21 thoughts on “2011 Game 59: Twins 6, Indians 4”

1. That looks like a dome stadium with the bank of suites and what looks a curtain covering other seats to the left of the bank of suites. Also looks like a more modern design from the 70's perhaps?

   1. The stadium is an open air venue, and has been renovated at east twice to my knowledge.

2. Jack Murphy Stadium is my guess.

   1. San Diego/Jack Murphy Stadium isn't a bad guess, actually. It's incorrect, but you're not far off the mark on a number of levels.

      1. Ooh, Ooh, Candlestick Park?

         1. That's a little further off the mark, though I think I follow your line of thinking (and it's not a wholly incorrect line).

            1. Tempe Diablo Stadium?

               1. Colder.

3. The Big A.

   1. You and free are on the same track with the Stick and the Big A. Not entirely off the mark, but further off than San Diego/Jack Murphy Stadium.

4. Time for another clue, I think. Since free mentioned the suites, how about a better look at the configuration?

   

   photo by Flickr user jcbwalsh

   1. that ridge in the background....

      PGE Park

      1. Correct!

         Here's the reason why SBG was on the right track: before the MLB expanded to San Diego, the PCL Padres played the 1968 season at San Diego Stadium, having moved there from Westgate Park (now the site of the Fashion Valley Mall). The Portland Beavers were also in the PCL at that time. Both teams shared their stadiums with other sports - the Padres with the AFL/NFL Chargers and the NASL Jaws and Sockers, and the Beavers with the NASL and MLS incarnations of the Timbers, the USFL Breakers, and the WFL Storm and Thunder.

         If you look very carefully at the image above, you can see the sidelines and midfield circle for soccer games, just past second base.

         1. I had no idea they played baseball at JenWeld/PGE.

            1. I'm working on a LTE with a bit of a photo tour. You'll be able to see how they've changed it since the Beavers moved.

5. How about a few more looks at PGE Park? It was, at least in my opinion, one of the most beautiful and classic ballparks in minor league baseball.

   First, here's some public art outside the main entrance:

   

   photo by Flickr user weezerthewonderful

   Here's a better look at that clock behind the art:

   

   photo by Flickr user anneohirsch

   Let's step inside.

   

   photo by Flickr user Chris Yunker

   Probably time to check out the game.

   

   photo by Flickr user uncleboatshoes

   Walk on down the first base line toward the plate with me.

   

   photo by Flickr user jcbwalsh

   That left field line is barely shorter than at the Bandbronx.

   

   photo by Flickr user pencrush

   Look, too, at how far below grade the outfield is!

   

   photo by Flickr user Mary Anne Thygesen

   Making our way toward left field, we can see this is really a great place to catch a game anytime, day:

   

   photo by Flickr user jcbwalsh

   or night:

   

   photo by Flickr user barjack

   or even after a storm.

   

   photo by Flickr user Curt

   How about a few more looks at the scoreboard?

   

   photo by Flickr user PaulHorner

   There's that ridgeline Doc mentioned:

   

   photo by Flickr user ghindo

   You can watch the operator do his thing from right inside the park.

   

   photo by Flickr user jcbwalsh

   Just don't drop your camera or your beer when you're out on the scoreboard's little balcony. It's a long way down.

   

   photo by Flickr user jcbwalsh

   The view from there is pretty good, too.

   

   photo by Flickr user jcbwalsh

   Of course, if you prefer you can watch from the seats at grade above the left field wall, kind of, but not really, like in Fenway.

   

   photo by Flickr user catechism

   Just remember to root-root-root for the home team,

   

   photo by Flickr user jbrownell

   and enjoy the fireworks

   

   photo by Flickr user jbrownell

   knowing you just visited one of the most beautiful little ballparks in the country.

   

   photo by Flickr user jbrownell

   And you can savor your night while waiting catch the train home just outside the park's glow.

   

   photo by Flickr user beej55

6. Great stuff, CH. That "Rip City" sign made me laugh.

7. As for the difference in configuration for foot and ball vs. stick and ball, you can see here how they've changed the park.

   Soccer in the old configuration:

   

   photo by Flickr user orangeateblue

   

   photo by Flickr user jcestnik

   Looking to the corner, you can see the office of The Oreganian overlooking the park.

   

   photo by Flickr user jcestnik

   And between the sideline and the outfield wall there was enough room to warm up or stay loose.

   

   photo by Flickr user Chris Yunker

   Now all that is gone.

   

   photo by Flickr user stahancyk

   PGE Park is now a soccer-only venue with mismatched stands and roof heights. Here's what it looks like after the reconfiguration.

   

   

   

   photos by Flickr user wajiii

   Now, don't get me wrong. The Timbers seem to have some pretty enthusiastic fans.

   

   photos by Flickr user frozenchipmunk

   But, if baseball ever makes it back to Portland, it won't be played here. And, quite honestly, that makes me sad to think this place won't see any more little guys like this.

   

   photo by Flickr user jbrownell

   1. Does make me a little sad to see old ballparks either demolished or "renovated" into something else. I could accept the soccer renovation if the new seating section meshed with the rest of the park. Instead it just feels half-assedbaked.

8. Bravo sir, bravo!

9. Oh wow. I've been to this park twice (before renovation). Both times it was to see marching bands. My older brother and sister were there for the Rose Festival in 1987. Then my younger sister was there with the same marching band for the same festival in 2008.

   Just a beautiful stadium. The new pictures make me sad.

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