The notes for this entry are based on a visit made on June 11th, 2008
Let’s face it. Vancouver (or Canada in general) is not known for baseball. Currently, there is only one Major League team, the Toronto Blue Jays. A second team existed – the Montreal Expos, but it moved out after 2004 season to become the Washington Nationals. Other professional sports exists, with hockey and football leading the way, with soccer far behind. On that note, why a sport that, besides running, only uses the feet for a couple of plays – namely punt, field goal/extra point and kickoff, is called football? Also, “american football” (aka “gridiron football”) is supposedly originated from rugby…
Anyway, in Panama, the most popular sports are baseball and football. I never went to watch either sports live, specially considering that, in the case of baseball, it has produced really good players – like Mariano “Mo” Rivera and Carlos “The Horse” Lee, not to mention historical ones like Rod Carew. So, since I had some time, I decided to go to attend a baseball game from the local minor league team, the Vancouver Canadians.
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To get to Nat Bailey, I took the Bus #3 – Main. I got off near 33rd street, which would also take you to the Queen Elizabeth Park |
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You must keep in mind this is no Major League Baseball. As a result, do not expect an MLB size baseball field, either. Now, I have not been in a MLB stadium for comparison purposes, at least this one is functional |
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When you go to a baseball game, what do you do besides watch the game? Well, have some food, of course! I had a hot dog ($5?) and chicken strips ($9?). Sorry, I was hungry!
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And now, some action of the game
| As expected from baseball games, in-between innings, there is some entertainment. For example, we have here Bob Brown Bear, the team mascot |  |
Also, there is also a sushi race! Meet wasabi roll, kappamaki and BC roll!
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In the end, the Canadians narrowly won 1-0.
Overall, it was a fun night. Not MLB-type gameplay but, hey, a ticket is less than $15 (and I am talking about tickets right behind home plate!). There are some firework nights scheduled so I guess it can only get better. I will definetely consider going there again.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Nice! I like the picture of the batter about to strike the ball. What camera and lens did you use to take that shot? It looked really sharp!
Ben
Hi Ben,
Thanks for your comments. I consider myself an amateur photographer with a lot to learn, hence the “low level” equipment. It took me more than 15+ shots to get one like that. I guess it was well worth it! Again, thanks!