4thGenJim

What's more enjoyable than watching a game from a suite at our favorite ballpark? -when it's a fireworks night, too! Getting ready for some baseball! With a strong start to the 2nd half of the Texas League schedule, the Naturals are building a winning tradition in Springdale! We arrived early, to make the most of the suite experience! Naturals vs Rock Hounds! Nice memories! The Naturals didn't prevail on this night, ...but win or lose... Arvest Ballpark always delivers with the best fireworks! Great accompanying music, too!  A fun way to finish a 'suite' experience! Go Naturals !!!

An awesome 4th! It was a special night at the ballpark! But first, there was a game to be played. The 2nd half of the season has started, and, the Northwest Arkansas Naturals  are one of the hottest teams in the Texas League! Recent call-ups from Wilmington -like Ryan O'Hearn- are adding new excitement! And, the Naturals' bullpen is becoming  YouTube-famous for their creativity in catching home runs! Along with anticipating a Naturals' win, DJ was looking forward to some awesome 4th of July fireworks! Because, everyone knows... When it comes to fireworks, Arvest Ballpark never disappoints! Intense awesomeness! Happy Birthday, USA!

It's not too often that a current MLB All Star plays in Springdale. Alex Gordon! He recently snubbed the large market teams and signed a 4 year contract worth $72 million to stay in Kansas City. Alex was rehabilitating a broken wrist for a few games before re-joining the Royals' active roster. Before the game, Davis got to meet & greet: #11 C Alan de San Miguel , and #21 RHP Mark Peterson Because he's such a huge fan... DJ was picked to deliver the game ball as part of the opening ceremony! He saw himself on the stadium's new, giant HD video screen  and gave a big wave to the crowd! (video to be posted later) Later in the game, Davis was recognized by some  fans walking around the concourse. "I kinda like being a little famous." (It was a group of girls) It's the Naturals' new left fielder! (for a few games) A new signature addition! (thanks, Alex!) Naturals ...

One of the more popular themes on the entire schedule! The first 15 kids wearing costumes were awarded special prizes. We already have enough Frisbees and foam fingers, (& it was HOT) so DJ wore a Royal blue SW shirt. (the Princess Leia hair bun headband does look cute on him, though)  But, the ushers considered  DJ's shirt to be a costume -and gave him a baseball signed by Royals' top prospect Matt Strahm ! It's #24 RHP Matt Alvarez and  #18 LHP Kyle Bartsch (wearing specially designed,  one-game only Chewbacca-inspired uniforms) Dark side fun? ....didn't notice this before.... Kylo Ren is applying some type of  telekinetic chicken claw  hold on me? (maybe the gesture would make  more sense if I had seen the movie) A fun day at the ballpark! Go Naturals!

Back to our favorite Ballpark! Better than Yankee Stadium? It's a tough comparison, but we'll try. DJ has grown-up at the ballpark. Well, sorta. He first started attending games at Arvest Ballpark's inaugural season in 2008.  Better than Yankee Stadium? Both were under construction in 2007. Building Arvest Ballpark cost  $1.5 billion less than Yankee Stadium. Arvest doesn't have sushi or TV's embedded in the restroom mirrors, but...  It does have an open,  baseball-first atmosphere. Winner. Seats close to the grill are ideal! Better than Yankee Stadium? Field-level seats at Arvest for $8 are nice. Being a part of it -in New York City- where tipping more than the price of a ticket at Arvest Ballpark -is expected for in-seat meal service.  Field-level seats at Yankee Stadium are awesome, over-the-top,  best-in-baseball. Winner. Ready for baseball! We can stay connected with updated...

Our first Naturals' game of 2016! It was great to get back to one of our favorite ballparks! Since Arvest Ballpark's inaugural season in 2008, DJ has grown-up with the Naturals! He's seen players & coaches come and go. Some players, however, return with new stories.  Like Orlando Calixte. He was just awarded a World Series ring! Did Orlando have to use the ring as collateral? He had to borrow a glove for tonight's game (he's been a career infielder & needed a larger outfielder's glove for his new position). (He asked Brandy to hold his glove while he signed some baseballs. She noticed it was branded "Bubba Starling") There's more to Arvest Ballpark than just baseball... 60+ home games this year means that more than 60 dogs will find great homes! (Sometimes the dogs get adopted even before they are introduced on the field in the 5th inning) After catching a third out ...