This week, I finished my tour of California’s five ballparks. I’ll describe each one in the order I went to it.

1) July 11- Cubs vs. Dodgers at Dodger Stadium

Dodger Stadium is on top of a mountain overlooking the greater L.A. area. It’s a real trip the first time. The ballpark is small, old, and beautiful. There are very few advertisements, so the essence of the game is still in it’s prime. Thirty bucks for an all-you-can eat bleacher seat is not a bad deal. The only bad thing is that you can only walk around the section where your ticket is, because all the other sections are gated off.

2) July 13- 2010 All-Star Game at Anaheim Stadium

No complaints here. Being at my first All-Star game is incomparable to any other ballgame I have ever been to. I had always wanted to go to Anaheim Stadium to see the Angels, but I’ll definitely take an All-Star game instead. Great fans, good seats, and easy to get to. Didn’t try any ballpark food, but made it into the All-Star afterparty, and the food there was great.

3) July 18- Diamondbacks vs. Padres at PETCO Park

San Diego’s ballpark is unlike most I have seen. It’s right downtown, and houses other community businesses that are unrelated to baseball inside of it. People can view the game from a giant hill outside of the stadium, or anywhere within. The all-you-can eat deal food trumps Dodger Stadium’s, but you have to keep in mind that you’re watching the Padres, and they are quite boring. Very new ballpark, overall a nice place to be.

4) July 25- White Sox vs. Athletics at Oakland Coliseum

I really didn’t want to go into Oakland. Amidst the race riots and drug crimes, it wasn’t a place I wanted to be. But, the White Sox were playing, and it was the last chance for me to see them, so I couldn’t resist.
They ballpark itself is old, and there isn’t much to do inside of it (which in some cases is a good thing, since you went to see a baseball game). The back half of the stadium, from left field to right field, is the dreariest place I have ever been to in a sports complex. There is nothing but grey pillars and the occasional water fountain. Generally, it’s a decent place to catch a game. The field itself is huge, but it was pretty chilly, even during the day. And the White Sox lost, so that was a bummer.

5) July 27- Marlins vs. Giants at AT&T Park

Growing up, I never gave a shit about Barry Bonds. But now that he is gone, and the Giants have some respectable players, like Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, Pablo Sandoval, Buster Posey, and Aaron Rowand (2005 World Series Champion Chicago White Sox), they have an increased level of playability. I shouldn’t be surprised that when I passed by McCovey Cove, there was not a single boat waiting to catch a dinger. The stadium is full of things to do, most notably a Build-A-Bear. It costs $10 for anything to eat or drink, so know that going in. But there are great fans, and among friends, it’s a great place to catch a game. It was 58 degrees once the sun set, so dress appropriately and enjoy.