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Chase Field Experience
Phoenix, AZ - 2003
by: Anthony Lorenzo

My trip to Arizona was not only an opportunity to attend an Arizona Diamondbacks game at Bank One Ballpark, but also a chance to spent time with a part of my family that I was not familiar with.  Over the past decade, many of my relatives have relocated to the Phoenix area.  The first of which was my godmother Katharine, who enjoyed the dry air and open space the Arizona desert provides.  Over the past decade Arizona’s population has exploded.  It attracts newly retired couples and young families looking for a fresh start.  This surge in population along with the success of Spring Training in Arizona enabled Major League Baseball to award a franchise to the Grand Canyon State.  The Arizona Diamondbacks would make their debut on March 31, 1998, since that first game nearly 15 million baseball fans have packed Bank One Ballpark, aka the BOB, as the hometown Diamondbacks have enjoyed unprecedented success for a one time expansion team, winning the 2001 World Series. 

My godmother Katharine was excited to find out that I was coming to visit, but she was ever happier to hear that while in Arizona I was going to take her and her husband to a Diamondbacks game.  Over the past 6 seasons Katharine has become a fan of her hometown team.  She is known to bring her radio to the community pool so that her and her friends can listen to the Diamondback games.  What would make the game even more special was the pitching match up – Los Angeles lefty Odalis Perez versus Diamondback future Hall of Fame inductee Randy Johnson.  It would be the first time I ever saw “The Big Unit” in person.  Johnson’s 6 foot 10 inch frame along with his filthy fastball and slider will retire as one of the top 2 all-time left handed pitchers.  His performance would be crucial to the Diamondbacks success down the stretch of the season.

Bank One Ballpark was packed with 41,382 fans cheering for a Diamondbacks win.  The BOB was the first retractable roof ballpark with a grass surface playing field.  The 9 million pound steel roof is kept open during the day so the grass can grow, but is closed; it takes only four minutes, a few hours prior to first pitch allowing the air conditioning to be turned on.  This formula has worked very well during the summer months. The BOB is also known for having a pool in the right center field stands.  During the game Dodger Jeromy Burnitz hit a solo shot right into the pool.  The BOB provides a unique ballpark experience.  Since the Phoenix area is comprised of individuals from all over the country the BOB’s concession stands offer something for everyone.  I had a Chicago style Italian Beef sandwich that was delicious, in fact it was the best ballpark food I ever had.  Diamondback Matt Kata hit a solo home run in the fourth inning tying the game at one.  This excited the crowd, but also was the beginning of one of the longest games in Arizona Diamondbacks history.  Randy Johnson would throw 8 innings of 3 hit ball, but was matched by Dodger Odalis Perez who also pitched 8 innings, allowing 5 hits.  Both pitchers performances went unrewarded as neither team could break the 1-1 tie.  Ten other pitchers would pitch in what turned out to be a 15-inning game, which ended on Diamondback Shea Hillenbrand’s single scored David Dellucci for a 2-1 victory.  After 4 hours and 10 minutes the game was finally over! The Diamondbacks good fortune could have been attributed to the fans that sung the 7^th inning stretch in the middle of the 14^th inning. All in all it was a great game shared with some of the friendliest fans in the Majors.

Although visiting Major League Ballparks around the country has been fun, experiencing new things in each city has made the trip worth every penny.  While in Arizona I spent time with my cousin Mike.  Mike and I are the same generation, but he seventeen years older.  It was fun getting to know him and his family.  It was cool to spend time with relatives that I never knew before. It’s amazing how even though you are not familiar with a long lost relative, the fact that you are family brings a sense of friendship and love.  Mike and I bonded over that weekend in Arizona.  Since the trip Mike and I have kept in contact. Visiting Arizona was not only a chance to see another ballpark, but more importantly an opportunity to bond with another part of my family.

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