Ankiel strikes out and #Nats lose to Braves 2-0 on Opening Day

Rain has stopped and #Nats are ready for the #Braves and the 2011 Season

James Brown, BMitch, Michael Wilbon inducted into DC HoF

MLB, Keep the 2011 All Star Game in Arizona

Whether you agree with it or not, politics are the very fabric of our lives. Unfortunately politics affects every aspect of our lives and not even MLB can escape this reality.

MLB is being dragged into the Arizona immigration debate and, therefore, must take a stance to protect its interests in Arizona. The reality includes the Diamondbacks and Spring Training in Arizona. Another major burning political issue is whether or not Arizona polticians will approve public funding for a new spring training ballpark for the Cubs in Mesa City, Arizona. Will Arizona's politicians take the chance of losing the Cubs to Florida?

MLB has already invested in Arizona to host the 2011 All-Star game and there is no reason they should make any premature actions that will cost the league. For all we know Arizona's immigration law may be overturned or deemed unconstitutional by the time the 2011 All-Star game comes around. MLB's decision to move the 2011 All-Star game from Arizona is a double-edged sword. MLB is in the business of making money by increasing fans and its actions would upset individuals on both sides of the immigration debate.

The decision to host the 2011 All-Star game was made prior to the passing of Arizona's SB 1070 and MLB must stay the course!

Sunday, June 6, 2010 - 4 days until take off

It's Sunday, June 6 and the 2010 FIFA World Cup starts in 4 days. Our flight from DC to South Africa leaves on Thursday and there is still so much to do. Still need to pack and although it is summer here in DC, can't forget that South Africa is in the Southern Hemisphere and it will get chilly down there. Note to self, shorts are not a good idea; it may get below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition to packing need to read "How Soccer Explains the World" by Franklin Foer and ESPN's World Cup Companion.

So what will this adventure to South Africa entail? Well, the trip will include 3 World Cup Games, Meetings with World Cup Sponsors and a couple of tours.

1. 3 Games: England vs. USA (Rustenburg - Royal Bafokeng Stadium)

Slovenia vs. USA (Johannesburg - Ellis Park Stadium)

A third game yet to be determined.

2. Meetings with Executives from FIFA World Cup SA, Gatorade, James Grant Sports, Octagon SA, Nike, NBA International, Visa and we hope to add meetings with International Broadcast Centre (IBC), Coca Cola, Adidas and Sony

3. Tours to the Pilaneseburg Game Reserve and to the city of Soweto and its Apartheid Museum. Soweto played an important part in the struggle against Apartheid, and

So what do you pack? My suggestion: non-wrinkle slacks, non-wrinkle shirts and casual dress shoes for the meetings; jean/kakis, polos, and sneakers for the games; and, for everyday, a warm jacket, socks and underwear.

Don't forget toiletries, converters, camera and electronics to stay connected.

Well lots of time and little to do...wait, scratch that and reverse it! Off to Pack and Read!

From MLB ballparks to the World Cup

From MLB ballparks to the World Cup.

This summer's destination is South Africa for the 2010 World Cup.

The World Cup starts in about two (2) weeks and will be played from June 11 to July 11, 2010.

Come experience the first World Cup to be held in Africa and see if the U.S. National Team makes it past the first round.

I invite you to follow my 2010 World Cup journey.

Facebook:  "Soccer Dad to South Africa" http://tiny.cc/SDad2SAfrica

Twitter: http://twitter.com/30BallparksBaby

Blog: http://30ballparksandababy.blogspot.com/

2009 and Welcome 2010 MLB Season

Dear Baseball Fans,

Baseball is finally in the air, but it feels like just yesterday that the New York Yankees inaugurated their new Yankee Stadium and then beat the Philadelphia Phillies in the 2009 World Series. Yankee Stadium was not the only new ballpark to open last season, or in New York for that matter. Citi Field, home of the New York Mets, also opened its doors.

The Florida Marlins and the Minnesota Twins also had some exciting ballpark activity in 2009.

On July 18, 2009, the Marlins finally broke ground on their long awaited new ballpark. The new Marlins Ballpark is scheduled to open by Opening Day 2012, and you can watch its progress on the Marlins New Ballpark webcam. The Marlins current home also changed its names from Dolphin Stadium to Land Shark Stadium. One would have thought that one name change would be enough, but in January 2010, the stadium was renamed, yet again, to Sun Life Stadium.

On October 11, 2009, the Twins played their last game in the Hubert Humphrey Metrodome. Unfortunately, their last game was a loss to the New York Yankees as they swept the American League Divisional Series. During this last game the temperature inside the dome was a cool 73 degrees while outside it was well below freezing. This will definitely add a challenge for late season games in the Twins new home; Target Field has been built without a roof, not even a retractable one.

The Twins will open Target Field with two exhibition games against the St. Louis Cardinals on April 2-3, 2010 and the Inaugural Season Home Opener at Target Field will be on Monday, April 12, 2010, against the Boston Red Sox. We wish the Twins the best of luck with their Target Field Inaugural Season!

The 2010 MLB Season, as always, will be exciting and MLB hopes that attendances will reflect our slowly improving economy. In 2009 MLB welcomed over 73 million fans, the fifth-highest total in the history.

Baseball fans, families and “Ballpark Chasers” are all ready to head out to the parks for some fun. So, let’s get ready for the boys of summer and have a great and safe 2010 MLB Season!

Play Ball,

Roberto

30 Ballparks and a Baby

Read more at: www.30ballparksandababy.com