UBT 2022 – Day Five

Mitch and I need to get an early start. Our 160 mile drive to Miami is ahead of us. Today’s journey features the MetsMarlins tilt at what is currently labeled as loanDepot Park. Afterward, we’re to meet with two of Mitch’s nephews for dinner in Lake Worth near Palm Beach.

Following a quick stop for coffee, we start south on I-75, which bends due east at Naples to begin a drive clear across the state from gulf to ocean. The highlight is the endless 729,000 acres of Big Cypress National Preserve. The vast landscape reminds me of UBT 2013 when Mitch and I drove through North and South Dakota in the middle of the night to catch an afternoon game in Omaha.

We continue to watch the summer sun rise above as mile after mile of undisturbed lands and fresh water stretch as far as we can see. Exits are rare. The occasional pull-over facility features fan boat launches and hiking trails. This area is also labeled Alligator Alley.

Eventually we see signs for Route 27 and Fort Lauderdale, where the interstate bends back south to Miami. Traffic really picks up as the terrain quickly becomes more urban.

Again we search for a local, authentic lunch spot before heading for the ballpark. We settle on El Valle BBQ. The traditionally Cuban/Brazilian exterior becomes more disco-esque inside. Very clean and bright with a long bar, a stage and stage lighting across a seating area that doubles as a dance floor at night.

A woman greets us warmly as the crew seems to be just getting started this morning following an active Saturday evening. Cuban music is playing. A worker sings along while washing windows toward the outdoor sidewalk seating and 103rd Street. Others set tables as we’re seated.

El Valle BBQ, Hialeah, FL
El Valle BBQ, Hialeah, FL

Mitch and I enjoy a leisurely, satisfying lunch as we listen to the crew speak exclusively in Spanish among themselves. A few other diners filter in, some for take-out.

Pescado a la plancha (grilled fish) – El Valle BBQ, Hialeah, FL

After saying our goodbyes to the friendly El Valle staff, it’s time to turn our attention toward loanDepot Park. This will be the first game here for both of us.

The drive isn’t bad until the stadium comes into view. That’s when traffic halts due to road closures for construction. With a few blocks to go, our goal is to avoid the parking garages. Exiting a parking garage after a major league game can take forever. We continue to inch along toward the ballpark. All of a sudden, we’re motioned to turn right, which forces us half a block and … you guessed it, into a parking garage. The worst part was having no available spaces until we reach the top, outdoor level. So we’re left with no protection from the summer sun and a likely delayed exit. We pull into a space next to the Phillies and Pirates signs.

loanDepot Park, Miami, FL
loanDepot Park, Miami, FL

Due to the traffic and parking garage delays, we scurry to the ground floor to enter the ballpark. Just like the Trop, the indoor climate is very comfortable.

loanDepot Park statue, Miami, FL
loanDepot Park statue, Miami, FL (Remember when this was behind the LF fence?)

Today’s starters? Taijuan Walker and Pablo López, a good matchup … on paper. Their ERAs coming in to today’s action combine to around 6.00. Mitch and I enter at the third base side. By the time we settle on a view from behind the plate, the Mets jump to a 3-0 lead. Pete Alonso‘s RBI double is key.

loanDepot Park, Miami, FL
loanDepot Park, Miami, FL

In the 3rd inning, Tyler Naquin triples into the right field corner to score another run and chase López after only 2.2 IP. Soon it’s 6-0 and the Mets, winners of five straight, continue to press the accelerator and cruise to a 9-3 win to sweep the road series. New York pounds 19 hits while each team strands 10 base runners. Walker picks up his 9th win, lasting just 5.2 IP and surrendering a Charles Leblanc solo shot, which gives the home fans something to cheer.

With the game out of hand, Mitch and I discover an incredible display of bobbleheads behind left field. Imagine bobbles from every team, every era, unique giveaways, and treasured keepsakes. The display case itself is a marvel.

Bobblehead display at loanDepot Park, Miami, FL
Bobblehead display at loanDepot Park, Miami, FL

This photo doesn’t do justice to this massive display, featuring several rows of bobbles on every side. (Of course I had to take a pic that included the Phillie Phanatic!)

After hiking all around the park, we settle back behind some Mets fans near home plate. (I was always a Dodgers’ Cody Bellinger fan, too.)

Home plate concourse, loanDepot Park, Miami, FL
Home plate concourse, loanDepot Park, Miami, FL

There seem to be a lot of Mets fans. Many are surely NY transplants to the Sunshine State. A few friendly folks, including a security officer, ask us about our trip after noticing our UBT shirts. Just like yesterday afternoon, I’m more impressed with the park than I’d expected.

On the way back to the top of the parking garage, we discuss the most confusing payment system ever invented. The sign by our rental car somewhat explains the process, so we need to go back to the ground floor to access a kiosk. I still don’t recall all of the steps; however, by the time we’re back in the car, most of the garage traffic has dispersed. We believe the lopsided final score also contributed to our fairly smooth exit.

Now we’re on our way to Dave’s Last Resort for dinner with Mitch’s nephews. We seem to arrive in Lake Worth in no time compared to our earlier drive today. Dave’s is only seven blocks from the ocean and looks exactly like a “last resort.” In fact all of narrow Lake Avenue is a tourist’s destination. Dave’s is inviting with an open air entrance and is very crowded.

Dave's Last Resort specials board, Lake Worth, FL
Dave’s Last Resort, Lake Worth, FL – Specials Board

I thoroughly enjoy meeting George and Shannon, a pair of men half my age who share their background and concrete plans for their successful future. While they impress me while they catch up with their uncle, so do Dave’s Gator Bite Tacos.

Dave’s Last Resort, Lake Worth, FL – Gator Bite Tacos

George and I place the same order, including Funky Buddha Hop Gun IPAs to wash down our tender gator bites. After dinner Shannon, who has to work early on Monday, says his goodbyes. On the other hand, George has worked nearly a month straight and wants to continue his evening. He suggests we move to the Irish bar next door to Dave’s. Mitch and I agree as the night is young.

The Rock Irish Pub is experiencing a quieter Sunday evening than Dave’s. We grab a table and some drafts so we can continue our conversation. I stick with the interesting Hop Gun from the Oakland Park, FL, Funky Buddha Brewery. The bartender and even the cook make occasional appearances to our table to chat about anything and everything. After we close our tab, George rides along with us to show us around before we stop for ice cream. Soon, we part. George continues his evening while Mitch and I check into our final hotel of UBT 2022.

“Everyone Knows It’s Indy”

Friday, June 7 – UBT Day Seven

Getting on the road in St. Louis, we take a slight detour to grab a sandwich at a place recommended to us by a friend of Mitch. As we roll by shortly after 11 AM, there’s a line out the door of the small city establishment. The line continues around the corner!

The sandwiches must be as advertised, but we decide to forego the delay considering we have 240+ miles to travel before tonight’s game. The line of hungry patrons also reminds me of something my Dad’s been saying since I was a youngster: “I stood in enough lines in the army.”

We agree to catch a bite along the way when we stop for fuel. This must have been a day of reflection for me, because this seemingly small decision triggers another thought. Not just today, not just on this week’s massive UBT undertaking, but Mitch and I always seem to agree with plans … even when they don’t always go according to plan.

Having the same passion for baseball, craft/micro-brews and a variety of food plays a part, I’m sure. Plus, both of us consider ourselves fortunate (extremely understanding spouses, enough vacation time, etc.) to take trips like this, so we never sweat the small stuff.

We cross through Illinois. Shortly after we’re in Indiana, it’s time for a fuel stop — both for the truck and for us. We eat on the go, because we still need to get to Indianapolis, check in to our hotel, and experience tonight’s first pitch.

Lucas Oil Stadium from Hotel Parking Lot - Indianapolis

Our hotel is literally in the shadow of a huge domed building. Football fans may understand the use for this place (above). Our focus is on checking in, dropping off our bags, and walking to Victory Field.

Our walk takes us by a huge coal-fired power plant, which contrasts the clean, new look of Lucas Oil Stadium, but looms nearly as large. At the end of the block rests Victory Field.

Victory Field from LF - Indianapolis

The outfield gate at the corner of West and Maryland looks inviting, featuring brick and an iron gate to match its surroundings. The sidewalk is brick as you approach the entrance.

Just inside, an outfield concourse welcomes ticket holders with concessions and games. A spacious grass bank circling the outfield offers relaxing views of the action.

Families already begin to spread blankets in anticipation of Friday night baseball. Behind the banks and walkway is another roomy, tree-shaded area for children to play, safe from the action.

Mitch and I find craft beverages and an engaging usher on the concourse behind the Indians dugout. We also chat with a local businessman who enjoys the proximity of professional football and baseball with his son.

The concourse displays banners depicting players who’ve graced the current and former Victory Field. This modern version opened in 1996 yet rivals newer parks in many ways.

Former Royals farmhand, Mike Montgomery, takes the ball for the Durham Bulls. Another former Royals prospect plays right field. See how close you could be to Wil Myers?

Wil Myers, RF - Victory Field - Indianapolis

Montgomery steals the show, hurling 7+ innings of no-hit ball. Leslie Anderson and Shelley Duncan provide long ball support and a 4-0 lead, but four walks force Montgomery to the side after reaching his pitch count.

The pen and defense immediately unravel as the home team records a 6-spot in the 8th. Tony Sanchez ropes a clutch RBI double in that big inning.

This game represents the most baseball drama we’ve witnessed since Omaha. The Pirates AAA team hangs on to win, 6-5, sending nearly 14,000 fans home happy. On the other hand, Mitch and I strike out in search of food and beers.

We stroll past a couple of high-class places, one of which spills out onto the sidewalk. On the same block we enter the local Rockbottom. A late dinner, some Red Ales and IPAs, more baseball highlights, and a leisurely walk back to the hotel cap off another perfect UBT evening.
Brian Williams
From Deep Short

Kansas City, Here We Come

After a few more photos from outside Werner Park, we bid farewell to Omaha and begin our journey toward today’s Game 2 in Kansas City, KS, where the T-Bones await us.

The weather no longer threatens as we travel back into Iowa over a two-lane iron toll bridge. Back to hugging the Iowa-Nebraska state line, we cross into Missouri and eventually sneak into far eastern Kansas. I’d been to Kansas City and the Overland Park area many times, but never for baseball.

Community America Ballpark is nestled near Kansas Speedway and rows of every franchise retailer and restaurant you can imagine. The same light colored brick adorns each building. The entire area appears brand new and well planned.
Community America Ballpark Parking Lot - Kansas City
As more fans arrive, we make our way across the parking lot to the ticket window. The modern brick exterior is inviting, clean and appearing new although this park is ten years old in 2013.

The T-Bones match up against the Sioux City Explorers tonight. After the miles we covered since Fargo last night, I can’t help but think about the travel for these teams: bus rides covering El Paso, St. Paul, Fargo, Gary (Indiana), and even Winnipeg.
Community America Ballpark Action - Kansas City

Community America Ballpark RF - Kansas CityYou can walk all around the playing field with the now popular grassy areas beyond right field. The building behind the sloped grass houses games for kids.
Sean Toler in T-Bones Pen - Kansas City
Mitch and I stroll about and stop near the T-Bones pen. We’re intrigued by how close the fans could be to Sean Toler, who begins to loosen for an eventual appearance in the 8th inning. We remain here until Toler gets the call and races toward the mound.

Unfortunately for the T-Bones, Sioux City scratches out an unearned run in the 8th to win a well-pitched game, 2-1. Toler takes the hard luck loss.

After the game we settle into a Holiday Inn downtown on the Missouri side, the only Holiday Inn we’ve ever experienced with a 7-11 attached. We loosely plan the next day over a Slurpee and MLB highlights.

Since we’re staying in the area, we definitely want Kansas City barbecue. We need to decide between two breweries to visit. Plus, we promise ourselves a priority stop before Wednesday night’s game, part of our overall trip plan since January.

Little did we know, UBT magic would take over yet again following a good night’s rest.


Brian Williams
From Deep Short

Day Four – Game 1

As you walk in to Werner Park, you notice a wide open concourse behind the stands. It curves behind home plate and up both base lines. Nothing unusual about that, except it’s really wide, which is convenient. Plus, there’s nothing overhead, so you see signs everywhere alerting you to beware of foul balls. With no warning, two boys near a concession stand almost got nailed by a foul pop behind the plate.

Plus, waiting in line presents opportunities for conversation. A friendly woman behind us notices our UBT schedule and chats with us. We talk about our trip, about Rosenblatt Stadium, about her granddaughter, (one of the school children who sang an energetic rendition of the Star Spangled Banner).

We take our burgers and fries (and craft draughts) to our bleacher seats beyond the left field fence, where we sit among various school groups. Apparently, part of their ticket package includes hot dogs, because their daycare teachers were handing out loads of warm wrapped dogs from large cardboard boxes.

By the time Xavier Nady homers to give the Storm Chasers an early 1-0 lead, the sun shines brightly, reflecting off the bleachers. Memphis Redbird, Jamie Romak, ties it in the 4th with his own long ball. I’m a little sorry that Oscar Tavares is still hurt, but the level of talent and Major League experience on both teams impress.
Werner Park Action - Omaha, NE
The Family Fun Zone, which seems to accompany all Major and Minor League parks these days, remains active to our right, beyond several picnic tables. There’s also berm seating in both left and right fields past our “Fun Porch” bleachers.

A crisply played, sun-filled Game One of today’s doubleheader allows for a more leisurely drive to Game Two.


Brian Williams
From Deep Short

Day-Night Twinbill – In Jeopardy?

Before we reach the southern border of South Dakota, the dark clouds begin to lift. The threat of rain continues, but small holes of blue sky appear.

Finally, we cross the Missouri River into Iowa and continue south through construction zones and more farms. But definitely more civilization, too; a different feel from the serenity offered by the vast prairies of North and South Dakota.

Omaha is famous, of course, for hosting the College World Series at Rosenblatt Stadium. I’ve been by the old girl (born in 1947), but never had an opportunity to catch a game there.

The College World Series has a new home. I’ve also been by it during construction. Rosenblatt (and its rich history), unfortunately, is to become an extended parking lot for the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. Such is progress.

And the Omaha Storm Chasers (formerly the Royals) moved into a new stadium near Papillion. As the sky brightens a bit, Mitch and I pull into the parking lot for today’s 1 PM start.

Wener Park Parking Lot - Omaha, Nebraska
From the lot at Newman Outdoor Field in Fargo to here covers 430-some miles or about 6.5 hours of driving time. But after this game, we need to be back on the road to catch today’s second game at 7, in another city in yet another state.


Brian Williams
From Deep Short