Isotopes

One would think that moving down to Albuquerque would come with several items on a bucket list, and that going to a baseball game would not be one of them. Well, that’s where one would be wrong. Not only because regardless of what state I am in I love baseball, and well the last few years living in Denver it was very hard to go to a baseball game. The team wasn’t the greatest, the cost to go only kept going up, and the culture around the stadium changed for the worst. Of course, there is another reason for wanting to see an Isotopes game, and that of course if the pop culture reference that coincides with the team’s name. Put all that together and it was a no brainer that going to an Albuquerque Isotopes game was something I had to do.

With ticket in hand on a Sunday afternoon I made the trek down to that stadium, and upon arrival was instantly reminded of why I love going to the ballpark. This stadium is beautiful as well with statues all around of those famous tv characters, as well as their various mascots. There is not a bad seat in the entire place as I walked around from the nice club level to the general seating grass area in the outfield. I was in awe of how large the field was, including a hill in centerfield that could be problematic when a ball is hit out there. After walking around, I made my way up the club level to find my seat, and was glad in the choice of ticket I made.

While more expensive going to the club level is totally worth it, as it makes the stadium and game much more than that. In the entrance to the stadium there is a small Albuquerque Hall of Fame that pays homage to the original Dukes, as well as all the great players that have once called Albuquerque their home prior to going to the big leagues. As you make your way up the stairs framed jerseys from every season, and special night are along the walls. Once in the club level more photos grace the walls explaining the history of baseball in this town, and all the celebrities that have enjoyed Isotopes games as well. The smell of ballpark food was in the air, and the beer was flowing.

After a bite to eat I settled into my seat for what was going to be a game that did not lack offense at all. At the end of the day the Isotopes ended up winning 16-8. However, if the game wasn’t exciting enough there is so much going on in between innings to keep fans entertained. Whether it was a frozen t-shirt contest, a potato sack race, or a race between chili peppers the entertainment was there from the opening pitch. Also, something new to me coming from an MLB city was the pitch clock and strike zone which only made the game that much more fast paced an enjoyable.

So, final thoughts considering this was my first minor league game since I was a child. It was a blast, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Was the intensity of a pro game there? No, but that doesn’t matter. I found myself just enjoying a baseball game and wondering who on the field might be a future star playing for the Rockies. This will be a part of my summer schedule every year as I am already looking forward to going to my next game.

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