Photos from the West Coast
Better late than never. We all know the trip to California was a bummer. 2-8, especially after winning the first game in San Francisco, was not what we had in mind. But that’s the way it ended. And while it was a very bad trip on the field, it’s hard to beat the scenery and the three California National League ballparks.
I guess you could say it took this long to wash the bad taste of the losing out of my mouth, but here are photos from San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego:
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At AT&T Park, they hang a rubber chicken for every intentional walk (a tribute to Barry).
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From the upper deck in San Francisco. The breathtaking views are endless.
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McCovey Cove
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From the top row down the right-field line, looking at the San Francisco skyline.
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Lots of water means lots of bridges.
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A wider shot of McCovey Cove
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The kayakers are there for batting practice, just like the players. Long night ahead hoping for souvenirs.
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A marina lies just beyond the ballpark, which is built into an incredibly tight 13 acres.
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Two AT&T Park attractions: there are two slides inside the bottle.
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During our broadcast, I made a point to mention Marty’s SF microphone stand was the largest I’ve seen for baseball broadcasting. It would fit nicely in a golf bag.
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It’s easy to remember the Giants’ address.
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Fans pose in front of the Willie Mays statue.
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This is the "Fan Lot," a kids play area, near the bottle and glove.
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Speaking of the bottle, here’s the bottom…
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… and from the top, going down the slide.
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Boats beyond the picnic deck in center field.
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Beautiful day at AT&T Park, which opened in 2000…
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… and a beautiful day to go sailing.
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And a few hundred miles south, Dodger Stadium. Opened in 1962, it still looks new.
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On the hills near the ballpark, a little Dodger marketing.
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Looking left, early..
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… and later.
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What a gorgeous day!
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A Dodger Dog, smothered in mustard — nothing like them.
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The press box is named for the legendary Vin Scully..
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… he’s in his 57th year broadcasting Brooklyn/L.A. Dodgers baseball.
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From the very top deck of the ballpark.
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Those are the San Gabriel Mountains in the distance.
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The top row of the park.
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You can see downtown L.A. behind the ballpark.
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Here’s my vantage point as the game winds down and I get ready to go do an interview. Yes, this fan’s on his cellphone (and, no, it doesn’t just happen in L.A.)
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And you thought Chicago was "the city with the big shoulders."
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Our vantage point as we get on the bus. Visiting teams exit the stadium walking from the first-base dugout to the busses waiting just beyond the centerfield wall.
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San Diego’s Petco Park, in its third season.
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Here you can see the West Metal Supply Building, which is more than 100 years old. It was actually moved to its current spot so the building could be angled as the left-field foul pole. Party suites and a gift shop keep the building a hopping place.
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The Famous Chicken became famous in San Diego. He happened to make a rare appearance while we were there.
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It’s impossible not to find beautiful views in San Diego. This shot was taken from my hotel room.
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The Omni Hotel has a skywalk bridge to the ballpark.
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Out beyond the outfield wall: "the park in the park." This is an area for fans to watch the game or recreate..
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A picnic area beyond the wall in left-center field.
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The Bad Boy Blog 
Steve – Although these pictures re-kindle bad memories of the team’s self-destrictive West Coast trip, it was definitely worth the wait to see them! No wonder you and Marty always say that San Francisco has a beautiful park.
I look forward to seeing your next blog post, however, because I heard today that you are thinking of posting my Reds on Radio drinking game here on the Bad Boy Blog!! I hope that you do, so I can get my 15 minutes of fame. 😀
– George Moore, Dayton Ohio
Great photos Steve. Again, your a credit to your profession and you will be missed next season. This web log has been a treat all year, something different in the world of baseball. Wishing you all the best.
-B.Kraemer, Cincinnati, Ohio
Thanks for the great job you’ve done all season, Steve. The Bad Boy Blog really keeps fans in touch with the action. I will miss your sense of humor and how you kept Marty in line – not an easy job!
L Grice, Muncie Indiana
Tremendous pictures Steve. The west coast is just an amazing place to visit, especially when you can take in a few ballgames along the way. Even with Dodger Stadium getting up there in age, it is by far my favorite ballpark that I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing. Sadly the season has ended and we can only watch others do battle in the post-season, but again thank you very much for all you have done for Cincinnati Steve. Good luck in all that you will accomplish as your career continues.
GREAT pictures from the west coast!! Again just another reminder of the self destruction of the team out west.
Thanks for all the great memories this year Steve, as a BIG Reds fan, it really means alot to me. I hope you are able to find work here in Cincinnati and are able to stay in town. You are a good broadcaster
Wouldn’t it be great if you became the voice of the Arizona Diamondbacks? We’d love it in AZ.
Steve,
You might ask Marty about me, he’d probably remember me. My name is Kyle Conley, and I just wanted to let you know, as a blind teenager, you brang joy and delight in to my life. I really wish you the best, and I’ll miss you. Hey, you’re not the only one who was allmost in tears on Sunday, I was allmost crying my self.
Kyle Conley: Fairfield, Ohio