Game 4: Citi Field

My first visit to City Field was very fun. My girlfriend and I decided to take the bus there and back on the same day and that worked out great. We got to New York with enough time to grab some food and head to the park and it was pretty easy to get to the stadium by train.

Johan Santana was pitching for the Mets so I was really looking forward to this game. I had been to Shea Stadium before but this was my first time seeing the new stadium. I really like it, it reminded of Camden Yards with the retro look. We walked in through the Jackie Robinson Rotunda and the Mets Hall of Fame was right at the entrance. They had all the old jerseys from past great players and their two championship trophies there.

We were sitting in the promenade area by right field and had great view of the whole field. The fans were really into the game so that is always a plus. I was a little disappointed that they didn’t sell drinks in souvenir cups as I am collecting those during my trip.

The Moment: Santana pitched into the eighth inning but the bullpen blew the lead and the game went to extra innings. Henry Blanco hit a walk off homer in the bottom of the 11th to win the game.

My next stadium will be in Toronto at the end of the month, followed by Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Tampa and Philly. My girlfriend and I are planning the Toronto trip during Memorial Day weekend and I am really looking forward because I have never been to Canada. So please send any tips for Canada my way!

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Comment by Hansel Rodriguez on May 13, 2010 at 6:10am: Scott,

Thanks for taking the time to give me this information. I've heard nothing but good things about Toronto and i am really looking forward to it, especially if there is great food involved. We are planning to stop by Niagara Falls on the way there so i will look into the Maid of the Mist. Again, thank you so much and i will let you know how it goes.

Comment by Scott Bell (30/42) on May 12, 2010 at 11:05am: Hansel,
Toronto is a great city - especially for couples.

On either the way up or back build in time for the Canadian side of Niagara Falls - the "Maid of the Mist" boat ride up to the Falls is actually worth it.

In Toronto be prepared to eat. There are all sorts of ethnic neighborhoods scattered around the downtown area where you can feast on any kind of cuisine you could possibly imagine.

One of our favorite areas is only two blocks north of Rogers Center up John Street - King Street West to Blue Jays Way.

On just one side of the street in a 200 yard stretch are 20 separate but side by side little bars and Bistros (Hey Lucy, Ultimate Cafe, The Kit Kat, N'awlins, Gabby's, Dhaba, La Fenice, Joe Mama's, Urban, Le St. Tropez, Marcels, Zazou, Fred's Not Here, Stolichnaya, Lexy Lounge, Z'Teca, Bistro 333, Verona, The Red Tomato, Aroma) that really come alive at night with the urban 20/30 something crowd - especially on Friday and Saturday.

Many romantic cool options to enjoy with your lady.

Also, right around the corner as you head back South toward the ballpark on Blue Jays Way you'll find Wayne Gretzky's place and the Second City comedy club where the likes of Dan Akroyd and other SNL alumni started out. I think 2nd City does 2 shows each weekend night for a fairly reasonable price if you're in a comedy improv mood.

For the full feel of Toronto get a hotel downtown and do some wandering. The city is real clean and real safe and very conducive to a "hand in hand" stroll with the girlfriend.

A suggestion is the SOHO Hotel on Blue Jays Way right across from 2nd City and Gretzky's, a block south of the King Street Bistro/Bar area and a block north of Rogers Center

Throw in a couple of little boutique shopping stops for her (you don't even have to buy anything) and trust me - the Toronto trip will earn you a long term "get out of jail free" card in that relationship.

Have fun !!!

Comment by Juan (9) on May 11, 2010 at 3:20pm: I went to this game with my family. First time to Citi Field to check out the Mets, had a great time. Like the way they have the old Apple out front and that green Camaro wasnt bad either. No soda cups but my son got his ice cream helmet to bring home.

Comment by Hansel Rodriguez on May 11, 2010 at 5:58am: @Sharon, we are headed to Baltimore on June 6 for an Orioles vs. Red Sox game and to Philly on June 20 for Phillies vs. Twins. I'm excited.

@Jack, I thought that every team would have souvenir cups too, that would had been an easy thing to collect. I think i might start collecting shot glasses but obviously those are more expensive and come without the nice cool drink.

Comment by Jack (6) on May 10, 2010 at 10:56pm: No souvenir cups? That is a bummer and a surprise. I thought all stadiums had those. Are you collecting anything else along the way?