Thanks for your comments and mentioning the book. I will try and find it this weekend.

Merrill

There is a great book that might be out of print but if you can find it it’s worth a read Dodger Dogs and Fenway Franks. It chronicles a Washington state schoolteacher visiting every ML park then in existence one summer. He rates many things including the food ( see title )

Joe

I wish I could join you on the baseball tour this summer but I will be at baseball’s all-star in SF the month prior and can’t fit it in.

For any interested readers - Jon puts together a fun trip. Usually 3-4 games in a 72 hour period. Lots of fun.

Have a great time Jon.

Merrill

Dodger Dogs are great and blind loyaty to all things Sox makes me champion Fenway Franks (in the New England style roll, of course). But my all-time favorite ball park delicacy is actually eaten by others–it’s when I can watch Yankee fans eating CROW (which they seem to be doing a lot of lately, it’s become their steady diet).

I was actually a beer vendor the day that Safeco Field in Seattle opened up 7/15/99 against the Padres. I agree with the young lady who spoke of the Hit It Here Cafe.

The mention of cold at a game made me think of another Ballpark issue. Having attended an average of 70-75 Ranger games a year since 2003, I have noticed that whenever North Texas gets a cold snap, hot chocolate is the one item that is never available at the Ballpark in Arlington.

When younger and an attendee of Anaheim Stadium, I remember always enjoying a plate of their nachos with a Monster Beer. Their sushi wasn’t too bad either! Circa 1983 and smallball with Gene Mauch.

I really enjoyed the footlong hot dogs the people of Minute Maid Park sell when catching an Astro game on the sly.

Nothing beats the experience of a hot dog and a drink at Wrigley Field! I went one time 5/31/80. Even though Mike Schmidt homered twice and Steve Carlton tossed a 4-hitter, to be surrounded by the ivory you sensed the history and futility…

Great topic as always Merrill! Keep it up!

My final criteria is whether they have healthy items on the menu. One thing that is really lacking at many ballparks is that there is absolutely nothing that isn’t fatty or fried.

As many of you know, a growing group of folks from the research industry have instituted an annual Baseball Weekend, where we hit three or more different ball parks. Luminaries like Mr. Dubrow and several MRA past presidents have graced us with their presence on this caravan that has taken us to some 20 ballparks over the past four years. This year’s trip is scheduled for August 10–12 with Detroit, Cleveland and Akron (We typically hit a minor league park as well) on the schedule. If you are interested in catching up with us, feel free to let me know through this blog or directly. It’s always a lot of fun…and we will certainly sample the food.

Good question. For me I do judge the food on the overall experience of standing in line;

Can I watch the game while I am standing in line?

Does the line move quick?

Are they always out of the item I want?

Is there alot of choices on the menu?

Do they have enough cashiers to handle the traffic.

Things like that - Ed/Bob/Jon you go to alot of games did I leave out anything?

Owen - thanks for your comments.

Merrill