We celebrated summer this week with baseball – three nights of it, to be exact. The Twin Cities was host to the US tradition of the MLB All Star Game and Home Run Derby. Target Field sits in downtown Minneapolis, with the skyline looming beyond the outfield. The stands were filled with Minnesotans and baseball fans from across the country, totaling over 41,000 people. The setting was festive, the fans were all in great spirits, the players were enjoying the traditions, and the baseball was memorable. The following night we took in a Minnesota tradition – a town ball game in Miesville. Jack Ruhr stadium sits off a county road with the beauty of a mid-western sunset over the cornfields as its backdrop. The Miesville Mudhens played well, but were not a match for the Austin Greyhounds on this night. The crowd of about 100 locals enjoyed both the evening and the baseball. Two contrasts – each with their own sense of grandeur and traditions.
Target Field
The ups and downs of spring
As we headed into the first day of spring, the week seemed to have been filled with ups and downs. Our weather has bounced from 60’s to 40’s, from spring to winter. My favorite NCAA basketball team, the Jayhawks of Kansas University were up and then down, causing my brackets to bleed red. But today has ended the week on an up note. The Minnesota Twins held an open house for their season-ticket holders and we had the opportunity to see the brand new Target Field. Just like someone getting dressed up for company, the skies were blue, the sun was warm, and we learned the stadium is a gem! From our seats near the first base foul pole to the upper deck to the clear image on the scoreboard to the speaker system that you can actually understand — it’s all good. And to add icing on the cake, we’ve learned that our home-town MVP Joe Mauer has agreed to a contract extension. The team is looking good, and now our new stadium is almost done. Spring is in the air when you know opening day for baseball is just around the corner!
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