An Introduction - Ballpark Tour 2008

I'm not a trained journalist, but that's the way I approach every ballpark I visit. What's unique - what's the same? Who are the people that come here - and why do they (come here)? My photo essays attempt to capture that spirit - places never been - and most likely - never to return to - a baseball journey........ "and miles to go before I sleep".

2008 marks the third consecutive year in which I have been able to explore my love and appreciation for the game of baseball. To date, I have been fortunate to visit thirteen major league ballparks in eleven cities across the country. This year's tour will add six new ballparks and cities, as well as five AAA International League minor league games - the All Star Game Fan Fest in New York City - and to cap it all off - the final regular season games ever to be played at Yankee Stadium on September 21 and Shea Stadium on September 28.

One major difference this year is that I am not going to be part of a group tour. Prior to this year, I participated in group tours arranged by Diamond Baseball Tours (highly recommended). In 2006, my first tour The Induction emphasized ballparks in the Northeast and the Hall of Fame. In 2007, the tour moved to the West Coast.

I've enjoyed the challenge of putting together my own tour this year. The itinerary includes travel over 5,600 road miles and the coordination of game days and times in between, as well as ticket purchases and hotel accommodations. There's even time for a day of sightseeing in our Nation's Capital.

The emphasis of the various web pages will follow the pattern of previous years. My aim is to capture the "feel" of each ballpark's unique culture with photo essays. The main page will be updated as the summer progresses and the tour moves forward.