It's been a bit difficult for me to get out to the old ballpark in the Bronx this year; the commute from my neck of the woods is less than convenient, and with family obligations being what they are for a new parent, most of my time spent watching the pastime has come in front of the tube. Over the holiday weekend, however, I did manage to catch a few innings of live ball, and it was one of the more enjoyable game-watching experiences I've had in a long while. I saw the Astros and the Tigers in action. No, this wasn't a makeup interleague game; I was out at the Red Hook Ballfields, in Brooklyn, sitting in the front row of a wooden grandstand with my parents and daughter on a crystaline afternoon. We were there watching the local Mexican league, which has been around for about twenty years now. (I forgot my camera, the photo above is from flickr). Pick up a papusa or a huarache and some fresh cataloupe juice from one of the wonderful vendors, sit back, and relax. It's a colorful scene, with the players in their bright unis standing in the sun, and the picturesque ruin of an enormous grain elevator along the Gowanus Canal hovering in the background. The pitchers don't throw too hard, but they sure can make the ball move, and it's easy to follow that beat-up orb as it moves around the dirt infield and the expansive green outfield beyond. On a pretty day, there's really no better place to be. I think I'll be heading back next weekend. And I'll be bringing my camera.
Man, you paint a blissful picture. What a way to build respect for the game than to see it in it's purest form. Can't wait to see next week's pics. Make sure you catch some of the vendors, too--us Minnesotans don't get much flavor out here.
Posted by: MAG | Tuesday, September 04, 2007 at 01:49 PM
I'm coming with you, YF. What time should we head over?
Posted by: SF | Tuesday, September 04, 2007 at 02:26 PM
Soccer tacos!!
Posted by: no sleep til brooklyn SF | Tuesday, September 04, 2007 at 02:45 PM
Say around lunch, pending schedule/weather. Consider this an open invitation to all YFSFers.
Posted by: YF | Tuesday, September 04, 2007 at 02:53 PM
I was out there a few weekends ago. Hernandez huaraches are definitely my fave. I would check before you go this weekend though-- the vendors were apparently closed yesterday, and the dept of health has been cracking down and they may not be allowed to set up again this season.
Posted by: T-sf | Tuesday, September 04, 2007 at 02:59 PM
Want to help the vendors not get shut down by the Health Dept? Clicke aqui amigos!
http://savesoccertacos.blogspot.com/
Posted by: no sleep til brooklyn SF | Tuesday, September 04, 2007 at 03:06 PM
I've been hearing more about these games this summer, thanks to the mini-controversy regarding the food vendors there. Do they play pretty much every spring-to-fall weekend, or how does one find out when they do? Sounds like a cool way to kick back when I feel like leaving Bushwick*.
* This includes every weekend.
Posted by: FenSheaParkway | Tuesday, September 04, 2007 at 05:05 PM
I have a serious weakness for good street food. Looking at those photos I have started to drool.
Posted by: rob | Tuesday, September 04, 2007 at 05:11 PM
Ditto Rob, I've never wanted a taco more in my life.
Hell, I even sent notes like that website suggested and I've never even been there. It would be a real tragedy for you guys to lose that.
Posted by: LocklandSF | Tuesday, September 04, 2007 at 05:21 PM
i think they play most every sunday. there are vendors at the baseball fields, but the best ones are a couple of blocks away at the soccer fields. and please do sign the petition and support the fight to save their status.
Posted by: YF | Tuesday, September 04, 2007 at 05:43 PM