View My Seats

At the Intersection of Sports and Culture

Photo Credit for Header: Alex Foucre-Stimes

Camden Chat and View My Seats: A Mutual Baltimore Orioles Admiration Society

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Stacey Long is the lead writer for Camden Chat, a baseball blog dedicated to the Baltimore Orioles and their fans. Just a few weeks ago, Camden Chat created a page on their site titled “View from Your Seat” where Orioles fans can send in pictures from the game. Being an Oriole fan, and Camden Chatter myself, I figured this was an appropriate time to ask Stacey about the new View from Your Seat section as well as see what she thinks about the current state of our beloved, and much maligned, Baltimore Orioles.

1 – Part of the reason sports blogs like Camden Chat are so successful is because they rely on fans/readers to drive and create content. What we do at VMS, and what you are doing with The View from Your Seat section, is allowing fans to create and share their authentic story. Why do you think so many fans are willing to share their views from the game w/ Camden Chat and how can this help create greater buzz for the Baltimore Orioles?

For baseball fans, there is no better place to be than at the ballpark. Maybe the Orioles are terrible at baseball, maybe you have a deadline coming up at work, but when you’re sitting in center field with a cold beer and some peanuts, life is good. Everyone loves being at the game, and sharing pictures from trips to various parks is a way to extend some of that happiness to others. I started the “View From Your Seat” feature just a few weeks ago and I’ve already gotten pictures from the upper deck, the lower deck, and a private suite at Camden Yards, from several minor league stadiums, and my favorite, from a baseball game being played by troops in Afghanistan.

I don’t know that it’ll create a greater buzz for the Orioles; it’s no secret that Oriole Park at Camden Yards is one of the most beautiful destinations in the baseball world. I do think it’ll help build the sense of community that Orioles fans feel with each other and maybe draw some new fans out of the woodwork and into the Camden Chat community.

2 – What’s your favorite view from OPACY? Mine would have to be section 4 of the Lower Reserve, very close to the right field foul pole and scoreboard. I like this section because the seats face the plate and you’re only a few exaggerated bounds away from BBQ heaven at Boog’s.

I have a few choice places to sit, but my absolute favorite is in the lower deck in left field (sections 80, 82, 84, 86). They’re not the closest to the infield, but you have a fantastic view of the entire field and it’s prime home run territory. Another great place to sit is right in front of the press box, sections 33, 35, 37, 39. You get that behind-home-plate feel without having to shell out for the really expensive tickets, plus you’re a bit higher up than the box seats so you have a great vantage point.

3 – Here’s one for you, would the Orioles be better off today if they had never moved out of Memorial Stadium and into Camden Yards? Totally ridiculous? Yes. But here’s part of my thinking, no OPACY means no tourist destination which means fewer fans from NY/Boston flooding the Inner Harbor which consequently leads to them obnoxiously drowning out O’s fans during the game. Of course, Baltimore restaurants/retail would probably disagree but I’m sure there are at least some old time Orioles fans that long for the days of limited parking and obstructed views.

Absolutely not. Camden Yards in the 1990s was an amazing place to see a baseball game with a full house every night, and even today I wouldn’t choose any other ballpark over it. Anyone who longs for Memorial Stadium is having their opinion skewed by nostalgia and while I’m sure we’d all love for the team playing at Camden Yards to be as good as some of the teams that played at Memorial Stadium, it’s silly to wish away an amazing ballpark.

As for the Yankees and Red Sox fans, one thing will drive them away (or at least shut them up) and that’s winning. It’s up to the Orioles.

4 – Moving forward, how do the Baltimore Orioles turn this thing around? My plan is to wait for realignment when they won’t have to face both the Yankees and Red Sox 20 times a season. But until that time….any suggestions?

The Orioles need to build a team that can compete. The AL East is the toughest division, no doubt, but the Orioles haven’t fielded a team that would compete in the AL Central in the last decade either. They need a stronger presence in the international market, smart drafts, and an end to stupid expensive contracts such as the ones given to Vladimir Guerrero and Michael Gonzalez. They need to stock their farm system and replenish it regularly and stop relying on every single one of their prospects to pan out in order to achieve success.

I’m in favor of a balanced schedule and even the recently suggested realignment that would create just one American League division and one National League division. That will help make the system fairer and more fun to watch, but the Orioles won’t have any more luck in that scenario than they do now unless they improve their team drastically.

views from Oriole Park at Camden Yards courtesy of @staceyMlong

Monday Musings: Abby Wambach and Moneyball Edition

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Before we delve into our weekly smattering of all things MLB, a few quick notes regarding the gut wrenching conclusion to an otherwise emotionally uplifting, expertly played 2011 Women’s World Cup. I feel for Abby Wambach the most. I couldn’t find anyone on the pitch who played with the same heart and determination as the USWNT striker. Her nose for the ball, literally, led to two of the most remarkable goals in American World Cup history, men’s or women’s. Wambach would be welcome on my pickup basketball team any day of the week. Here’s hoping there’s enough left in those 31 year old legs, and forehead, for her to return for one more World Cup run in 2015.

My absolute favorite part about the Women’s World Cup was that there did not seem to be anywhere near the same amount of on field theatrics/injury faking as there is with the men’s game. The single exception that I witnessed was the Brazilian player Erika whose performance in extra time against the Americans would have made Orson Welles proud. In general, there does not seem to be as much diving in the World Cup as say the English Premier League, or even worse, La Liga. It’s so bad in the Spanish League that I’m waiting for Paul Pierce to have his contract purchased by Barcelona.

Congrats once again to the USWNT on their fantastic run to the World Cup finals. Now onto a sport where there’s is no such thing as a fake injury, that is unless your name is Derek Jeter.

A Quick Trip Around the Bases

1B – All of America not named Milwaukee, Cincinnati, or St. Louis hopes the Pittsburgh Pirates will continue to hold on in the wide open NL Central. If there were ever a year for the Pirates to make a playoff since the days of Andy Van Slyke, Chico Lind, and a pre bobble head doll Barry Bonds, this is it. The only question is, will the Bucs be buyers or sellers at the trading deadline? Pittsburgh’s starting pitching has been surprisingly effective and what the team could really use moving froward is another bat. Would Carlos Pena from the Chicago Cubs suffice? Or how about Ryan Ludwick of the San Diego Padres? Whomever they target, it’s nice to know that the Pirates aren’t selling parts at the trading deadline.

2B – Speaking of the NL Central, how bad can it get for the Chicago Cubs? This disturbing picture from @bleedcubbieblue tells you all you need to know about the 2011 season on the Northside. With this many open seats, ownership could probably get away with a few midseason renovations to Wrigley Field as has been previously discussed by the likes of @pgammo. The bigger question raised by this photograph, where have all the Chicago hipsters gone? Usually the bleachers are good for at least a dozen Craig Hodges jersey’s and neon Ray-Ban sunglasses with croakies. Don’t tell me they have switched their allegiances to the White Sox. US Cellular Field is not the type of place for members of the counter culture, unless that independent thinking includes Harley Davidson motorcycles.

3B – Would a member of the AL Central please step up and claim your prize? Anybody? Going once, going twice…I guess we will just have to wait until the final week in September.  And who knows, the way these teams are beating each other up, the division winner may ultimately be only a game or two over .500. And is anyone really surprised by the resurgence of the Minnesota? Just goes to show you that you can never count out the Twins, especially as the summer heats up and the walleye on a stick at Target Field is becomes especially fresh. The Minnesota state government may stay shutdown but that doesn’t mean that the Twins won’t be able to prevail in the AL Central once again.

HR –Moneyball the movie looks terrible. And I know we’re not supposed to judge a film by its trailer – even though I do this all the time – but even still, how can this be an interesting movie? I begin with the casting of Brad Pitt as Oakland A’s GM, and famous sabermetrician, Billy Beane. I don’t know about you but I find Pitt much more convincing when he’s fly fishing in the streams of Montana than when he’s rebuilding a bargain basement franchise by using cutting edge statistical analysis. What, was Billy Bob Thornton not a physically attractive enough specimen to play the role Beane? Also, any movie that has Scott Hatteberg at the center of the story telling is bound for box office purgatory. Which is probably why I’ll go and see the movie the first weekend it comes out.

Steve “The King of the Midwest” Stricker vs. Derek “The King of New York” Jeter

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While watching the first round of the Open Championship with a friend of mine we started talking about what a cool guy Steve Stricker seems to be. We dubbed Stricker the “King of the Midwest” for his unfailing ability to win big golf tournaments in America’s heartland. Somehow, the subject of Derek Jeter reaching the 3000 hit milestone came up and then BOOM – it hit us. Which of the two “Kings” would be better to hang out with: tailgating w/ Stricker before a Wisconsin Badger football game or sitting courtside at a Knicks game with Derek Jeter? Fortunately, this question cannot be answered with a simple yes or no so instead I had to break it down into categories.

Food/Beverage: Part of what makes Wisconsin/Big Ten football so enticing is the pregame tailgate. Find me one American who wouldn’t like to spend a Saturday afternoon in the fall stuffing their face full of bratwurst and washing it all down with an ice cold Leinekugel. Stricker also strikes me as the kind of guy who understands how to properly operate a smoker and, for the record, there is no better way to kill 4 hours than slow cooking a brisket. At Madison Garden everything is so overpriced. I’m sure Jeter would be kind enough to pick up the tab but that wouldn’t stop me from feeling somewhat guilty for throwing back a whole bunch of Nathan’s Famous hot dogs and $12 Heineken’s. On a side note, who chooses to drink Heineken anyway? I think my dad did once but that was way back in the 80’s when every adult male in their late 30’s was emulating Gordon Gekko.  Advantage Stricker

Entourage: I’m guessing Jeter would have to bring along his girlfriend Minka Kelly which would be pretty cool because she’s gorgeous and we could talk all about her HUGE role in Friday Night Lights. However, top to bottom, it’s hard not to take the Badger faithful over Jorge Posada, Mariano Rivera, and Gerald Williams. Gerald Williams you may say. Well, I too was wondering what the heck the Eddie Murphy look a like, and former Yankee, was doing sitting in Jeter’s private box during the 3000 hit game. Either the two remain close or there was a major glitch in security that day.  Advantage Jeter

Conversation: I feel like Jeter would be really distracted during out brief time together. Sitting courtside isn’t the most conducive environment for quality conversation what with the action only a few feet away. Not to mention that all of New York would be passing by our seats and starting one of those brutally annoying and played out “Derek Jeter” chants. Conversely, there is no better atmosphere for friendly banter than the tailgate. And who better to spend hours talking to than a professional golfer? These guys spend rounds of golf shooting the breeze with their caddies and fellow competitors. So they have a lot of practice and would certainly be able to carry on a conversation with a 20 handicap like myself. I would also love to ask Stricker how he and Tiger Woods became such good friends and Ryder Cup playing partners. They seem like such different people and I as far as I know Stricker prefers IHOP over Perkins. Advantage Stricker

Exposure/Bragging Rights: Trust me, your friends would not really care that you traveled all the way out to Madison to see a Badger football game from Camp Randall with Steve Stricker. To me, that’s the charm of the experience, getting to blend in with the crowd. At MSG, with the Yankee Captain, there would be no such thing as blending in. In fact, your face would be plastered on the jumbotron during most timeouts. All of your friends could watch the game from home and see you sitting directly across from the Knicks bench and wonder why they aren’t as lucky. Who knows, you may even get yourself a halftime interview with Walt “Clyde” Frazier, which to me would more than make the whole experience. Advantage Jeter

Atmosphere: Madison in the fall trumps NYC in the winter/spring. Even though the big city is truly one of the most beautiful places to be during the holiday season. The pace of Midwestern life suites my current station in life much more than the busy, on the go pulse of NYC. The people of Wisconsin are also much more understanding of an outsider than the Garden faithful. New Yorkers can smell an outsider a mile away and will test you if they sense that you do not belong. Whereas the people of Madison are just so darn happy to have another person to have a beer with.  Advantage Stricker

Stricker wins 3 to 2.

 

Flip Flop Fly Ball: The VMS Interview

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Craig Robinson is the progenitor of Flip Flop Fly Ball, a blog dedicated to his love and appreciation for the game of baseball. His first baseball book, Flip Flop Fly Ball: An Infographic Baseball Adventure is in stores today. Craig is an Englishman living in Mexico, a story for a later date, and was nice enough to sit down with VMS to discuss his new book, Ichiro, and the universal language of baseball.

So Mexico huh? Sounds like the beginning of an Ernest Hemingway novel. Was the appeal of Mexican League baseball just too enticing for an expatriate like yourself to pass up or was it something simpler that drew you south of the border like say the tequila?

A bit of both. I’m British, and I was in Berlin during the 2009/10 and it was horribly cold and grey. I wanted to skip a winter and be somewhere warmer, and I had a couple of friends here, so gave it a go. It’s a great city. And the fact that there is baseball and soccer here is a massive bonus.

One of the things I like discussing is the accessibility of baseball and how people with limited exposure to the game find it so hard to comprehend. The reason I like your work on Flip Flop Fly Ball is because it has a way of translating the game of baseball into a universal language, something all people can understand. In the States, we have a crisis on our hands where fewer and fewer kids, especially from the inner city, are playing baseball, choosing instead to specialize in either football or basketball. In your estimation, what can be done in the US to attract more kids to the sport of baseball?

I’m not so sure. I never played as a child, but simple things to trim the excess time would be good in general, and that might help get rid of any perception that it’s a “boring” game. Properly making sure pitchers don’t take forever on the mound, stopping all the stepping out of the box, limiting the throws over to first, and IBBs only having to be one throw might help.

How do you explain to your non country of baseball acquaintances that a batter is not supposed to peer back at the catcher as he flashes the pitcher signs? And, taking it a step further, if that batter is to be caught “cheating”, on the very next pitch the pitcher will proceed to put a mid 90’s fastball right in the center of his ribs. It seems to me that this is one of the many nuances that makes baseball different from other sports. Do you think other sports, soccer for instance, have a way of regulating themselves like baseball?

Not really. All the unwritten rules seem fairly singular to baseball. Like everyone barring, in would seem, FIFA, I abhor the diving, play-acting, and lack of honesty in soccer these days.

I’m sure you have been pestered with ideas for future charts and infographs so let me just bother you with one more: track the total distance the ball has traveled, from plate to base, on all the would be basestealers Pudge Rodriguez has thrown out during his major league career. Then compare that number to the other catching greats throughout MLB history. Who would you suppose tops that list?

I have no idea without looking it up, that’s a good idea, though.

In what ways will your new book Flip Flop Fly Ball, available in stores now, appeal to non baseball fans as much as your brethren in the country of baseball?

Well, most of the people I know here aren’t interested in baseball, and they still kinda like looking at the book. It’s colourful and neatly designed which I think is something a lot of people will like. The info, though, will be fairly baffling to a non-baseball fan.

Lastly, your love affair with Ichiro. Please explain. I feel that many fans may now overlook his career accomplishments while he gradually withers away in the Pacific Northwest. If he were say a New York Yankee for the past decade, do you think he goes down as one of the 10 best hitters of all time? My favorite line about Ichiro is that if he had wanted to he could have averaged 30 HR’s and over 100 RBI a season for his entire career.

He’s simply a joy to watch from the moment he steps out of the dugout. His at-bats are never boring, and he’s a great defender. I lived near Seattle for a while, and it was great to sit in right field and watch him between batters. Even though you knew he was concentrating on the game, it kinda looks like he’s got other things to think about in those moments when he’s not required to think about baseball.

all views from Foro Sol courtesy of @flipflopflying

Monday Morning Musings: Extreme Makeover – All-Star Game Edition

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Where’s my invitation to the MLB All-Star Game? At this point so many have turned down a chance to compete Tuesday in Arizona that I’m beginning to feel a little left out. Desperate times indeed and I wonder how many young fans out there are going to enjoy the 8th inning matchup of David Robertson pitching to Miguel Montero. Unfortunately there probably won’t be many young fans watching at that point because by the time the 8th inning rolls around it’s 11pm and most folks have already switched over to either The Daily Show or Keeping Up with the Kardashians reruns.

A Quick Trip Around the Bases (aka 4 simple ways to improve the All-Star game)

1B- Make it a day game. What’s so wrong with a 1 or 4 o’clock start on a Sunday afternoon? Fear of running up against the ratings buzzsaw otherwise known as the final round of the John Deere Classic? If you make it a day game you expose younger fans to the best players MLB has to offer which will surely lead to greater interest in the sport. Which leads me to my second point…

2B – Smaller rosters and eliminate that silly little rule where each team has to be represented. Believe me, I’m a Baltimore Orioles fans and even I don’t think Matt Wieters is an All-Star this season. Baseball fans only want to see the best competing against one another. Tom Verducci of Sports Illustrated said something really interesting when he talked about how All-Star starters should be left in longer and that playing time shouldn’t be equitable.

3B – USA vs World. Call it an appetizer to tide you over before the next World Baseball Classic. (By the way, when is the next World Baseball Classic?) The NHL tried this for years and I seem to remember it working out quite well. Of course, if you really wanted to up the ante you could pair countries together like USA/Japan/Korea vs Dominican Republic/Puerto Rico/Venezuela. The only problem with this model is that you would then need to alter the current All-Star Game stakes where the winning side is crowned the home team in the World Series.

HR – Shorten the length of the home run derby. Do we really need 3 rounds? Also limit the number of competitors to 4, 2 from NL and 2 from AL, and make sure only the best power hitters are invited. Instead of having captains choose their squads, why not have the fans vote to determine who participates in the derby?

I would also add a skills challenge to the derby festivities, sort of like what the NBA does before the slam dunk competition. You could have a bunch of skilled 2 hitters likes Placido Polanco and Dustin Pedroia going through a round of “mission” hitting where they are awarded point for successfully executing a hit/run, sacrifice bunt, etc…. You could also organize a relay race of sorts where you have 5 competitors from each side competing against one another to see who can record the fastest time. Things like this could add an exciting element to the All-Star Game festivities.

view from AT&T Park courtesy of @MF_FOXDOG