Stealing Home: High on baseball, part 1

On Sunday afternoon, the Toronto Blue Jays' season came to an end. And so did my summer of baseball. It's hard to believe that from April 11th to June 7th, I traveled all over the glorious United States of America, visiting each and every ballpark Major League Baseball had to offer. It feels like only yesterday, and 10 years ago, at the same time.

I've yet to wrap up Stealing Home, my blog at The Globe And Mail, chronicling what I dubbed, "the baseball road trip of a lifetime." And it truly was just that. The latest entry, part one of my visit to Coors Field in Denver, Colorado, is up over at Globe Sports, and in it I try to explain the difficulties I've had in writing about the home stretch of my journey. You can also read about meat loaf that came Jeff Blair recommended, and the incredible area -- LoDo -- that surrounds Coors Field.

As I wrote at the end of the latest entry at The Globe, thanks. For sticking around, for bearing with me, and for reading. I'm grateful. This was far and away the most enjoyable baseball experience I could have ever had. And it was an honour to share it with you, even if it has taken a lot longer to finish than I expected it to.

Born Again

In my baseball renaissance, I've taken to finding, reading, loving and sharing quotes on the fascinating game. There are many. And when they're 140 characters long or less, I share them on Twitter, usually late at night.

Some of the greatest ones, though, are too long for that medium. Like this one:

"One of the beautiful things about baseball is that every once in a while you come into a situation where you want to, and where you have to, reach down and prove something."

- Nolan Ryan

When I left Toronto and began Stealing Home, I wrote that "life mirrors baseball." I've yet to come across a quote that better illustrates my point.

Preach on, Nolan.

Incredible image -- that's a Matt Kemp home run ball lodged in the scoreboard -- courtesy of daylife.

Stealing Home: Baseball in the desert, Part 2

I wrote approximately 6,000 words about my visit to Chase Field, the home of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Ridiculous, I know; hence why I broke the Stealing Home entries into two parts. But it all makes sense, considering all that went down on a sunny afternoon in late May in the desert.

Baseball in the desert, Part 2 is up over at Globe Sports. Have a read. Perhaps the Toronto Blue Jays jersey I saw at Chase Field, which took me back in time, will have the same effect on you. I'll also tell you all about the swimming pool in right-centre field, and the town hall meeting I attended with Diamondbacks President and CEO Derrick Hall, then general manager Josh Byrnes, then manager A.J. Hinch, and 150 or so Arizona season-ticket holders.

Diamondbacks second baseman Kelly Johnson's and Alex Anthopoulos' names were linked during that town hall meeting. And I don't know about you, but I want nothing more than for Johnson to trade his Arizona uniform for a Toronto one. His arrival would mean the end of the Edwin Encarnacion era, with Aaron Hill taking E5's place at the hot corner. Think about it: Anthopoulos long desired Anthony Gose. And he got him. I hope the same fate awaits Johnson, his 129 wRC+, and his 4.3 WAR. Even if it means the Jays part with some of their young arms.

I'll never forget Chase Field, largely because of what it did to my "Schlagballbewusstsein." And I hope you enjoy my latest piece.

Also: be a dear, and let me know what you think about the new banner. Personally, I think it looks fantastic.

Stealing Home: Baseball in the desert, Part 1

I've got so much to say about my visit to Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona, that I decided to split the piece into two parts.

Part one is up at Stealing Home, over on The Globe And Mail's website. Read all about how the Arizona Diamondbacks hooked your boy up with a $135 next to the visiting ball club's dugout, when the visiting ball club happened to be the Toronto Blue Jays.

The 12-year-old Diamondbacks. They've "been through it all, man." And it was a pleasure to visit the oasis they call home.

Stealing Home: Deeper into the heart of Texas

Stealing Home returns!!!1 I know, it's been a while. I was on vacation from my vacation.

Next stop: Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, which is most definitely Major League Baseball's finest suburban stop.

Read all about my foray deeper into the heart of Texas -- from my stay at one sketchy hotel, to my conversations with Rangers fans, ending with my appreciation of the incredible Nolan Ryan -- at globesports.com.

Only a few ballparks to go. We're going to finish this puppy. Thanks for reading, and for your patience.

Stealing Home: Deep in the heart of Texas

Houston. Where the Astros suck, but where the ballpark doesn't.

Minute Maid Park: she's downtown, and, on my visit, the weather was fantastic, the roof open, and the seats free. What else can you ask for?

Read all 2,323 words from my trip to H-Town, deep in the heart of Texas, including what makes the Juice Box a unique and pleasant ballpark, at GlobeSports.com.

And, as always, thanks for following along on my baseball road trip of a lifetime.

Stealing Home: Dome away from dome

After Sun Life Stadium in Miami, anything would do. Even Tropicana Field, Major League Baseball's last non-retractable domed stadium.

Tampa Bay. Actually: St. Petersburg, home of the Rays, where I felt at home.

Read all about my experience -- from Taxi Uncle, to my conversation with Cownose Rays, to "More Cowbell!" -- at GlobeSports.com.

And, remember, if you'd like to view pictures from my baseball road trip of a lifetime, you can do so here.

Stealing Home: A slap in the face to baseball

The Miami baseball experience: one enthusiastic thumb down. Sorry, Florida Marlins.

Read all about a night to forget at Sun Life Stadium, and why 2012 can't come soon enough for baseball fans in south Florida, at GlobeSports.com.

Stealing Home: Loonies!1

Loonies! The game within the baseball game. Not enough people are playing it. At least I didn't see enough people playing it on #TBRTOAL.

Read all about the beautiful game and how it's played at GlobeSports.com. And remember: Know Your Limit. Play Within it.

Stealing Home: Braving Atlanta

The bus ride from Cincinnati to Atlanta was definitely the most harrowing on #TBRTOAL. Perhaps it was the fact that I visited Turner Field on practically no sleep, but the stadium left me feeling underwhelmed. There's nothing wrong with it, but it certainly didn't wow me.

Read all about the tomahawk obsessed folks down in Atlanta, my bus ride, chicken and waffles, and why you always want to arrive at downtown ATL's Greyhound station before dark, at GlobeSports.com.

Oh, I almost forgot: cheers, Atlanta; to 1992!

Stealing Home: 30/30

Thirty MLB ballparks. Fifty-five days. Done.

I'm headed back to Toronto; due back home Monday evening. My travels are done, but Stealing Home continues. Stay tuned for the rest of the series, and thanks for coming along with me on what was one incredible journey; one that I will never, ever forget.

I'll see you at the SkyDome.

Stealing Home: The Big Red Machine

The banks of the Ohio River is where you'll find Cincinnati's Great American Ball Park. Don't get too excited about the name, though; it's not what it seems.

Read all about my visit to the Nati -- where I met three baseball fans from the United Kingdom, saw a rejuvenated Scott Rolen man third base, and why, upon my return to Toronto, I'll be watching the 1975 World Series -- at GlobeSports.com.

The Atlanta experience is up next at Stealing Home, while I travel up the west coast to Seattle. I'll be home on Monday; you believe that? I certainly don't ...

Stealing Home: 27 Outs, Vol 3: Doc

That should have been Lyle Overbay smiling like a buffoon. And John Buck, or Jose Molina, embracing Roy Halladay with sheer delight.

Just when I thought I was over the Halladay trade, just when I thought I was okay with him no longer pitching for us in Toronto, Doc goes and tosses a perfect game for his new team, the Philadelphia Phillies. And I'll always remember where I was when I heard the news.

Read all about my conflicted emotions in the aftermath of Doc's momentous occasion, and how I'm no longer conflicted, at GlobeSports.com.

I read an interesting link yesterday, about Doc's perfection. One fact stuck with me, and it's one I won't soon forget: more men (24 to 20) have orbited the moon than pitched a perfect game.

Congatulations, Doc.

Stealing Home: 27 Outs, Vol. 2

Over the past two and a half weeks, I've traveled over 10,000 kilometres. The total for the entire baseball road trip of a lifetime is, according to my calculations, just over 16,000 kilometres.

For more thoughts from the road, a lot of the road, please visit GlobeSports.com.

Home stretch!!1

Stealing Home: They're real, and they're spectacular

I can't believe I'm writing this, but Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City might be one of the best five ballparks in Major League Baseball; it's that good. It's just a shame the Royals call it home.

Read all about my visit to The K, and its famous waterfalls and fountains, at GlobeSports.com.

Astonishing ballpark. Pathetic team.

Some links: the Stealing Home photo gallery; the Google Map; and me, on Twitter. Twenty-three of 30 ballparks are in the books; we're about to hit the home stretch. Unbelievable.

Stealing Home: My very own Brew Crew

Beer, brats and baseball. That's the Milwaukee Brewers experience, in a nutshell. And it's every bit as fantastic as it sounds.

Read all about it at GlobeSports.com.

I'm on the most intense leg of #TBRTOAL right now; 9 games in 11 nights. I just arrived in Houston. Astros tonight, Arlington tomorrow, and Phoenix on Sunday. We're just about to hit the home stretch ...

Stealing Home: For Jason Guindon

Twelve years before me, fellow Canadian and baseball lover Jason Guindon set off on his own baseball road trip of a lifetime. It was his dream, too, to visit all 30 MLB ballparks in one go.

Unfortunately, Jason wasn't able to finish his journey.

Read more about Jason, his legacy, and why I'm dedicating the rest of my journey to his memory, at GlobeSports.com.

Here's to you, Jason; cheers.

Stealing Home: The Great Outdoors

You know the famous line: "If you build it, they will come." And build it they did in Minneapolis. Target Field is a beauty. Read all about the Twins's new ballpark, why I'm grateful to the taxpayers of Hennepin County, and some unforgettable nights in the Twin Cities, at GlobeSports.com.

And, below, you can watch an interview I did with Minneapolis's Kare11 News, as I attempt to spread the gospel of #TBRTOAL far and wide ...

And remember, you can view all the pictures from #TBRTOAL at http://picasaweb.google.ca/vaswani.navin

Stealing Home: The Throwback

"The Friendly Confines" on the north side of Chicago; Wrigley Field, baseball's ultimate cathedral. Probably the best one yet on #TBRTOAL.

My brother came down from Toronto to join me. He brought his passport. To the game. Read how important that decision turned out to be, and what makes Wrigley Field so special, at GlobeSports.com.

And, on a non-#TBRTOAL related note, but still with baseball: Playoffs!!!1

Stealing Home: Twenty-Seven Outs

By my count, I've been on the bus for more than two days so far on #TBRTOAL.

You can read my thoughts from the road at GlobeSports.com.

"This is a game for all America, this baseball."

- Ernie Harwell

Rest in peace, Ernie.