So I heard about these DPL ball fields down by the river, right? Figured I’d check ’em out this weekend since the weather finally stopped being awful. Packed my mitt and a cooler like I always do, thinking it’d be the same old dusty diamond with maybe a rickety bench if I’m lucky. Boy, was I in for a shock.
First Look Around
Rolled up around 10 AM and saw immediately they ain’t messing around here. Three full-sized fields back-to-back, fresh chalk lines glowing under the sun. Walked past Field 1 and almost tripped over automatic sprinklers popping up from underground – legit felt like dancing fountains at some fancy resort. Found a huge sign near the entrance listing stuff they’ve got:
- Batting cages behind right field fence
- Concession stand with AC inside (praise the lord)
- Equipment rental shack
- Electronic scoreboards on every field
- Shaded playground for rugrats
Turns out the city dropped serious cash upgrading everything after that tax hike everybody complained about. Worth it now, honestly.
Gear and Grub Situation
Went straight to the rental shack cause my buddy forgot his glove. Old dude named Walt hands me a practically new mitt for five bucks. Gave us two bats for free when we promised not to break ’em. Pro tip: ask nicely and wink – works wonders.
Around the third inning, stomach started growling. Wandered over to concessions expecting soggy hot dogs. Nearly cried actual tears when I saw handmade pretzels on the menu. Six bucks gets you this twisted-up masterpiece with cheese dip that’s dangerously addictive. Grabbed lemon slushies too – perfect when you’re sweatin’ bullets in left field.
Maximizing The Experience
Learned some tricks after spending 8 hours there:
- Book batting cages BEFORE your game online – the high school teams hog ’em after 3 PM
- Sneak sunscreen from the first aid station by pretending your kid scraped a knee
- Night games beat daytime heat – lights made everything look like a movie set
- Playground keeps toddlers happy so you can actually watch the game
- Always high-five the guy running the scoreboard – he gives mercy runs sometimes
Ended up meeting random folks playing pickup games between tournaments. That’s the magic part – everybody treats these fields like their backyard. Saw little kids teaching each other how to slide into home plate while old-timers argued about 1970s baseball stats. Place just buzzes.
Left smelling like pretzel salt and dirt, mitt full of new friends’ phone numbers. Best Sunday ever? Damn right.