service charges, handling charges, and whatever else they decide to charge me for. Should I just wait until I get there to pick them up? What is everybody else doing?
2) I will be in Philly for the game against the Blue Jays on Tuesday (6/16). Same questions I had for Baltimore apply here.
3) I will be in New York to watch the Yankees/Natinals game on Thursday (6/18). Would you suggest getting tickets on stubhub? Ebay? Scalper? Somewhere else?
4) I will be in Boston for the Braves the weekend series (6/19-6/21). Same questions I had for NY apply here.
5) I will be back in NY for the Cardinals/Muts game on Tuesday (6/23). Same questions I had for Boston apply here.
6) Finally, I will end up in DC for at least one of the Red Sox games on either Wed (6/24) or Thur (6/25). Same questions I had for Philly and Baltimore apply here.
I have never been east of Minnesota, so this will be a new experience. Any other info/tips/things that are a must to do or see that you can think of would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all for your help/advice with planning my trip in the past (especially the tip to stay in Alexandria for the DC part of the trip and the tip to take Amtrak for the ground portion).
Likewise, I would like to extend an invitation to anybody who is in any of these areas to join me for a game. Thanks again for your help, and sorry for clogging up the fanpost section!
Matt (The Californian Eskimo)
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New York, Boston, New York. Get your tickets earlier than later. So yes, if you can find any decently priced ones, do it. All the others aren’t so difficult.
No wonder nobody likes you, Tuttle... everything's a (Pujols) damn debate.
by royhobbs on Apr 30, 2009 3:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I would buy the tickets now. I know it may cost more but it limits the possible headache later. The game that you might be able to wait on is the Mets and Cardinals game. Even with the economy being shitty interleague games still sell well. Boston and Atlanta is considered a rivalry game so it sells well. Baltimore might not sell out especially if they are bad when you are there.
by jack dein on Apr 30, 2009 3:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I think you can legally buy from scalpers right outside Camden Yards for near ticket price. They had a scalping area last time I was there.
I can’t imagine the Nats selling out no matter who they’re playing. If you want really nice seats, I guess I’d do mlb.com now. I hate StubHub.
One day three ducks were crossing the road going to get some soda, they weren't looking where they were going and a bus came along and hit them all and now they're handycapped and that's pretty much it. Handyquacks! And they didn't get their soda!!
by TradeAndruw on Apr 30, 2009 3:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, stubhub reams you pretty good. I imagine that is what I will have to go with for the Sox/Braves series.
People will come Ray. The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. This field, this game: it's a part of our past, Ray. It reminds of us of all that once was good and it could be again.
by mvandonsel on Apr 30, 2009 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
TradeAndruw brings up a good point of the scalper-free zone right outside of the park in Baltimore on Eutaw St. They’re legally allowed to re-sell tickets, but for no higher than face value.
As for Natinals Park, go on Craigslist – find people who have desirable tickets, and offer them 30% less. The snobs in DC will scoff at you, and then be BEGGING you to buy their tickets as the game gets closer and they are about to make ZERO when they could’ve made something. That’s when you accept, but for even lower.
Philly is a toss – there are a lot of scalpers there, but I don’t imagine the Blue Jays selling them out, let alone the locals caring to go see them.
No wonder nobody likes you, Tuttle... everything's a (Pujols) damn debate.
by royhobbs on Apr 30, 2009 3:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
My hope is that by the time I hit up Philly and NY that both teams will be 10-30 so that people will just give me their tickets.
People will come Ray. The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. This field, this game: it's a part of our past, Ray. It reminds of us of all that once was good and it could be again.
by mvandonsel on Apr 30, 2009 3:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
On second thought, the Natinals will be playing Boston, so you’re going to have a hard time getting tickets for them too. You’re kind of SOL too, because that’s exactly when most school systems in that area will be ending, so there will be a lot of rowdy people and Bostonians there. Might want to consider pre-buying for them maybe.
No wonder nobody likes you, Tuttle... everything's a (Pujols) damn debate.
by royhobbs on Apr 30, 2009 3:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
good to know, I didn’t realize school got out so late there.
People will come Ray. The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. This field, this game: it's a part of our past, Ray. It reminds of us of all that once was good and it could be again.
by mvandonsel on Apr 30, 2009 3:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You really think that an additional 20,000 Sox fans are going to show up at Natinal Park?
by Smoltz's Beard on Apr 30, 2009 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not necessarily
But just because there are seats visibly open doesn’t mean you can get those tickets, either. A good chunk of Boston will make their way down, because they can’t get tickets to their own damn park.
No wonder nobody likes you, Tuttle... everything's a (Pujols) damn debate.
by royhobbs on Apr 30, 2009 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fair enough. Actually, now that you mention it, my roommate said he looked into getting tix for that series and found out that the demand was so high already that they were selling them via some crazy raffle system. Guess I was wrong about the demand…
by Smoltz's Beard on Apr 30, 2009 4:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i know that fans fly down to tampa to go see Red Sox games, because its cheaper and easier to get tickets for Red Sox games in Boston
Heyward,Hanson,and Shaffer r ready now!! Why do you think they havent signed the "right handed bat"?
by fatazfoot on Jan 7, 2009 8:59 PM EST
by Swo12bv on Apr 30, 2009 4:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, it was surprisingly hard to find tickets to the Natinals/Red Sox series!
People will come Ray. The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. This field, this game: it's a part of our past, Ray. It reminds of us of all that once was good and it could be again.
by mvandonsel on May 1, 2009 3:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
you don’t think people will be clamoring to see a rematch of the 1993 World Series?
"Ohhhh Shit."-Bobby Cox, 3/28/09
by 10-4 on Apr 30, 2009 3:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I havn’t been to Camden in forever…can you buy the cheapest tix available and then just go to the standing room only area in RF in front of the warehouse and drink there? Or is that it’s own section and you have to buy tix specifically for that?
by Smoltz's Beard on Apr 30, 2009 3:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
They sell standing room only tickets on mlb.com for $10 or something like that.
People will come Ray. The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. This field, this game: it's a part of our past, Ray. It reminds of us of all that once was good and it could be again.
by mvandonsel on Apr 30, 2009 4:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If you hang with Beard, joe and I, we can go to Hooters on the harbor and get trashed before/after a game. Otherwise, there isn’t a lot you can safely do aside from like the aquarium, unless you have a vehicle to get you out of Baltimore. Try to find a place to eat crab, because that’s what Maryland is best known for.
Speaking of crabs, I’ve always been curious about that independent league, the one where John Rocker played in a few years ago. They have a team in Maryland, the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. They have a game on the 15th, and last time I checked there were dudes like Ken Ray and Antonio Alfonseca floating around in them.
No wonder nobody likes you, Tuttle... everything's a (Pujols) damn debate.
by royhobbs on Apr 30, 2009 4:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
We’re going to Hooters? This won’t end well at all
4/24/09 NEVER FORGET THE SWAGGA IS BACK BABY
President, CEO, and chairman of the Brandon Jones fan club
by bigjoe on Apr 30, 2009 5:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol
People will come Ray. The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. This field, this game: it's a part of our past, Ray. It reminds of us of all that once was good and it could be again.
by mvandonsel on Apr 30, 2009 5:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I heard that Hooter started a new promotion. All you have to do is show them it is your birthday, buy a meal, and they will give you a free Hooters girl. That is what Chipper did!
All joking aside, somebody should send a letter or an email to Chipper explaining that we are huge Braves fans, that it is bigjoe’s birthday, and that he should meet us at Hooters for some drinks. I bet Chipper would be down.
People will come Ray. The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. This field, this game: it's a part of our past, Ray. It reminds of us of all that once was good and it could be again.
by mvandonsel on May 1, 2009 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m down for that. Are you guys going to both Saturday and Sunday games?
People will come Ray. The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. This field, this game: it's a part of our past, Ray. It reminds of us of all that once was good and it could be again.
by mvandonsel on Apr 30, 2009 5:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I most likely am
4/24/09 NEVER FORGET THE SWAGGA IS BACK BABY
President, CEO, and chairman of the Brandon Jones fan club
by bigjoe on Apr 30, 2009 5:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nice.
People will come Ray. The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. This field, this game: it's a part of our past, Ray. It reminds of us of all that once was good and it could be again.
by mvandonsel on Apr 30, 2009 5:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good chance. I’m thinking a Florida trip immediately followed by back to DC would be too much to deal with, so I’ll stick with the Braves.
No wonder nobody likes you, Tuttle... everything's a (Pujols) damn debate.
by royhobbs on Apr 30, 2009 5:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes…havn’t decided what hotel I’ll be staying at on Sat night though.
by Smoltz's Beard on May 1, 2009 10:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nor have I.
4/24/09 NEVER FORGET THE SWAGGA IS BACK BABY
President, CEO, and chairman of the Brandon Jones fan club
by bigjoe on May 1, 2009 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
There’s a Days Inn not far from the park that might have the best rates in comparison to the Sheraton, Hyatt, Hilton, and other larger hotels might
No wonder nobody likes you, Tuttle... everything's a (Pujols) damn debate.
by royhobbs on May 1, 2009 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is the place I am staying, I guess it is only one mile from the park, I thought it was pretty reasonable at $90 per night.
People will come Ray. The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. This field, this game: it's a part of our past, Ray. It reminds of us of all that once was good and it could be again.
by mvandonsel on May 1, 2009 1:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought crabcakes and football was what Maryland does?
"Ohhhh Shit."-Bobby Cox, 3/28/09
by 10-4 on Apr 30, 2009 10:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’d say something about this, but then it would just turn into another bigjoe defends the Ravens and someone makes an inappropriate joke about Ray Lewis killing people threads.
No wonder nobody likes you, Tuttle... everything's a (Pujols) damn debate.
by royhobbs on May 1, 2009 9:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i was just quoting Wedding Crashers. I think.
"Ohhhh Shit."-Bobby Cox, 3/28/09
by 10-4 on May 1, 2009 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was too mesmerized by a dirty, dirty Doctor Quinn Medicine Woman to really remember much else about the flick other than the hot redhead who is married to Borat
No wonder nobody likes you, Tuttle... everything's a (Pujols) damn debate.
by royhobbs on May 1, 2009 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
God I love her.
"At least he didn’t nail the bitchy fat girl from Hell's Kitchen."
www.dropoutproductions.com
by cbwilk on May 1, 2009 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
speaking of Ray
I saw this article on Ligtenberg’s comback attempt at mlbtr.
http://www.startribune.com/sports/44103567.html?elr=KArksUUUycaEacyU
If Dunn walks 30 fewer times, he'll drive in 15 more runs. This is thanks to the scientifically proven formula: RBI = (this is nonsense) (I made it all up).
Here's a stat: Wins as manager: Dusty Baker, 1,162; Bill James, 0.
by TradeAndruw on May 1, 2009 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You should definitely check out the Blue Crabs. I went up there about six times last year and it’s a blast. It’s good baseball with a ton of “where are they now” guys.
"At least he didn’t nail the bitchy fat girl from Hell's Kitchen."
www.dropoutproductions.com
by cbwilk on May 1, 2009 3:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t know about you or bigjoe, but I’m down for some SRO tickets, it’s cool out in front of the warehouse.
No wonder nobody likes you, Tuttle... everything's a (Pujols) damn debate.
by royhobbs on Apr 30, 2009 4:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t mind standing, thats what I did the entire time in Florida
4/24/09 NEVER FORGET THE SWAGGA IS BACK BABY
President, CEO, and chairman of the Brandon Jones fan club
by bigjoe on Apr 30, 2009 5:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
They standing room for sold-out games. I’ve always been able to stand around there whenever I’ve gone.
I really doubt that series sells out.
by 17843 on Apr 30, 2009 4:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I was just on mlb.com and they don’t let you buy the SRO tickets
People will come Ray. The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. This field, this game: it's a part of our past, Ray. It reminds of us of all that once was good and it could be again.
by mvandonsel on Apr 30, 2009 4:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
for those games at least
People will come Ray. The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. This field, this game: it's a part of our past, Ray. It reminds of us of all that once was good and it could be again.
by mvandonsel on Apr 30, 2009 5:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So…you just buy the cheap tix, grab a few beers, and then stand in front of the warehouse?
by Smoltz's Beard on May 1, 2009 10:09 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Taking in games at New Yankee Stadium AND Fenway Park in one trip? I think we should be better friends Mr. Moneybags!
But seriously, that seems like an awesome trip you’re planning on undertaking. Unfortunately, i have no advice, only snide remarks out of jealousy.
"Ohhhh Shit."-Bobby Cox, 3/28/09
by 10-4 on Apr 30, 2009 3:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
This
"…aren’t worthy enough to hold his (Pujols) ass cheeks apart while Playboy models wipe him with thousand dollar bills after he craps out the cure to whatever previously-incurable disease." by royhobbs 1/7/09
by buzzdeadwax on Apr 30, 2009 8:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
People were totally giving away Orioles tickets when I was there. Phillies and NY tickets will be pretty hard to get and could get expensive, I would buy cheap ones in the upper deck ahead of time if I were you. DC should be easy as long as you’re not there on a weekend or a free give-away night. For Boston I would recommend dropping some serious coin and get really good to great tickets from a ticket broker. If there’s one stadium that’s worth the money it’s Fenway. My friend and I paid $175 a piece for tickets on row 27 right behind home plate and it was worth EVERY penny.
by gondeee on Apr 30, 2009 4:36 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Thanks for the info everybody! One of the crappy things it is harder than you would think to buy just one ticket, it limits the number of places I can sit! Oh well!
People will come Ray. The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. This field, this game: it's a part of our past, Ray. It reminds of us of all that once was good and it could be again.
by mvandonsel on Apr 30, 2009 4:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I don't know if your into the stadiums
but
fenway has a pretty good tour. There are a ton of places to go in Boston that are safe before and after the game. You could also do the tour of the Sam Adams Brewery but they only do it at certain times on certain days so you should call. Free boos before the game? The place isn’t in the best of neighborhoods but the tour is always in the day.
You should also hit the harbor up while your there. It is absolutely great that time of year. Have an entire seafood market that impress even me. By the way i’ve lived on the Gulf of Mexico my entire life and I know seafood. They know what there doing on the east coast.
Depending on the time of the game in NY you will want to get there VERY early if it’s new to you. I find that the NYC subway is much more complex than the trains in Boston and DC. Depending if your use to the subway then you’ll figure it out. They just have twice as many lines. Must go to Times Sqaure and just look at everything. NYC has a bad rap for being rude people. Don’t get off of the subway at Harlem. Make sure you get a PIE aka pizza.
Getting from DC to Baltimore is a hop skip and jump away. Amtrak is truly the best route. Never stay in DC unless you have business but be prepared for MAJOR traffic at the normal times going in and out of the city. If you want a good seat for the Boston game then pre-buy but you will ALWAYS BE ABLE TO GET TICKETS in DC.
Now for Philly. Buy your tickets and prepare like you would in NYC. I find PHILLY way more hardcore than NYC. Just a different breed there. Don’t know how to explain but don’t be taken back. Expect what you would from the NYC movies and you know what your dealing with. Really aggressive and in your face type of guys. Not a bad thing but just to let you know. Obviously the philly steak and you’ll understand why they call it a philly.
by Charmin519 on May 1, 2009 12:49 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
NICE!!! I appreciate all of this info. I am pretty stoked about the trip in general; however, I am really looking forward to seeing Boston, I think I am going to like it a lot there, maybe I will have to stay!! I love me some seafood, so I have the Boston Harbor on my list now, thanks!
As for NYC, the subway system does look pretty complex. Luckily, I am taking Amtrak from Philly and getting off at Penn Station, it is cool because the hotel I am staying at is less than a mile away from Penn. Then when I come back through NYC (after Boston), I will be staying in Queens because it will be closer to Citi Field. I am definitely going to eat my share of “pie” while I am there!
Thanks to royhobbs, smoltz’s beard, and others, I am staying in Alexandria, VA, and then taking the metro into DC for games/sightseeing. Crazy thing is that it was actually kind of hard to find a ticket for the Natinals because the Sox are in town and I guess they had some raffle thingy on nationals.com for the tickets. I got mine on off of stubhub for $25 or something like that.
Philly, I am sure that place will be interesting, not sure how much I am going to explore the city. The cheesesteak is also on my list of things to try!
Thanks again for all of the info! If anybody has anything else to add, please let me know.
People will come Ray. The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. This field, this game: it's a part of our past, Ray. It reminds of us of all that once was good and it could be again.
by mvandonsel on May 1, 2009 3:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Boston
It sounds lame, but in Boston, I did the Duckboat tour, and enjoyed it. It’s hokey and educational, but it’s a cheap way to get a good bit of the meat of the city knocked out without having to walk all over. I actually got to drive the Duckboat on the Charles River for a shake when the conductor asked if any kids wanted to drive it, and when no kids did, he said “BIG kids can drive too,” my ass was out of my seat and up front in a heartbeat.
Also I did a lot of tourist crap, like going to Cheers, Harvard Square and Faneuil Hall, but they were pretty decent places. Seafood is a must out there, but I’m going to likely be in the minority and say that clam chowder out in the Northwest was better than the stuff in Boston. FYI, Boston and New York are sticklers for public restrooms. Take every opportunity you can get to utilize clean restrooms, because most places are real stingy and/or filthy.
The little Italy district has some of the best bakeries in the world. Look for any place selling sweet stuff and putting them in little white boxes with red ribbons.
I also stayed on the outskirts of the city, as long as there is T (their local trains) access, you can get to and from Fenway easily. Be careful about wearing opposing team stuff in Boston, you will get dirty looks.
No wonder nobody likes you, Tuttle... everything's a (Pujols) damn debate.
by royhobbs on May 1, 2009 10:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Most of the jeering I got while in Fenway was pretty good natured for the most part. Of course, everyone was in a good mood cause they crushed us.
by Smoltz's Beard on May 1, 2009 10:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
They sure as hell wasn’t as happy after Smoltz shut them down 14-0 in the night-cap. I’ve never heard more cheering for a denied cycle in my life when Wily Mo Peña dove to catch Kelly’s 9th inning single, but hey when getting destroyed that badly, they gotta find some good elsewhere.
No wonder nobody likes you, Tuttle... everything's a (Pujols) damn debate.
by royhobbs on May 1, 2009 10:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I definitely plan on doing some touristy things while on this trip. Thanks for the tip about the Duckboat tour, I will check that out.
Oh yeah, you are correct. West Coast Clam Chowder >>>>>> North East Clam Chowda
People will come Ray. The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. This field, this game: it's a part of our past, Ray. It reminds of us of all that once was good and it could be again.
by mvandonsel on May 1, 2009 1:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with Charmin. You should definitely take the Fenway tour I think it’s around 15 bucks, maybe cheaper, but weeellll worth it.
Also, If you do get into a pinch, you can get to Fenway about 3 or 4 hours before the game and a line will be forming on Landsdown street where they sell tickets released the day of the game for face value. I’ve gotten really good seats doing that, and my friend did the same thing and sat behind home plate.
Also if you can, go by Spike’s hotdogs in Boston. You won’t regret it. Have a blast! I’m now officially jealous.
by Bmacbandwagon on May 1, 2009 10:08 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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