I raced out of the gift shop and headed back to my car.  I cracked my second energy drink of the night as I inputted my next destination into the Garmin GPS.  Luckily, I-65 North was near by and I was on way to Birmingham!

A day early, I was headed to see the Barons play.  Quickly doing the math in my head, I realized I would be about an hour late.  I called the ticket office to make sure there was no delay or cancellation.  Rain began to come down again in sheets as I headed up the highway.

I arrived at the stadium in the top of the 3rd and missed a few runs of scoring. Home clubhouse manager Jeff Perro hooked me up with a ticket to get in and shortly meet up with me outside of the gift shop. He gave me a great tour of the facilities and I settled in to watch the rest of the game.

It was a crazy day of driving, but at least I was able to see some good baseball.  My biggest, but best surprise of the day came from the Birmingham Barons catcher.  His name is Jason Bour and he was a former player of mine with the Dayton Dragons.  It was awesome to see him and get to spend a few minutes catching up.

Something about visiting other towns and seeing minor league baseball really does it for me. This surely was an adventure, but well worth it!

Scoreboard View

view from RF concourse

Former Dayton Dragon and Current Baron Jason Bour

As you will see in some of the pictures before, the stadium is built on the site of an old train station.   Part of the building used is the actual station, giving it a very historic and old look. I think it adds tons of character to the park.

I arrived way to early to Riverwalk Stadium and could not find much around the downtown park to look at or do to pass the time.  A little tired from the early start on my drive, I laid the drivers seat in my car back and attempted to take a nap in the car.  You can tell by the temperature registering, it was a tough task.

Sweating while sleeping...

About 90 minutes before first pitch I walked up to the ticket window to claim my ticket from will call that was left by the home clubhouse manager.  I had another 30 minutes before the gates were to open, so I sat down inside the old train station on a bench and read my Sports Weekly.  What happened next I was not expecting.

The skies opened up and the rains poured down.  And I mean POURED.  Parts of the mobile concession stands blew across the concourse as I sat and waited. The gates were now open, but it made little sense to get wet, so I stayed try in the outside seating area.  Finally, about 25 minutes before first pitch the rain had stopped and I entered Riverwalk Stadiun.  As is my tradition, I did a complete walk around the park, stopping every few feet to grab pictures of various items.

There was a significant amount of standing water in short right field and around the warning track, but I was assured by the ushers that the field drains well.  The skies looked clear and no more rain appeared to be in sight.  The final stop of my loop around the park was at the gift shop where I continued my tradition of purchasing a team hat.  The Montgomery Biscuits logo is one of my favorites in Minor League Baseball so I was happy to add one to the collection.

I had just reached for my credit card when I heard the cashiers walkie talkie go off.  “Double Header tomorrow starting at 5:30. Game officially canceled.”  My heart sank as I had just driven two and one half hours to see some baseball.  What made it worse was that it appeared the rain had gone, but I guess the field just couldn’t hold all the water it had endured the past 45 minutes.

Thoughts and ideas raced through my heads as I tried to figure out my next move.  The quick decision I made was crazy, but people that know me would of expected it…

Riverwalk Stadium

Team Offices

Outside of the old train station

Inside old train station, just outside the gates

Love this logo...

Buckets of water

View with the tarp on

View down the left field line

Right Field Luxury Boxes

Area behind home plate

Standing water behind first in short right field

Standing water around warning track

Right Field lawn

Left Field party deck

After parking my car, I put money in the meter and happened to look down.  There I saw a “walk of fame” type stone of current Atlanta Braves pitcher, and former Auburn star Tim Hudson.

Tim Hudson

I then walked across the street to the famous Toomer’s Drug Store, that has been there for over 100 years. I ordered up a large cup of their famous freshly made Lemonade, and I can say I was quite happy.

Toomer's Drugs on Toomer's Corner

Directly across the street from the drug store is the famous tree that everyone toliet papers and parties around after big football wins. It is probably the most visited site that sits on the edge of campus.  There was a fence going all around it so you couldn’t get to close, probably after the idiot poisoned it last year.

The famous tree

Fence around tree

As you walk around campus, and throughout the whole town of Auburn, there are constant reminders that the 2010 Football team won the BCS National Championship.

National Champions

The thing I must do on all my campus tours are to see as many athletic facilities as possible. Some become very hard to get into, settling for walking around the outside, but at Auburn I had great success.  My first stop was at the very large football stadium.  I was shocked at the number of bleachers in the stadium, with very few actual seat backs.

Outside the stadium

Lots of Metal

Field is all ready to go, just needs lines painted

The next stop was to the baseball stadium, where I found an open gate.  As you can see from the pictures, the field is being torn apart and worked on.  Four former players have their pictures on the outfield fence, Tim Hudson, Frank Thomas, Bo Jackson and Gregg Olsen.  I have seen nicer college baseball stadiums, but this one was pretty cool.

View down left field line

Field kind of torn up

Tim Hudson honored on wall

Directly across the street from the baseball field was a fairly large arena. I figured this is where they played basketball and I wiggled my way into it.  Things inside were fairly old, and reminded me of many arenas I have been in.  I walked out onto the floor and took some pictures.  All the lights were off so I had some trouble getting good ones.

Old Basketball Arena

Walking back through campus I found a map at the student union bookstore.  On the map I spotted another arena, that said “new and under construction.”  Very confused I headed that direction.  I was greeted by a brand new state of the arena athletic facility for both teams to play in. This building was incredible with a build in Hall of Fame, gift shop, luxury boxes with outdoor patios and much more.

Setting up for summer graduation

Hall of Fame inside arena

Yes, that David Ross!

Team shop inside arena

Although I was melting from the heat, I enjoyed my visit to Auburn. I finished it off with some Fro Yo at a new place called Chill and continued back to I-85 to head to Montgomery, Alabama.

My parents drove from home in Cincinnati and picked me up in Atlanta following the most recent Braves homestand.  From there the wheel was mine as I drove them the rest of the way to Florida where they would vacation for a while.  And the rule is, if I drive, I stop when I want at whatever I want. What a mistake that deal was they made.

Being the home to many Major League Baseball Spring Training homes and minor league parks, I had plenty of options and opportunities to stop and visit fields that I had n

Scoreboard at Jackie Robinson Ballpark

Outfield Wall filled with Ads

Washington Nationals Spring Training, Viera Beach

Roger Dean Stadium...shared by Cardinals and Marlins for Spring

Backfields at Roger Dean Stadium

Traditions Field in Port St. Lucie, home of the New York Mets

ever seen before.

Never giving up and taking no for an answer, I snuck my way in to give a self guided tour to check out these stadiums.  Below are some pictures of what I saw.

Jacksonville Suns

Florida Marlins AA team, Jacksonville Suns

Scoreboard at Suns

Jackie Robinson Ballpark, home of the Daytona Cubs

Softball tournament being held in Daytona

Old park in Daytona

What we found was Hi Corbett Field, former spring training site to the Colorado Rockies from 1993 to 2010.  Starting this season, the team moved up North to Phoenix to be closer to the other Cactus League Teams.

The most famous thing about Hi Corbett Field was that it was used to film various scenes of the movie Major League.  This was the actual Spring Training home to the Cleveland Indians from 1947 until 1992 when the team moved to Florida.

The Tuscon Toros, and independent league team, also played the 2009 and 2010 season in Hi Corbett Field. Due to the Tuscon Padres, AAA for San Diego, moving into the area, the team decided to take a break from playing.

As usual, I found an open gate to sneak into and gave myself a tour.  I also found an open window in the press box area and helped myself to walking around.  The other former Spring Training site in Tuscon is where the Arizona Diamondbacks were playing before also moving  North. The Tuscon Padres call that stadium home and I plan to catch a game there soon.

Front of the stadium

More front view

Front Gate

Concourses where you can find some shade!

Stadium seats over 9,000

Sunshines beats down everywhere on Hi Corbett

Press box and "luxury" suites

Plenty of grandstands and bleachers

Inside the dugout

My Brother in Law Jason and Me on the field

Lots of foul ground

Scoreboard at Hi Corbett Field

My sister Jodi and Jason sitting in the dugout

Bullpens down the lines

view out towards left

Stands look so empty and sad...

Love Baseball Stadiums...even Hi Corbett

Inside the press box i snuck into

Independent League All Star Game was held there

Surprising to me, Del Rosario is still the only Dragon in my three years to appear in a big league game.  A handful of players have been added to the 40 man roster by Cincinnati and should appear in Great American Ballpark at some point this year.  Not sure if that shows how hard it is to make it to the Major Leagues from A-Ball or how long the process can sometimes take.

Last week, the Houston Astros visited Turner Field to take on the Atlanta Braves in a short two game series.  Now working in the home clubhouse for the Braves, I was on hand for both of those contests. I was able to venture into the visiting clubhouse before batting practice to spend some time catching up with “Rosie” (what we called Del Rosario) who I had not seen since Spring Training 2010.

Del Rosario’s English has improved as he told me he still takes class several days a week. We shared pictures of our families and he showed me his beautiful wife and daughter.  So happy to see a great kid like Rosie having success at the Major League level.  Can’t wait to visit with more of my former Dragon friends in the near future.

Enerio Del Rosario and me

As I have written before, only one player that I have had as Dragon (Enerio Del Rosario) has made it to the Show, but several others have been placed on the Cincinnati 40-man roster could see a call-up any day.  But as far as other teams, a large number of players we played against have made it and are still performing at the Big League level.

I was very fortunate that I got to spend a lot of time in the dugout during games with Dayton.  I had great help in the clubhouse (thanks Mike) and organized myself where I was able to do that.  I was also lucky enough to travel with the team meaning I did not miss a game or an opponent.  This allowed me to watch many prospects and players along the way.

Last week the Los Angeles Dodgers called up left field prospect Jerry Sands. Tons of articles were written about Sands and his quick movement through the minor league system.  Exactly a year ago, he was still playing in Low-A Ball for the Great Lakes Loons, a team in the Midwest League with the Dragons. They were also in our division so I got to watch him tear us up a bunch.

At times I feel like friends roll their eyes at me when I tell him about certain players I saw or meet working in the clubhouse. Luckily, with Sands I have an autographed ball he signed for me and some pictures I took of him to prove it.

The picture in this post is from Dow Diamond Stadium, home of the Loons. It was a Sunday game, because Great Lakes is wearing there Sunday red uniforms.  I look forward to the future to see more Midwest League players make to the Majors and remember the times I watched them.

I took this picture of Jerry Sands from our dugout when we played Great Lakes

Last night I was able to fill one of my off days from working in baseball with one of my favorite passions, watching live baseball.  Most people want to stay far away from their line of work when they get some off time, but I embrace it and seek it out.  My buddy Lenny joined me for the 65 miles drive Northwest from downtown Atlanta to Rome, Georgia, home to the Rome Braves.  The Rome Braves are owned and operated by the big club, and are the Atlanta Braves Low Class-A team in the South Atlantic League.

Lenny and I pulled up to State Mutual Stadium a few minutes late and approached the ticket window.  Knowing the place would be completely empty (I could tell by the parking lot and overcast skies), I debated buying the cheapest ticket, a lawn seat, and sitting anywhere that we wanted.  But for some reason, I always feel pity for low minor leagues, attending so many games and seeing front office members bust their hump to be successful so I decided to spend a few extra dollars to get the box seats, and still sit wherever I wanted.

The first stop was the beer stand beyond the leftfield lawn where Lenny obtained a $2.00 beer that he was thrilled with!  A few pictures later and we were on our way to find some food!  I learned years ago to seek out specialties in the stadium and cuisine that is unique to the area.  The final stand we came to was the winner, Bubba’s BBQ Barn in right field corner.  Lenny had the ribs plate, and I went with the chicken nachos.  Both were pretty good and reasonably priced.  I got my Diet Coke in a souvenir cup and we grabbed some bar stools undercover facing the field.  It was perfect timing as the skies opened up and a steady rain happened for about a full inning.

Play was never stopped during the rain, and unfortunately for Rome, the Asheville Tourists offense never stopped either.  The Tourists, affiliated with the Colorado Rockies, banged out 15 hits during the contest and scored 12 times for a 12-3 victory.  The Tourists right fielder was named Kyle Parker, who also was known as a Clemson Tiger quarterback.  He was the Rockies first round pick and signed for a large bonus.

The crowd was listed at 1,897, but it felt smaller than that.  The atmosphere was nice and not to slow or stale.  The Rome Braves have two mascots on hand, as long as a few ladies who served as cheerleaders throughout.  I was very impressed with the stadium that I believe is about nine years old.  Instead of boring you with descriptions, please just check out all the pictures below.

As usual, I had a great experience at a minor league park.  Staying in a new area right now, I plan to visit many more this season to add new memories and pictures.  I was also very pleased that Lenny enjoyed himself.

Enjoy the pictures below.

State Mutual Stadium

Golf cart that drives around selling merchandise...very smart...

Team Store..of course I bought another hat...

Some franchise history posted around the concourse

Starting Lineups...first names would of helped!

2003 SALLY League Champion

Lenny's new favorite beer stand!

Main Scoreboard in left center

Ribbon board in right field

Another video board in left field foul ground

A view from the left field lawn

View from left looking towards home

View from picnic tables in left

View from 1st baseline concourse

Applebees Homerun Hill

Before the rain came, the sun was rough coming across the diamond

Lenny and Romey

Bubba's BBQ Barn

Our Food

When Lenny was done eating, we figured out his meal was served on a frisbee!

Our spot undercover

All you can eat seats section for $20

Minor League Dance Team?

View from RF Concourse

Lenny and I

Looking into the Asheville Dugout

A season ticket holder club behind the plate

Thought it was pretty cool to have TV's in the concourse showing the game

Live game action...

Kyle Parker...he can play

Only at a minor league game is in acceptable to dress up like ketchup and mustard and dance around

Seven Inning Stretch

Some nice luxury boxes

So many hits and runs it blew the scoreboard out!

Lenny, Romey, Roxie and myself

Before Opening Day at Turner Field, I got the chance to meet former Atlanta Braves Manager, and future Hall of Famer, Bobby Cox.  He was on hand to throw out the first pitch before the game.  Current manager Freddie Gonzalez caught the ball at home plate.  I was standing in the dugout talking with the two of them before this took place.  My buddy Macon Mike happened to be watching the game at home and sent me this picture.

Every professional baseball player dreams of appearing in the Major Leagues for at least one at-bat, one half inning on defense or take the mound to throw one pitch.  To these athletes, getting any sort of chance in the big leagues is a “cup of coffee.”  For some that lasts one day, and for others it lasts numerous seasons. But once you have taken a sip, it is yours forever.

Although I will never step between the lines during a real Major League game, I have dreamed of getting my “cup of coffee.”  I am proud to say that after three years of working with the Dayton Dragons, a Class-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds, I am getting my first taste of coffee this season.  I have accepted a job as a Clubhouse Assistant with the Atlanta Braves. I will be working all 81 home games at Turner Field with the team assisting in numerous duties.

This truly is a dream come true to be able to work for a Major League Franchise, especially one as storied and successful as the Atlanta Braves.  I feel very fortunate to fill a few of my dreams so young in life, working for eight seasons with the Cincinnati Bearcats Men’s Basketball Team and now getting my shot in the majors.

I hope you will continue to check this website, and follow me on Twitter (@coreybrinn) as I try to bring you adventures from the season and life as a “Clubbie.“