Thursday, April 2, 2015

Take Me Out to the Ballgame!

Did you know that the San Diego Padres are only one of two Major League Baseball teams that originated in California?  No imports here.  The Padres season is about to kick-off and to celebrate we’re blogging about the classic American pastime: baseball. 


In our opinion, Petco Park, located in downtown San Diego, is the most beautiful baseball stadium in the world.  A relatively new acquisition to our lovely city (it opened in 2004), the open-air ballpark offers stunning views of the city while you cheer on the Padres.  At game time over 40,000 people make their way to watch their favorite team, do the wave, and wait for the umpire to yell, ‘play ball!’  The food at Petco Park will not disappoint.  Besides the hot dogs, popcorn, and beer, you can enjoy savory steak sandwiches, healthy salads, tacos, and seafood.  Getting there could not be more convenient thanks to the San Diego Coaster and Trolley (the perks of living in an organized city). 
 

Baseball games and snacks go hand in hand, and no game would be complete without a soft, giant pretzel.  Turns out pretzels can be tasty and good for you, if you get them from the San Diego Pretzel Company.  Their all-natural, artisan, hand rolled soft pretzels have been around since 1995, and are low in fat and made with vegan ingredients.  For those who are connoisseurs of the East Coast pretzel (both New York and Philly style), these pretzels are as authentic as it gets, and they’re a high source of protein to boot.  Their factory is located a little bit south of downtown, and is open to the public.



For the quintessential baseball stadium food, the hot dog is king.  If you can’t make it to a Padres game in Petco Park, you can still enjoy some of the best hot dogs in the country at Daddy’s Hot Dogs.  Known not only for fresh, delicious food, Daddy’s is famous for making everyone feeling like family.  
Be sure and say “hello” to Daddy and also, know, you shouldn’t ask for changes to the menu, you just need to trust the chef.  Not a meat-eater?  No problem, they have the tastiest veggie dogs you’ll ever try.  One thing you won’t find anywhere else is the “I don’t see what I want” Dog.  Daddy will cook up a custom dog that he creates on the spot.  


Just because you don’t play for the Padres, doesn’t mean you can’t perfect your swing.  At Brickyard Cages, one of San Diego’s most state-of-the-art in-door training facility,  players of all ages can practice hitting both baseballs and softballs.  Their staff is made up of experienced instructors and the Brickyard offers individual and group lessons and clinics.  Open seven days a week, this is the ideal place for competitive training or just good old-fashioned fun.  And, don’t be intimidated by the most technologically advanced pitching machines around, Brickyard is tailored for people of all abilities. 



The Padres have been part of California since 1969 and their amazing stadium is at the heart of San Diego.  Mission Bay is a hop, skip, and a jump from all the baseball action.  Even if watching a game isn’t your thing, there are plenty of alternatives to having fun and still taking part in America’s favorite past time.