Take Me Out To The Ballgame; #8 Angel Stadium

Remember my insane quest to conquer all the MLB ballparks? No worries if you missed that post, you can catch up [here]. It’s still a looong road ahead but now for the good news! Last week, I had the chance to tick off another ballpark from my list. This one was extra special. I had my adorable granddaughter, nearly 2 years old, in tow for her very first MLB game! And since we were in Anaheim, California to catch those Angels, we decided to take a detour and add a dash of magic by squeezing in a day at Disneyland.

Game Day

It was a super sunny day in Southern California, and we quickly switched our seats in the sun to some shady ones a few rows back. Coincidentally, the team that came to visit was none other than our very own Arizona Diamondbacks!

I didn’t really know much about the history of the Angels franchise. I was surprised to find out that they were originally owned by Gene Autry, the singing cowboy. They were later owned by the Disney Corporation for several years. The team initially played at LA Wrigley Field and later at Dodgers Stadium for 4 years. In 1966 they played their first game in their new stadium in Anaheim against the Chicago White Sox. The stadium got a major overhaul in the 1990s and little has changed since.

The Big A Sign, which was originally built to hold the scoreboard, now sits in the parking lot. Each stadium I visit has its own cool features. This one is all about the “California Spectacular” in the left-center field. Geysers shoot up and a stream flows down a mountainside that’s covered in real trees and fake rocks.

I am not a beer lover. For some inexplicable reason, it turns into pure magic when consumed at a baseball game. I must admit. Indulging in a cold brew at the stadium has become an essential part of my game day experience.

Fireworks exploded for solo homers by Trout and Ohtani. Mickey Moniak hit a 3-run blast in the 3rd. This led to the Angels’ 5-2 victory.

It was the perfect day at the ballpark and the little one seemed completely into it. I suspect she have gotten the “baseball fan” gene from someone in the family.