Category Archives: ballpark roadtrips
183 in 2015: Ball Park Preview Gm 1 – Sun Apr.05, 2015 (Wrigley Field, MLB Season Opener)
2015 MLB Trip Sponsors: Man Fish Brewery, Megabus.com, MLB Reports, National Car Rental and the MLB Ball Park Pass-Port
Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead Analyst): Follow @chuckbooth3024
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Chuck Booth’s 2015 MLB Park Historical Road Trip
The GOAL: 183 Straight Days (every single day at least 1 gm) Of ALL 30 MLB Parks Trip In 2015 (218 Games) view full year schedule.
The CAUSE: To Raise Money for Concussion Awareness (via Sports Legacy Institute. donate money here) Through Inspiring Others.
DAY DATE: Sunday, Apr.05, 2015
Game # 1 Day # 1
Today’s game (s) Start Time (s) in EST and Venue (s): Wrigley Field (MLB Season Opener) 8:05 Cardinals @ Cubs
Read the rest of this entry
Road Travel Tips: Greyhound Bus Tickets at 7 – 11, Cheap Airport Parking + Airfare Savers
If you have a 7 – Eleven nearby, you can receive the cheapest method to buy tickets via Greyhound on their website. It is their WEB ONLY FARE, and you must pay in cash. The receipt given at the till acts like your ticket onto the bus. It is another reason that 7E is still one of the biggest convenient stores to aid you in road trips. Thank – you to Greyhound for imploring their services.
Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead Anayst): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
A lot of how I have gone about finalizing my baseball tour this year has to do with cost. Yes I have pared my trip from 229 games to 216 games, but that has more to do with the Canadian Dollar, than increasing my budget in the year. I could still do the original amount of contests even with some growing expenditures.
Lets start off with buying Greyhound Tickets At 7-Eleven. I laughed at the notion during 2012, but I soon realized that this service is convenient. Book a travel itinerary (WEB ONLY FARE), and then simply go to a nearby 7 – Eleven and pay cash. The register receipts serves as your bus ticket. Read the rest of this entry
Megabus Saves The Day For Travel Savings On Year Long MLB Trip
To this minute, have booked over 70 bus rides that only cost me a $1 to book the journey with. With the majority of my baseball games watched on the road in Philadelphia, New York, Washington, Baltimore and Washington, one can spend a fortune on parking, gas, tolls and hotels from extended driving. Well, I am here to tell you that Megabus has rescued me from financial ruin on my upcoming journey. These are bus rides so cheap, that you can probably find the fares in seat cushions of your couch or car!
Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead Anayst): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Megabus Saves The Day For Travel Savings On Year Long MLB Trip
Go to their homepage and book a trip here.
I have changed my schedule so many times on the upcoming season that I never got around to posting the monthly and yearly master schedules. There is a reason for that.
Since the beginning of this ordeal it has come to down to every trick in the book I know to save on travel, and my new favorite go to is Megabus.com
It is a Bus Site that starts the bidding on many bus fares for just $1 on certain days and times. As the times approach for the date to arrive, the rates incrementally go up.
I am lucky to feature 120+ games with both New York clubs, Boston, Baltimore, Washington and Philadelphia this campaign, as such I am fortunate to reel in the savings.
To date, I have placed bookings on over 70 bus rides for $1.00 between these fine cities. I even found a few loopholes to circumnavigate the $10 fares that are customary between Pittsburgh with New York and Boston, while using the Beltway cities of Washington and Baltimore to do the same.
The hub for all of these fine cities, (median so to speak) is Philadelphia. If y ou stop there 1st , the journeys are a $1 there, and then repeat the fare to New York.
New York to Boston is always on the docket for just $1. Pretty much I spent all of Tuesday booking trips through Labor Day weekend. It was the 1st day these routes were live for purchasing. Task completed. Read the rest of this entry
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – March 7, 2015
I recorded today’s episode along a big empty field in Fremont California.
If everything had gone according to plan, the Athletics would have had their stadium and called this patch of land home. As you can see, it didn’t happen.
It is a “What could have been” episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Finalizing My Full Year Quest To See A Game Everyday Live In 2015
The 30 MLB Park tour by travel or air is one of the most adrenaline filled chases one can endure. It is like the Amazing Race, meets Survivor, against Planes, Trains and Automobiles. But even if you just love to travel, nothing beats going to the park!
I wanted to watch the 1st 2 months off of the West Coast, but the schedule didn’t allow it.
I would have loved to chase down records (for land or air), but obligations to family, friends and also to this website had me thinking of the bigger picture, and I just couldn’t wear myself that thin…when the goal was originally a game a day all year at least
It has been a grueling journey to even plan this 179 day MLB Trip, but the end is in sight, and the baseball year is just 6 weeks away. You can view my pending journey here.
I have dealt with the Canadian $ plummeting to the lowest mark it has seen since I started ballpark chasing in 2005, but at least had the foresight to see it coming down in advance.
The cost of a venture like this changes on a daily basis with fuel prices, and also the rise of inflation. The best laid budgets can veer the wrong way on any given 24 hour stretch. Read the rest of this entry
Buying 2015 MLB Tickets For All 30 Clubs: Rating Packages, Partial Plans + Single Game Sale Dates
With Philadelphia not having the best team the last few years, I am giving them the nod for having the best ticket campaigning to drive sales in 2015. They had their schedule up early, offered a Christmas special, 3, 4 or 6 game fan select packages (that didn’t omit any games), and most of them included the season opener option – while supplies lasted. In addition to this, they had a business person’s special, the Phillie Phanatic birthday package, Mothers Day and Father’s day specials and 4 different options for 20 game plans. I am glad I am watching the most games here on my 179 day trip – than any other venue.
Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead Analyst) Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
One of the things that has made me quite upset over forecasting my big road trip is the waiting for single game tickets. I made a point back in December that baseball needs to look at this in great detail for all 30 MLB franchises.
Some of the clubs are doing a better job than the others, having said that, maybe Rob Manfred could help address some of these marketing drives.
There is no reason why fans have to wait so long for to buy game tickets for the upcoming campaign! Kudos to the teams like Seattle, Chicago White Sox, Milwaukee Brewers, Boston Red Sox, Toronto, Philadelphia and the Giants for having several fan selection packages available in a timely fashion.
Fenway Park, Wrigley Field and Yankee Stadium have come down in ticket prices over the last 5 years. Routinely, the most expensive ballparks, even they have deals on certain games and times of the year. Boston even had a day where they waved their processing fee’s for a 24 hour stretch. Other teams should take heed on this brilliant idea.
The Red Sox had one of the best promotions I have seen this winter during a day in January this year. For their lower tier games in dynamic pricing, they offered a fee waiver on service charges for a 24 hour session. I ended up buying 9 tickets for $90. Outstanding value to see a park most people have near the tops of their stadium rankings! Read the rest of this entry
A Chase For A World Record Means Some Sacrifices To Full Year Schedule
With family leaving in New Jersey about a $5 public transit move away, I will be visiting CBP for another 30 games to help keep costs down for the whole year trip. In addition to this park being cool – it also has doubleheader chances with both New York teams and Baltimore?Washington. It is a good place to set up shop on the Eastern Seaboard. I will see 40 games at CBP this season.
What a rollercoaster of a month it has been. I may crumbled out of the gate before I even begin my year long baseball park journey. Of course I am kidding there.. But there have been several ups and downs.
The Good:
A great schedule for the most part. I have worked out several kinks, bought plenty of tickets already, made plans with countless other ballpark chasers. The ability to be able to do this trip is not lost on me. Bought several tickets when the dollar value was high.
I am seeing my favorite 2 teams almost a quarter of their games (Yankees and Nationals).
I will chase a world record down from June to July in some fashion.
Also purchasing partial season tickets for the Yankees, Red Sox, Mariners, Cubs, Phillies, Brewers and White Sox is awesome to have in the hopper. Read the rest of this entry
Potential World Record Of All 30 MLB Parks In 21 Or 22 Days – 2015 (Air + Ground Streak)
BallparkChasers.com is a website where some of the fans dedicated to going to baseball parks meet. There are many members who have completed all current 30 MLB Parks in their travels. Go to the site and join the movement.
Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead Analyst): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
We covered the ground attack yesterday for an all 30 MLB Parks World Record Pursuit. Now it is time to turn our attention to the schedule that would challenge the record chase of all 30 MLB Parks (done in 2012 by yours truly) in 23 days.
The odds are stacked favorably against anyone ever eclipsing this record. Even with a perfect schedule, I am not sure I could accomplish the task.
In 2012, I knocked off 7 out of 10 Doubleheaders – and put forth the new mark. None of the 3 misses were my fault from planning. I had 3 plane delays ruin attempts, all had mechanical failures, and the worst one was the 2nd officer’s seat belt not coming down completely. Lost an Atlanta/St. Louis double for that.
Realistically had the flights worked out, I may have set a 30-21 streak. But I was lucky. I had only one game of 30 even reach extra innings. Also faced no weather challenges, despite it being opening month if the game.
In 2013 and 2014 I put out scenarios that could have challenged the record, but all would have ended up in flames with bad game times and even a rainout. Read the rest of this entry
Potential 30 MLB Parks In 25 Days World Record Attempt In 2015 (All By Ground)
Petco Park is a doable Doubleheader Attempt with Angel Stadium, and especially with start times of 12:40/7:05.
Chuck Booth (Owner/Lead Analyst): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
As I said before yesterday, the schedule maker was very kind to those looking to pursue records for ballpark chasing this season. I was hoping to have the option. Now it is a possibility.
From June 15th to July 9th, there is s schedule that lends itself to 30 games in 25 days (all by ground). I can honestly see this kind of itinerary is rare, How much? Well it is the first docket like this in 7 years, since Josh Robbins nailed all 30 MLB Parks in 26 days.
The all ground record is impressive. Josh made 4 Doubleheaders (including 3 straight in a row to end his streak), to make a 30 – 26 record happen.
He traveled 15,000 Miles in 26 Days. This potential record streak would add 5,000 Miles to the bid. The doubleheaders listed are: Petco Park/Angel Stadium, Progressive Field/PNC Park, Us Cellular Field/Wrigley Field, Citi Field/Citizens Bank Park, and Great American Ballpark and Busch Stadium (the hardest of them all to complete, with 354 Miles between venue’s.
There is even a special 6 doubleheader attempt listed, although it is a tough negotiation, and would nor shave off a day off the chase, rather it would give a rest day. There are about 4 different 1000+ Mile journey’s between the parks. Read the rest of this entry
It Was An Epic 24 Hours For The 2015 MLB Schedule, Potential Trips + Season Opener At Wrigley!
Wrigley Field had its 100th birthday last season, and is undergoing modifications and renovations for 2015. Some of them won’t be ready for the SMLB Season Opener on Sun Apr.05, 2015. in the North Side of the Windy City. Tickets are going for $150 each, but if you had the luck to buy a 12 game fan flex pack yesterday. then you scored tickets to the opener and 11 other contests at about $25 per ticket.
At last, we have the majority of all 30 MLB teams scheduled start times. The Padres, Indians, White Sox and Astros were the last 4 clubs to join the party. Yes, I will continue to call franchises out on this aspect.. It costs you people from including your park as part of their road trips when they are trying to finagle the landscape of a trip itinerary for time, and you have yet to put them up before other squads.
Having said that, I have no complaints in how the actual times they put forth on their year calendars. I was stoked about a month ago, as it looked like I had a perfect storm brewing for a World Record Chase for either my own record (ALL 30 MLB Parks, every pitch of every game, in just 23 days).
What happened after that is the Canadian dollar went from hovering 90 cents versus the American Dollar, all the way to just over 80 cents. The costs were mounting astronomically for an odyssey that requires special kinds of transportation to break the damn thing.
Secondly, I had horrible news (schedule wise) from the Cubs/Brewers, Rays/Marlins, and Giants/A’s all hosting games in their towns in respective areas, only to not have one scheduled available Doubleheader for all of the ballpark chasers to attend every pitch. I was frustrated at all concerned, and packed in the thought of trying for either. world record journey in 2015. Read the rest of this entry
Random Travel Tips I Have Stumbled Across In 2015 MLB Roadtrip Planning
Milwuakee is one of the cheapest cities to travel in, (if not the cheapest), and I routinely start a big tour there, for rates within car rentals, hotels and of course the doubleheaders that can be done with the Cubs or White Sox. MKE Airport is also one of the only airport that has a rental center within the airport that you can walk to among the 30 teams, Sometimes it cheaper to fly into Chicago 1st and make your way to this city via Amtrak.
I have said it many times before, but having Amtrak and Greyhound available for travel on the Eastern Seaboard is a life saver for the MLB Roadtripper.
Another company I like is http://www.hihostels.com. This place is instrumental for cheap accommodations in San Diego, Houston, Chicago, Boston and Baltimore specifically, and to a lesser extent in Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York.
The dumbest new thing is the airliner http://www.spiritairlines.com. Sure they will be the cheapest on several flights for websites like http://www.kayak.com, but then you realize that is just a price for your personal being and belongings. These guys are the only carrier that gets with you carry on charges (hidden from the normal fee) Just include the price like everyone else jackball’s.
The best airline is still southwest.com They offer the free luggage check ins, being able to change flights, and they have the most modern gates in any airport, and all have free WiFi. The whole plane is coach, and I personally love that on a budget. Read the rest of this entry
Confessions Of A Ball Park Chaser – 2015 Edition Part 3: Why I Will See 220+ Games In 2015
Confessions Of A Ball Park Chaser – 2015 Edition: Why I Will Attend 220+ MLB Games This Year Part 1
Confessions Of A Ball Park Chaser – 2015 Edition Part 2: Why I will See 220+ MLB Games in 2015
So I finally had my insurance settlement (that I was waiting almost 3 years) paid out in the summer of 2013.. The 1st thing I did was take a lesser route for my courier job. I had already bought this website in Nov of 2012.
From June 2013 – February of 2014, I barely made a profit at work, but still had physical lingering of not taking the 6 months off I needed. The symptoms were a lot more apparent in the summer when it is hotter, and I was staring down a long 6 months of warmer weather.
2013 had been a gong show for me personally, and I only made it 2 games at MLB Parks (Safeco Field and Dodger Stadium). I was at least happy that this website was flourishing with a growing network of readers, and we had 40 writers work the season with us.
Not adding enough money to my savings account, in order to take off 6 months straight was frustrating. I needed to come up with something quick. A new route popped up that was the highest paying profit in the company, and I pounced on the chance. In March of 2014 I embarked on my new quest that required more work than I ever had done in my life.
To give myself some fun for the baseball year in 2014, I purchased a portion of Mariners Season Tickets to attend games. The baseball was awesome, and I had fun, but 10 hour days of going to Seattle and back, then working straight through after arriving home, was a lot to do that much in one year.
When the hot month’s hit last season in July and August. , it was the 1st time I had taken on so much work ever at the job (Twice as much than any other year). I had the 2008 and 2009 summer’s off, I had 2 jobs still in 2010, in 2011 I had a lower paying route, recovering from the accident, the months of June, July and August of 2012 are the only 3 months I failed to turn a profit in the last 90 – with less papers coming back after my 2012 baseball streak. Read the rest of this entry
Confessions Of A Ball Park Chaser – 2015 Edition Part 2: Why I will See 220+ MLB Games in 2015
This was taken for a news paper article. It was in June of 2008. I was in the best shape of my life mentally and physically..
We finished off earlier in the week about the chance for me to play NCAA Baseball that was foiled by knee problems and concussions. Looking at reconstructive knee surgery in late 1994, I was seeking a second and third opinion on the matter. If you have to read that blog to catch up it is available right here.
On a night in Sept of that year I was in the wrong place at the wrong time helping a friend move. I was a victim of a serious home invasion. It was truly a life or death situation at points. It ended with all of receiving baseball bats to the back of the head before they left.
In the minutes after it was over, I was on an adrenaline rush, so I never realized how much damage had been done with the impact. I did go to the hospital that night, but we never wanted to divulge that much information about what happened to us. I was given some painkillers, and I passed a quick eyeball test with the doctor in the emergency room.
I stayed up for almost 2 days straight. Previous head injuries had told me not to sleep that much if all. I drank alcohol and took painkillers. at will.
When I went to work 3 days later, I knew I was in trouble. I started having vision problems and felt nauseous. Within 3 months – I stopped working entirely and didn’t want to leave the house at all. I never went to my knee appointments, as I had gone through similar symptoms with my brain after a concussion at 16. Worse part of the whole ordeal, was not demanding a CT scan on the night of the incident. Read the rest of this entry
My New 2015 30 MLB Parks/183 Day Record Trip Is Revealed (226 Games)
The count is in, and it may increase a little – or decrease a little. It has taken me about a week’s worth of hours to formulate this game plan. I have had to revamp the itinerary several times for cost and time considerations.
I initially had wanted to spend the first few months on the West Coast, however the parks are too far from each other. Once I established that was a problem, it made life easier. Factor in some great scores on tickets for the Red Sox and Phillies, and I am looking at a ton of games on the Eastern Seaboard.
Highlighted in my April schedule are 12 Doubleheader Attempts. Yes I am crazy, but this a good way to put a lot of games up early while I am freshest.
ESPN has also placed its first 5 games for Sunday night contests and surprise…the Yankees are in 3 of the contests. I am attending 4 of these games as part of Doubleheader days. The only one not consisting of 2 games is the MLB Season Opener at Wrigley Field on Apr.5, 2015.
I have slated to see most teams at least 3 times at home (except for Tropicana Field which I will see 2x), and all teams at least once on the road. I will see Citizens Bank Park, Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, Miller Park, Safeco Field, US Cellular Field, Nats Park and Citi Field at least 10games or more.
There are 46 Doubleheaders in the 179 games played, with potentially more coming on the way. I could have a few taken away with my schedule projections as well. Right now the Royals, Padres, White Sox, Astros and Indians have not placed their start times yet (Shame on them, LOL). Read the rest of this entry
My 183 Day/30 MLB Park Trip Will Be About 229 Games.
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I have been waiting for every last team to post their times, so I can mark my way through the entire calendar for game action for every single day next year,
Two-Thirds of the teams have complied, and I am seeing about 44 – 50 Doubleheader Attempts for the calendar season.
From the season opener at Wrigley Field, I will be there… I am attending about 17 – 20 games on the North Side Of Chicago, and many of them will couple a game at Miller Park right afterwards.
Since my brother lives in Philadelphia, and is the hub for doublheaders on the Eastern Seaboard, I will see the most games there out of any other park.
I contemplated basing out of Seattle, but it is just too far away from other parks. I will still see about 20 games there next season.
I plan on seeing the Nationals in about 12 different road parks..
Barring Any Setbacks Schedule Wise, I Will Be Attempting An All 30 MLB Parks/20 Days Trip In 2015
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Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
I have been waiting as patiently as I can for the 2015 time starts for the upcoming MLB season. It all started coming together when Wrigley Field was announced as the 2015 campaign opener.
I knew where I was going to start my quest of attending a game for every day in the 2015 year.
A lot of teams have put forth their start times for most games already, and even the Mets, Yankees and A’s are smart enough to have single game ticket sales up before Christmas holidays for 2015.
Scouring the June and July itinerary of games (for another ballpark chaser’s potential 30 Games in 30 Days via a ground trip) I started to see some Doubleheaders arise in the time frame of June 10 – July 4th time frame.
This is nothing new to me, as I have been scouting out Doubleheader possibilities since 2007. What was starting to take form is a sweetheart list of potential opportunities of 2 games in one day.
Now not every club has specified their start times. Teams like the Royals, Indians, Marlins, Astros, Padres, Angels and White Sox have yet to publish any game times this far. But from the games that are put in at this point, it is looking like I will have a streak chase to trek down my own World Record of 30 parks in 23 days set in 2012.
I will have to wait until the end of January to finish the schedule, as I am in need of the ESPN Sunday night schedule of games for those months too, but it is looking in my favor to have about 10 doubleheader attempts in a 20 day span. Read the rest of this entry
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 25, 2014
I had never been to a World Series game in my life.
Neither had my dad, a lifelong Giants fan.
We went to Game 3 of the World Series together. I tried my best to share the experience of being at the game last night
It is fathers and son episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Alcides Escobar, Greg Holland, Michael Morse and Tim Hudson all owned October and the World Series last night.
4 MLB Post Season Games Slated For Friday, All 3 Hours Apart – Call In Sick!
The 1st game of tomorrow’s play will be held at beautiful Camden Yards..
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
I am also an NFL fan, and while I love baseball more than life itself, these type of days are rare indeed, where the sport will carry four separate times, in order for all 4 games to be seen.
Now, good luck on all games to be under 3 hours, but it is possible with some of the ace pitchers throwing.
Here is the lineup..
All times EST
Detroit @ Baltimore 12:07 PM (Camden Yards) Justin Verlander vs TBD
San Fran @ Washington 3:07 PM (Nationals Park) Jake Peavy vs Stephen Strasburg
St. Louis @ LA Dodgers 6:37 PM (Dodger Stadium) Adam Wainwright vs Clayton Kershaw
Kansas City @ LA Angles 9:37 (Angel Stadium) Yordano Ventura. vs Matt Shoemaker
Now I for one, am thinking that the LA traffic will be gridlock with over 100, 000 people clogging up the freeways in Los Angeles on a October Friday night. Read the rest of this entry
How To Do Wrigley Field And Miller Park Doubleheader Attempts
Wrigley Field might just be the best place just to watch a baseball game (Fenway Park rivals it for entire ballpark experience). AT &T Park and PNC Psrk usually round out the top 4 Parks. Once you have watched a game in this park once, I suggest going to a doubleheader with Miller Park. In any given year there are 12 – 20 Doubleheaders between the 2, with Wrigley usually taking the matinée 1st. Today I will give you an example of ways to travel between the stadiums.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Welcome to my 1st installment, of what could take about a year’s worth of writing to complete, if I were to post a blog everyday. I am talking about Modern Day MLB Baseball Doubleheaders.
I have done around 30 DH’s in my time so far, and have scouted every plausible scenario for all 30 Parks, to line up with dance partners, so you can see two games in one day.
For the last 2 years, have prominently displayed the Master List for Doubleheaders in the game of MLB, for each calendar year.
As some of you know, and now other will figure out, I am attending at least one baseball game every day of the 2015 MLB Season.
Listed in my itinerary, I plan to attend 50 – 60 Doubleheaders throughout the course of the year.
Of course the land attempts are far easier than flight, but I like the challenge of those to.
In the next 365 days, I will be giving you a preview of how to do all the doubleheaders possible, should time allow it on MLB’s schedule. Read the rest of this entry
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