On a baseball road trip, there are plenty of ways that you can enhance the gameday experience before the ballpark’s gates open.
For me, one of those methods is by playing a game of catch.
Playing catch is not something that I often write about in my blog — I can’t recall off-hand if I’ve ever made reference to it, in fact — but it’s something that I’ve enjoyed countless times over the years. Of course, it’s not possible all the time. As you might know, I’m a big fan of solo baseball road trips, and traveling on your own isn’t exactly conducive to a game of catch unless you’re able to find some other fans and join their game. If you’re traveling with one or more friends or family members, through, make sure to pack your gloves and a couple of balls — and give yourself a little time to play before you enter the park.
Pregame catch is a good way to get your body moving if you’ve been sitting in the car for a long time, it can certainly increase your excitement for the ballgame you’re about to watch and it can help to work up an appetite for the ballpark hot dogs you’re about to consume. But most of all, it’s fun. And baseball road trips are all about having fun.
If you’re interested in giving this activity a try on your next trip, here are some places that can work well. (And be sure to read right to the end of the post to see a short anecdote about one of my games of catch!)
In the Parking Lot
Parking lots have played host to most of my games of catch over the years. If you’ve been in the car for a long time, there’s nothing like reaching your destination and stretching your body with a few minutes of catch — ideally, while you listen to the pregame show on the radio with the windows down. Your ability to play catch in a parking lot largely depends on how crowded it is. You don’t really want to be tossing the ball around as cars drive past you and fans walk around you, but if you arrive early enough, you’ll have a large space that is perfect for this activity. Some parking lot attendants aren’t too keen on people playing catch, but moving to an open area is generally enough for them to ignore you. Ballparks that have a lively tailgating scene, like American Family Field in Milwaukee, are ideal for playing catch because there are already plenty of tailgating games going on.
Behind the Fence
Hanging out behind the outfield fence at minor league parks is a good way to snag batting practice home runs, but it’s also a perfect venue for playing catch. These spaces are often grass covered, which works better for catch than a paved surface, and you’ll also get to enjoy the sounds of the ballpark nearby. In this area, you’re unlikely to run into anyone who tells you to get lost, either. Keep in mind that if BP is taking place while you play catch, you’ll want to stand back far enough from the fence that there’s no risk of getting smacked with a baseball.
Next to the Ballpark
The space outside ballparks, especially in the major leagues, tends to be wide open. This makes it a good spot for a game of catch, although you’ll almost certainly have to deal with a few overzealous stadium staff who may frown on this activity. Provided that there aren’t any signs that forbid this activity and the area isn’t too crowded yet, playing catch outside of the park is a good strategy because one of you can save a spot in line at the gates.
In a Nearby Park
There are plenty of ballparks that have city parks nearby, and these spaces can be perfect for some pregame catch. Parks are ideal because you’re unlikely to be reprimanded, and you’ll be close enough to the ballpark that you can easily head to the gates and enter once they’re open. You may even find some other fans playing catch, which can always be a fun way to connect with people before the game. Take a look at the ballpark on Google Maps before your trip; even if there isn’t a city park adjacent to the ballpark, there might be one that’s just a short walking distance away.
On the Field
Last on this list is the most exciting place to play catch — on the field. This option, of course, is only available at select times. On a few occasions throughout the year, MiLB teams give fans the ability to play catch on the field, either before or after the game. Some teams even give team logo baseballs to the first few hundred fans who take part in this activity. There’s absolutely nothing like playing catch on the outfield grass of a professional baseball stadium, regardless of its level. Not only is this an outstanding place to play catch, but it also gives you the unique opportunity to take in the ballpark from a new vantage point.
Do you make a point of playing catch before you attend ballgames? If so, where’s your favorite spot?
