More Than Baseball





If there is one thing moving to Albuquerque has reminded me of it is my love of going to baseball games. Since the season started, I have gone to more Isotopes games in one season than I did pro games in the past four seasons combined. Also, I was expecting every game to be just that, a baseball game. Nine innings of hard play, which I love. What I did not realize is how often the Isotopes hold special games throughout the season. Recently I was lucky enough to attend two of those special games, and both were great in their respect to not only the history, but the culture of Albuquerque as well.

Dukes Night: When most people think of baseball in Albuquerque the first name that comes to mind is the Dukes, and all the great players that have come through this city enroute to the big leagues. With that it is amazing that once a year the Isotopes tap into that rich history and don the iconic red and yellow Dukes uniforms. But it does not stop just with wearing special uniforms, as this is also the night that those iconic players are inducted into the Albuquerque sports Hall of Fame. I was lucky enough to see Dave Stewart and Ron Cey get inducted, but even on top of that was seeing Dick Moots the creator of the iconic Dukes logo get inducted as well. Even more impressive is when you glance at the Hall of Fame in the stadium you quickly realize how many Hall of Fame players have at one point played minor league baseball in Albuquerque. This night is a reminder that even though the Dukes are no longer the team here, they are far from forgotten. Fans everywhere were wearing the iconic logo on everything from jerseys to hats, and reminiscing about the glory days of what was there team. Given that this is my first season here I could only imagine how fun it was growing up here going to the old stadium and watching a team compete for the PCL Championship each season. I can only hope that one day the Isotopes have the same legacy. This was a game I had circled when the schedule was released, and it did not disappoint. It is also one I will look forward to each season.

Green Chile Cheeseburger: What happens when New Mexico’s iconic fast food restaurant partners with Baseball? The Isotopes don special green uniforms and become the Green Chile Cheeseburgers of course. Just as the harvest season is beginning the green chile was everywhere in the ballpark, and Blake’s took over concession stands to serve their iconic cheeseburgers to hungry fans. The smells were amazing, and the food getting served was delicious. The uniforms were unique, but great a featured everything from the New Mexico flag to the signature chile roaster, and of course the cheeseburger logo on the cap. The 6th inning race was made more fun by the theme of the night capped off by a last-minute win from the green chile. Even though the night is filled with fun and eating food it still served as a reminder of what is important about New Mexico. Celebrating the harvest of one of New Mexico’s iconic foods and celebrating the long standing restaurant that made the green chile cheeseburger famous. This was a fun game to go to, and I would absolutely attend again next season to enjoy all food with green chile on it.

While those are only two of the specialty nights I have been to (Marvel night got rained out) I look forward to next season and seeing what is offered. Without a doubt Mariachi’s night is on my list for next season and whatever else they come up with. I love that these games are about more than baseball. I love that like everything in New Mexico there is a level of respect to the history, culture, and food of what makes this such a great state even during a baseball game.

To see photos of my adventures follow me on Instagram @the_NM_TX or tag me using #thenmtx
To support my adventures check out www.patreon.com/thenmtx

 

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