Maryvale Ballpark

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What is not to like about the Milwaukee Brewers? Great fans and franks along with the sausage mascot race that started all other mascot races. Plus, their team name pays homage to the regions beer making industry.

Maryville Ballpark is not in the fanciest part of the greater Phoenix area, but it is a gem amongst the rough. The mainly blue, textured block facility has a sort of nautical feel about it, not sure if that was intended.  There is a larger than normal bleacher section and a nice grassy berm that affords some shade for sun-beaten fans. The open concourse has a trellis-type roof that allows in natural light while keeping the bulk of the excruciating Arizona rays off of the skin.

The Famous Brat (the dog, not her)

The local CBS affiliate showed up to interview me, but we had issues getting into the park to do that actual interview. Despite working with nuclear weapons during my military heyday I couldn’t seem to get cleared for early entry. After checking the no-fly list we were finally able to get in and do the filming. That was the most difficult ballpark/media gig to date. I suspect either some kingpin at ISIS was to blame…or perhaps Bob Uecker. He still owes me $20.

HOT DOG

Bun-not sure why but it was slightly soggy-4

Taste-the Brewers have brought Klements franks down from milwaukee to give the dogs a hometown taste-5

Toppings-nice selection with onions, jalapenos, kraut, mustard and a Milwaukee original the Secret Stadium Sauce-5

Price-good value at $4.75-4.5

Portability-nice foil wrapper-5

It Factor-kind of flat here. Just the regular dog, a brat and an Italian sausage. More variety and imagination needed.

BALLPARK

Location-in the less-than-desirable part of Phoenix, but close to lots of housing-4

Access-mostly a drive to facility-3.5

Cleanliness-spiffy-5

GA Ticket Price-right price at $8-5

Ambiance-not bad, but the force is not strong with this one Luke-4

Fans-few fans. They did get into the game, but by far the smallest showing yet-2.5

Dog		Ballpark		Total Dog/Game
Bun	4	Location	4
Taste	4.5	Access	3.5
Toppings	5	Cleanliness	5
Price	4.5	Ambiance	4
Portability	5	GA Ticket Price	5
It Factor	3	Fans	2.5
	26		24	50

A surprising showing of 50 is strong and makes Maryvale Ballpark a Cactus League stop over for any fan. Bob Uecker did not follow through with my challenging him to a hot dog eating contest. The offer still stands Bob.