FanPost

Padre & son trip to California.

Denis Poroy

On the flight home from my California trip I thought that I might write a brief Fanpost about my experience. It's really more of a little itinerary type journal. With a bit of encouragement from Friar Fever, I went ahead with it.

The numbers - 5 stadiums,6 games, 8 teams in 8 days. 2-0 record in attendance at Petco .

Setting out with my father from Tampa Airport the day before Fathers' Day, I knew it was going to be a baseball trip of a lifetime however it turned out to be much more than that. I have stated before that I have not been back to California since early 1991 however this will make it three times in 9 months for my father.

Landing in San Fransisco on Saturday, we had to wait 2 hours for our rental car so we were not really able to sight see. I've never been to San Fran so I was a bit disappointed. The next day – Fathers' Day we attended the Giants/Rockies game. McCovey Cove was was beautiful. Afterward we did a bit of sight seeing near the Golden Gate Bridge at Fort Point and your typical tour of the city including Lombard Street.

Driving to the Wharf the next morning we were of course stuck in traffic so when my phone received a text from my wife I checked it. It's a text that I'll never forget as it was informing me about Mr. Padres' passing. We were stunned. I was so bummed to hear this.

One of the trips that my parents took to California was on a cruise during the America's Cup in San Fran in September. They really enjoyed it and I got hooked watching the Regatta on tv (only since they were there). I never would have even THOUGHT about it had they not attended the races. Coupled with the greatest comeback in sports history hooked me even more. Why do I mention this? Well I booked a tour on Adventure Cat catamaran that pretty much took the same course as the America's Cup. This ended up being the highlight of my trip! The scenery on the Bay was – well....awesome! And seeing the city from the water was fantastic.

Later than evening we drove over to Oakland and watched the A's play Texas. That stadium is a dump. They deserve better yet I hear that they are talking about a lease extension.

The next day we flew to Los Angeles. Neither of us wanted to do much there however being a boxing fan, I did want to visit trainer, Freddie Roach's Wild Card Boxing Club. That was a cool experience as well. While Freddie wasn't there, his lead assistant Marvin Somodio was there training a few boxers. Later that night we attended the Dodgers vs Rockies game. Another dump of a stadium however the L.A. Kings were there with the Stanley Cup. This was the only stadium that we've both been to but felt obligated to see ALL of the stadiums on this trip.

We drove down to San Diego the next morning and immediately went to the Midway tour. As soon as we pulled into the harbor, a giant, orange, gold and brown #19 flag was waving on the stern of a large yacht. It was a bittersweet visit. Being in the Navy all of those years ago, the Midway tour of course brought back a flood of wonderful memories. My father wanted to take this tour when they were there last year however my mother did not so he was just as excited as I was. Seeing San Diego Bay was just as beautiful as it was 23 years ago. There was so much I wanted to do there however we were a bit limited for time. We attended the Pads vs Seattle game that night. I think it all hit me as we approached the crowd at Mr Padre's statue turned memorial. I was so happy to finally get to Petco Park yet really bummed about Tony. There was not a dry eye in the circle.

The next morning we drove over to Coronado and North Island. I knew that I'd not be admitted onto the base however we did visit the ferry landing. Afterward, we went to Mission Brewery and then the afternoon game vs Seattle where I got to meet the 'one and only' Bobby Cressey. It was such a great feeling being back there in San Diego and I wish I had more time. I hear that San Diego is trying for America's Cup 35 in 2017 and if that happens, I'll be back then.

The next day, we headed to Anaheim for the last game of the tour. On the way up, we visited the Children's Pool in LaJolla and the glider port at Torre Pines. Those were firsts for us as well. We enjoyed that immensely!

Later that night we attended the Angels vs Rangers game and flew back home to Tampa Bay the next morning from LAX.

So glad we did this and it was way over due. I look forward to the next time I head back to my favorite city.

Thanks for reading.



This FanPost was written by a member of the Gaslamp Ball community and does not necessarily reflect the views of the Gaslamp Ball staff or SB Nation.