Great American Ballpark
From Ballpark Roadtrip
Great American Ballpark
Chicago White Sox @ Cincinnati Reds
June 17, 2006
Contents |
The Road Trip
We took the trip from Milwaukee down to Cincinnati and caught the game. The roadtrip to Cincinnati wasn't nearly as eventful as the 'roadtrip' after the game and the next morning getting out of town. We caught the game, which you can read about below, then crossed the river over to Covington, KY to check into the hotel. There were some shenanigans in the hotel lobby involving something about checking in and whether there were enough rooms 'clean' or ready to stay in. We just waited it out then headed over to Newport.
It's doubtful anyone knew anything about Newport, KY in advance only because you can just take one look at the area and see where the action is. Like following rats off a sinking ship, we followed the crowd to the light. When we reached the light we found an oasis of partying in an otherwise crime infested corner of America. Newport had a bunch of new spots that seem to have been built in response to the new park across the river. At least that's what we're thinking.
The Park
The new park in Cincinnati is a major upgrade from the old 'Cinergy' or 'Riverfront' or however you remember it. Of course, our bias is similar to most in the current era of ballparks where cookie cutter stadiums are more of an eyesore than a shrine to baseball. The owners took advantage of their position on the river to get a terrific view in right field. They also took better advantage of the skyline toward left field and third base.
The park itself is laid out similar to other ballparks of this era. The concourses are wider, concessions are diverse. HOK sport pretty much has it down at this point. Great American Ballpark pays more honor to the pastime than its predecessor.
The Game
The White Sox lost to the Reds on this day, but that wasn't the worst beating of the day. One thing we've found in our travels is that you can come across a rare outlier of a fan who sets himself apart from the average fan at the park. Now the average fan varies from park to park. In Cincinnati, the average fan is typical of what you find in the midwest: mild mannered, laid back. Somehow we ended up seated in the same section as a major heckler. This guy was relentless.
At that point Cooter couldn't take it anymore, turned around and belted out "enough!" at the guy. That did it. Now Cooter was square in that guys cross hairs. Everything was "enough" after that. "Okay everyone, that's enough, he said enough, so that's enough and enough is enough so enough out of you all. You heard the man, enough! Enough with that hot dog buddy, this guy down here said enough so enough already." That went on for a good twenty minutes. It was like watching a car accident. On one hand it was funny because no two heckles were the same. He took the word 'enough' and turned it into something fresh every time. On the other hand the guy was legitimately obnoxious. On the other hand it was Cooter and it was awesome seeing him get hazed mercilessly. We should have just gone up and pummeled that guy.
