Whether you are planning your first trip to see a Braves game or have been going for years, I have discovered some great ideas and treasures when attending beautiful Turner Field.
1) Bring a Soft Cooler- I cannot tell you how much money I have saved from bringing my own snacks to the park over the years. I first saw a family with a cooler in 2009, but didn't take note of it being a soft cooler(one without any hard shell). So, the first time I brought a cooler that had a hard shell, only to be told I couldn't bring it inside. I removed the hard, plastic shell and left it outside the stadium. After that experience, I bought a soft cooler and have been going to Turner Field with some drinks and snacks surrounded by large, ziploc bags of ice. No alcohol can be brought into the stadium, however, I load up with water, soda, and other snacks and candy.
2) Always Check on Stubhub- Before you buy your tickets through the Braves website or Ticketmaster, ALWAYS check on Stubhub. I have purchased seats 6 rows behind home plate on Stubhub for around $50 per ticket. There are great deals all over the park, but I have always been fond of sitting just past the dugout on either side. Seats drop as low as $20 per seat, especially during the middle of the week. On the weekends, it is more difficult to find a steal, but it is at least worth checking out.
3) The 755 Club- If your ticket comes with access to the 755 Club, make it a point to check it out. I would say that about one-fourth of the tickets I have bought through Stubhub have included entrance into the 755 Club. The view is absolutely beautiful and you can enjoy the best food that Turner Field has to offer. Some of it is rather pricey, but if any food in the park is worth the noticeable mark up, it is the food served here. There are a few bars that serve an assorted menu of mixed drinks and the vibe up here before first pitch is unmatched at the park. You may enjoy it so much that you never actually make it to your actual seat! You have been warned.
4) BATTING PRACTICE- I haven't visited other Major League Stadiums, but I can't imagine having a better chance to catch a home run ball than during batting practice at Turner Field. I have averaged about 1 ball every time I go. In one batting practice session two years ago my family got 3 baseballs (2 homeruns, 1 thrown by a player). Once again, when attendance is lower(Monday-Thursday), your chances at getting a ball skyrocket. Bring your glove! Also, players shagging flies will throw an occasional ball, especially to a kid, but please do not hassle them every time they field a ball close to the warning track. It's annoying to hear as a fan and it must be even more annoying to the players.
5) Avoid the Sun/Heat- If you are attending a day game at Turner Field, it is going to be hot. Atlanta only knows two temperatures from May-September: hot and hotter. If avoiding direct exposure to sun is important to you and your family, sit anywhere down the 3rd base line. Obviously any terrace seating will have protection above, but if you want to be very close to the action and still have protection, third base dugout seats are the way to go. The picture below gives the best representation I can find of the difference between 1st base and 3rd base line.
6) The Bullpen Rib House- If you have the time and appetite to eat before or after the game, the Bullpen is the place to go. Standing at the Southwest gate of Turner Field, you can throw a rock and hit it. Draped with Braves and other MLB memorabilia, the Bullpen offers beer specials and some of the best bar food you will ever put in your mouth. Only thing to worry about is being late for the game for refusal of leaving your table. Every visitor to Turner Field should stop by and try once. My money would say it won't be your last visit. More information can be found at http://www.killerribs.com/
7) For the Kids!- I'm sure many parks have attractions geared toward kids, but the Atlanta Braves truly put forth an incredible effort to make a lasting memory for youngsters. All through the East and West Pavilions are games and contests. One of my favorite memories was being getting clocked on a radar gun as a kid in Turner Field. They also now have hitting simulations that seem to be a lot of fun. On Sunday's, kids ages 4-14 can run the same bases their big league heroes just ran after the game. Also, during the game you can go up to Sky Field that's on top of the outfield roof. There is a base path that kids can run there as well as picnic tables for families. The Braves also have a Kids Club. For a yearly fee of $25.00, kids receive two tickets to a Braves game, a Braves backpack, and other goodies and offers. More information on this club can be found at http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/atl/ticketing/kidsclub.jsp
8) Parking- You should not pay more than $10 to park around Turner Field. My preferred lot is literally right across the street from the stadium. Coming down Hank Aaron Drive, the big Holiday Inn will be on your left, you continue past the front gates of Turner Field. On the left will be a few entrances to a big lot. Enter any that you see has parking available and you should be charged $10. The lots directly in front of the stadium are $20 and the walking distance is identical.
9) The Braves Chop House- If the 755 Club isn't quite to your taste or not included in your ticket package, the Chop House is a great alternative. No special ticket required(you can purchase a standing room ticket and still enjoy a meal or drinks here) this restaurant/bar offers a variety of food and drink to enjoy before or during the game. They have outdoor seating, as well as indoor, so you don't have to miss a pitch of live action.
10) Henry Aaron Seats (At least once)- As I've previously mentioned, you can purchase tickets much cheaper during the week. You can also find them cheaper when kids are at school. So, a weekday game in April, May, and September would be your best shot to "splurge" on Henry Aaron seats directly behind home plate for a reasonable price. I have seen them as low as the $45-50 range, you just have to check. Sometimes waiting until a week or so before the game is beneficial, as prices will begin to drop. The Henry Aaron section isn't only the 3 rows of cushioned seats so be wary. Try to get something within the first 15 rows and settle in for an incredible baseball experience. When I bought Hank Aaron seats, former President Jimmy Carter sat 2 rows in front of me!
Monday, 15 October 2012
Sunday, 14 October 2012
Baseball and Hitting - 4 Reasons to Be Using the Fence Drill
There are many drills used for baseball that will help you when you are trying to improve your offensive production. However, there is one drill that I particularly like and has the most overall effect on your swing. And that is the fence drill.
Here are 4 reasons why you should be utilizing the fence drill and why it is so important.
Promotes balance. Probably the most important aspect in any sport is the proper utilization of your balance. Never is this more illustrated then when using the fence drill. If you are not doing well on your balance, you will not be able to perform this drill very well. You need to keep your balance and it all starts with the right setup and the right balance. Rule number one, get your balance.Promotes an inside out swing. What do we mean when we say inside out? It simply signifies a path that your hands take when attacking the ball. It is the same approach that you see in golf. If you think about it, the shortest path to the ball is a direct path that is obtained by the often used phrase "inside out swing". It isn't rocket science and it is used in all sports. If we look at the first two reasons, we start with balance and move on to the inside out swing.Teaches proper swing plane. Again, what do we mean by this? I am sure you have heard the term "swing plane" in golf. Well, it is the same thing in baseball. When you are utilizing proper balance and proper inside out approach, you are developing your correct swing plane. This is all fundamentals and it begins with the balance and progresses to eventually you developing your proper swing plane to the ball. This is the swing that you want to repeat and work on over and over again. Use video taping to review your swing and have your coach watch you as you perform the fence drill to make sure that you are executing it properly. Remember, you want to do it right. It is not important how many times you do it, but it is important that you are doing the drill correctly so you can build on your development.It builds confidence. I know what you are thinking and are wondering how a fence drill can build confidence. When you are doing your drills correctly you are going to see improvement in your swing. This translates into better performance on the field which translate into building confidence. It is definitely a confidence booster.
Baseball's fence drill appears to be a simple and unimportant drill when it comes to your swing. Don't be fooled, it is a powerful drill that will greatly improve your swing by allowing you to build the fundamentals of balance and an inside out swing path. This will lead to a better performance for you on the field.
Here are 4 reasons why you should be utilizing the fence drill and why it is so important.
Promotes balance. Probably the most important aspect in any sport is the proper utilization of your balance. Never is this more illustrated then when using the fence drill. If you are not doing well on your balance, you will not be able to perform this drill very well. You need to keep your balance and it all starts with the right setup and the right balance. Rule number one, get your balance.Promotes an inside out swing. What do we mean when we say inside out? It simply signifies a path that your hands take when attacking the ball. It is the same approach that you see in golf. If you think about it, the shortest path to the ball is a direct path that is obtained by the often used phrase "inside out swing". It isn't rocket science and it is used in all sports. If we look at the first two reasons, we start with balance and move on to the inside out swing.Teaches proper swing plane. Again, what do we mean by this? I am sure you have heard the term "swing plane" in golf. Well, it is the same thing in baseball. When you are utilizing proper balance and proper inside out approach, you are developing your correct swing plane. This is all fundamentals and it begins with the balance and progresses to eventually you developing your proper swing plane to the ball. This is the swing that you want to repeat and work on over and over again. Use video taping to review your swing and have your coach watch you as you perform the fence drill to make sure that you are executing it properly. Remember, you want to do it right. It is not important how many times you do it, but it is important that you are doing the drill correctly so you can build on your development.It builds confidence. I know what you are thinking and are wondering how a fence drill can build confidence. When you are doing your drills correctly you are going to see improvement in your swing. This translates into better performance on the field which translate into building confidence. It is definitely a confidence booster.
Baseball's fence drill appears to be a simple and unimportant drill when it comes to your swing. Don't be fooled, it is a powerful drill that will greatly improve your swing by allowing you to build the fundamentals of balance and an inside out swing path. This will lead to a better performance for you on the field.
Friday, 14 September 2012
Baseball Players - Are They Superstitious?
Are baseball players superstitious? And does it help them when they are on the field?This is a debate that can go back as far as the creation of hot dogs. And thank goodness hot dogs were created and for that matter, apple pie.
First off, let's look at the definition of superstitious as defined by Merriam-Webster dictionary: a belief or practice resulting from ignorance, fear of the unknown, trust in magic or chance, or a false conception of causation.
If you look at the one part of the definition, it explains that it is trust in magic or chance. Now, back to the ball field. Do players engage in magic or chance when playing? The ones who try to use magic usually get tossed by the umpire for cheating. But if they trust in chance because they are doing a specific routine, then yes, they do engage in superstition.
In my big league career, I witnessed numerous times players using a specific routine in hopes of the same outcome, which was usually getting a hit or winning a ball game. This often involved wearing the same t-shirt under their uniform if it meant they got a hit that day. And it also meant not washing it sometimes! Smelly but effective.
There was one pitcher who insisted on taking the same path to the mound when he was pitching and hopping over the white line. Always using the same routine. Does this really help the baseball player? Let's look at what it does to some players.
I believe that it improves your psychological edge because you have a belief system that it is helping you. Therefore, it works. I also believe that it promotes consistency in what you are doing. And since the game is about repeatable actions for success, this is just one of the things players do that helps their game. Same routine, same actions, same belief system and hopefully the same outcome. If for some reason it is not working, then usually the player will adjust his routine or superstitions in hopes of a win or a hit.
Have you ever seen teams do this collectively? Of course you have. Have you ever seen a team reverse their hats in the ninth inning in hopes of a rally? It's called the rally hats. Superstition? You bet. Not all players engage in this type of routine, but there are certainly many that do.
Baseball players are superstitious and do follow routines. It often helps in their psychological thinking and their daily routine when dealing with the everyday actions of a baseball game.I wonder if the Chicago Cubs wished the billy goat never showed up in 1945? Superstition or a curse? What do you think?
First off, let's look at the definition of superstitious as defined by Merriam-Webster dictionary: a belief or practice resulting from ignorance, fear of the unknown, trust in magic or chance, or a false conception of causation.
If you look at the one part of the definition, it explains that it is trust in magic or chance. Now, back to the ball field. Do players engage in magic or chance when playing? The ones who try to use magic usually get tossed by the umpire for cheating. But if they trust in chance because they are doing a specific routine, then yes, they do engage in superstition.
In my big league career, I witnessed numerous times players using a specific routine in hopes of the same outcome, which was usually getting a hit or winning a ball game. This often involved wearing the same t-shirt under their uniform if it meant they got a hit that day. And it also meant not washing it sometimes! Smelly but effective.
There was one pitcher who insisted on taking the same path to the mound when he was pitching and hopping over the white line. Always using the same routine. Does this really help the baseball player? Let's look at what it does to some players.
I believe that it improves your psychological edge because you have a belief system that it is helping you. Therefore, it works. I also believe that it promotes consistency in what you are doing. And since the game is about repeatable actions for success, this is just one of the things players do that helps their game. Same routine, same actions, same belief system and hopefully the same outcome. If for some reason it is not working, then usually the player will adjust his routine or superstitions in hopes of a win or a hit.
Have you ever seen teams do this collectively? Of course you have. Have you ever seen a team reverse their hats in the ninth inning in hopes of a rally? It's called the rally hats. Superstition? You bet. Not all players engage in this type of routine, but there are certainly many that do.
Baseball players are superstitious and do follow routines. It often helps in their psychological thinking and their daily routine when dealing with the everyday actions of a baseball game.I wonder if the Chicago Cubs wished the billy goat never showed up in 1945? Superstition or a curse? What do you think?
Get Hold of Dodgers Tickets Via Craigslist
Any time push comes to shove and Dodger tickets are nowhere available, what's an aficionado expected to undertake? We won't be the first to inform you that they go through measures that normal folks will find sketchy and risky. An example of this is to have Dodger tickets through unofficial ticket outlets, like on auction sites just like eBay. Craigslist is another internet site that appears to be a go to for Dodger tickets. In the event that you are really left with no choice nevertheless to buy from this source, we would like to give you a number of tips on the way to do so, while being as safe as you possibly can. You don't like to be victimized.
1. Get started on your search with the areas nearest you - True, a lot of people make use of Craigslist each day to acquire, sell and trade things, however it is additionally true that plenty of individuals get scammed. In the event that you begin your hunt for seat tickets with areas close to you, there is a far better possibility that you can give them a phone call, and have a feel if what they're supplying are real items. In the event that from your phone call, or meet-up, you previously notice that something doesn't seem right regarding the person, then simply you don't have to commit to the tickets.
2. Craigslist arrangements are generally via meet-ups, so be sure to just do that - There is a greater opportunity that when you coordinate for the retailer to mail the tickets, they will in no way get to you. Furthermore keep in mind that Craigslist does not have PayPal security system. In case you've been cheated, chances are you won't get your money back. Once left with no option but to buy seat tickets from here, always go for the face to face meet-up.
3. Do not be frightened to bargain - Think about Craigslist as a more laid-back Bay. In case eBayers can set specific rates for their auctions, there is more of an anything goes attitude on Craigslist. Try your good fortune and find out if the seller will agree to taking 5, 10, even 20 dollars off the ticket prices.
Craigslist may not be our first way to find Dodger tickets, nevertheless in case you're eager, in that case this source will be as good as any. Be sensible and constantly check for something tricky.
1. Get started on your search with the areas nearest you - True, a lot of people make use of Craigslist each day to acquire, sell and trade things, however it is additionally true that plenty of individuals get scammed. In the event that you begin your hunt for seat tickets with areas close to you, there is a far better possibility that you can give them a phone call, and have a feel if what they're supplying are real items. In the event that from your phone call, or meet-up, you previously notice that something doesn't seem right regarding the person, then simply you don't have to commit to the tickets.
2. Craigslist arrangements are generally via meet-ups, so be sure to just do that - There is a greater opportunity that when you coordinate for the retailer to mail the tickets, they will in no way get to you. Furthermore keep in mind that Craigslist does not have PayPal security system. In case you've been cheated, chances are you won't get your money back. Once left with no option but to buy seat tickets from here, always go for the face to face meet-up.
3. Do not be frightened to bargain - Think about Craigslist as a more laid-back Bay. In case eBayers can set specific rates for their auctions, there is more of an anything goes attitude on Craigslist. Try your good fortune and find out if the seller will agree to taking 5, 10, even 20 dollars off the ticket prices.
Craigslist may not be our first way to find Dodger tickets, nevertheless in case you're eager, in that case this source will be as good as any. Be sensible and constantly check for something tricky.
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