Day Five of Ballpark Tours 2016 (and our time in Nashville) is now in the rear view mirror. It’s on to Chattanooga for a Lookouts (Twins’ farm team) game. But first, let’s reflect (another mirror analogy, even at this early hour) on Day Five of Bleacher Bums XXXIV. In the post on Day Two (click here to review), I introduced the journalistic rule – Don’t Bury the Lead – which falls only slightly behind Commit to Accuracy and Tell the Who, What, When, Where and Why. So, let’s get right to the lead.
I saw Elvis at First Tennesse Park.
Large Elivis belts one out – and it was a big bvelt – at the Sound Game
That’s right; it was Elvis Night at the Nashville Sounds Game. While it was generally agreed that most of the high-end “Elvi” must have been back in Memphis for Elvis Week, a pair of Elvis impersonators did entertain throughout the game, there were a smattering of Elvis “wannebe’s” in the crowd and “Booster,” the Sounds rooster mascot was appropriately attired. And, as you would expect, the music was good.
Best line from The King? When the Sound Wave dance line came out, the larger of the two “Elvi” – dressed all in black (perhaps slated for a Johnny Cash tribute later) – commented something along the lines of “These girls area about six years older than Priscilla when I started dating her.” Side note: We did see a young man with a football in the crowd, so maybe the cheer leaders/dance line is starting to make some sense.
Having dispensed with the lead, let’s look at Day Five of Ballpark Tours 2016 in a somewhat chronological order.
Music everywhere, as our tour group hit the honky tonks.
We had the day free in Nashville and, as usual, individuals and groups set out to explore and experience the host city. The most popular locations seemed to be the Honky Tonk Highway/Broadway Historic District and Printers Alley – both prime areas for music, food, beverage(s) and shopping (pretty much from 11 a.m. to 3 a.m.) and both also an easy walk from the hotel. Also high on the list were the Musicians Hall of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
I opted for Honky Tonk Highway and Printers Alley, and found considerably more activity early in the day in the Honky Tonk Highway area. There were literally dozens of opportunities to enjoy live music (no cover) and in the few spots I tried (yes, beginning before noon), the performers ranged from one guy with a guitar to a four-piece country rock band. The music was a bit uneven, but overall pretty good – and there was no cover charge.
Committed to doing the day in true Nashville fashion, I opted for a lunch of a grilled bologna and cheese sandwich (a Nashville specialty I am told), onion rings and beer, while listening to a two-player, harmonizing group at Honky Tonk Central (a bar restaurant “with three stories, three stages and three dance floors.”) Now, where did I put my boots and hat? BBRT recommendation – when it comes to grilled bologna and cheese, being a “specialty” doesn’t make something “special.”
Jenga – not really a contact sport.
Game time was 7:05 p.m. and by shortly after six p.m., most of the Ballpark Tours crew was “in the building.” There was, of course, the mysterious “draw of the Elvi,” but many also heard The Band Box Bar, comfy lounge and “up at the lake” seating recreation area in right field calling. Despite the availability of such energetic options as foosball, ping pong, bean bag games, shuffle board and mini-golf), the Ballpark Tour boys opted for cold beverages and a spirited game of Jenga – totally avoiding any likelihood of concussion syndrome. I should add that the recreation area was pretty well packed and everyone seemed to be enjoying the opportunity for some pre-game competition of their own – of course, the adult beverage offerings of the well-appointed bar didn’t hurt (especially on another sweltering day.)
Now, to the game. The Tacoma Raniers were in town – meaning we were seeing two first-place teams (Raniers 71-51, first in the Pacific Coast League Northern Division) and the Sounds 70-53, first in the Southern Division), playing for home field advantage in the upcoming playoffs.
The competition proved up to the stakes – with Nashville squeaking by Tacoma 2-1. It was an enjoyable, pretty well played and competitive contest – although it didn’t start out that way. After Nashville starting pitcher Jesse Hahn retired the Raniers in order in the top of the first (with two strikeouts), Nashville went to work in the bottom of the inning. Raniers’ starter Forrest Snow walked leadoff hitter/CF Arisdmedy Alcantara to open the inning, then gave up a single to RF Jaycob Brugman; struck out LF Renato Nunez; walked 1B Matt Olson; gave up a run-scoring single to C Matt McBride; struck out 2B Joey Wendle; hit DH Rangel Ravelo with a pitch forcing in a run; and, finally, got 3B Colin Walsh on a pop-up. Eight batters to the plate, two hits, two walks, one hit batsmen and two runs. It was looking like a long night.
The guitar-shaped scoreboard/video board and guitar-pick shaped signage honor “Music City.”
In the top of the second, the Raniers reinforced that assessment, scoring just once, but collecting two doubles and two walks. A long night, indeed.
We were, however, wrong. The pitchers settled down and not another crossed the plate all night. In fact, after the top of the second, we only saw three more base hits (and a total of 19 strikeouts) and only three runners got as far as second base.
Best of the “Elvi.”
The final: Nashville – two runs on three hits and no errors; Tacoma – one run on four hits and no errors. Tight and meaningful game in a very nice ball park – a good way to end our stay in Nashville. For those who track such things, we did have a 4-1 (second base to pitcher) play in the top of the fifth – as Sounds’ 1B Matt Olson and 2B Joey Wendle both went for a grounder off bat of Tacoma 2B Mike Freeman, with pitcher Angel Castro covering first.
In the Majors
Segue time. Yesterday, I wrote about the solid season being had by Reno Ace’s left fielder Kyle Jensen, who drove in two runs to reach 105 on the season (in 116 games). Today, I’d like to note that, in Tuesday’s MLB action, Blue Jays’ 1B Edwin Encarnacion went two-for-five with a home runs (his 34th on the season) and three RBI – to become the first major leaguer to reach 100 RBI in 2016. The Jays, by the way, topped the Yankees, by a 12-6 score, in that game. Encarnacion’s line of the season is now .270-34-100. He leads MLB in RBI and is tied for first (with the Orioles’ Mark Trumbo) in home runs. The win, coupled with the Orioles’ loss in Boston, gave the Blue Jays a one-game lead in the AL East race.
Just a few other notes about our time in Nashville.
- One of the best concession items proved to the “Hot Chicken” from the Hot or Not Chicken stand. A generous portion of “puts-a-fire-in-your-mouth” chicken on a bed of waffle fries with ranch dressing ($10).
- Rave reviews were given to the orange-vodka based “Field of Dreamcicle” and Whiskey and Coke Icees available at the right field Band Box Bar.
- You can have cheesecake (Lavender Cheesecake, I am told) with your “cheesecake” during the burlesque show at Skulls Rainbow Room – very near our hotel. (Those who attended said the show is somewhat “rules-driven.”
- 417 Union is a great place for breakfast downtown Nashville – and serves a Ballpark Tours-worthy Bloody Mary. (I may head there right after I finish this post. After that, it’s back on the bus for the run to Chattanooga.)
How Close to the Big Leagues – and other trivia
It’s totally unscientific, but looking at Monday’s Reno Aces/Nashville Sounds rosters – 17 of the 51 players listed (one of every three) already have spent some time in the big leagues (all or parts of 42 seasons and a total of 1,151 MLB games). Note: I did not include Sean Doollittle, who is in Nashville on an MLB rehab assignment. The level of major league experience ranges from three players with as few as three games to the eight MLB seasons and 444 games played (pitched) for former Pirate, National and Twin Matt Capps (MLB record 29-33, 3.52, 138 saves). Since the Twins declined a one-year option on Capps in October of 2012, Capps has not pitched in the major leagues. He has been in the Indians’, Braves’ and Diamondback’s systems. This season, with the Reno Aces (Diamondbacks), the 32-tear-old reliever is 3-0, with a 5.18 ERA and three saves.
For those with an interest in these kinds of numbers, the oldest player on the Aces/Sounds rosters is 33-year-old Nashville pitcher Angel Castro – who got the win in our Tuesday night game. Between 2006 and 2016, Castro played 366 games – minors and foreign. He also appeared in five games for the Oakland A’s in 2015 (0-1, 2.25 ERA in four innings pitched). The youngest player on the rosters is 22-year-old corner infielder Renato Nunez of the Sounds (born April 4, 1994). The Venezuelan, signed as an international free agent in 2010 (at age 16) is in sixth season in the A’s system – and (as of August 15) was hitting .242, with 21 homers and 70 RBI for the Sounds.
For more on Ballpark Tours Bleacher Bums XXXIV: Day one, click here; Day Two, here; Day Three, here; Day Four, here.
I tweet baseball @DavidBBRT.
Member: Society for American Baseball Research (SABR); The Baseball Relliquary; Baseball Bloggers Alliance.
As the beverages flowed, the smiles on our group expanded (and the volume of the conversation was amplified) – at least until the food began to arrive. Overall, it was a tasty and refreshing stop on our way into Nashville.
First Tennessee Park –which opened in 2015 – is home to the Nashville Sounds. The stadium, which holds 10,000, has very sleek design and, most notably, a unique guitar-shaped scoreboard/video board (a tribute to Nashville as Music City). It has a wide concourse that circles the entire field – offering great views from anywhere. Out in right field, you will find another unique aspect of this ball park – The Band Box, with its full bar and host of free outdoor diversions, including shuffle board, foosball, bean bag games, ping pong and – for a five-dollar fee – miniature golf. There is also ample seating (couches, lounge chairs, bar stools) and a very “I’m on vacation having a good time” vibe. BBRT recommendation: If you get here, go there.
First Tennessee Park is located on Junior Gilliam Way. Gilliam – born in Nashville – was an infielder (2B/3B) with the Dodgers from 1953-66; 1953 NL Rookie of the year; a two-time All Star; and key member of seven NL pennant winners (four-time World Series Champions). Before joining the Dodgers, he was a three-time Negro League All Star (Baltimore Elite Giants) and the 1952 International League Most Valuable Player (with Montreal). Considered one of MLB’s true gentleman – and a gamer who gave his all for the team – Gilliam is not only honored by with Nashville’s Junior Gilliam Way, he also has a Los Angeles park named in his honor.
We had good seats once again, down the third base line – and we saw a competitive contest, taken by the Reno Aces (over the Nashville Sounds) 3-2. Shelby Miller – a 15-game winner for the Cardinals in 2013, but sent down after starting 2-9, 7.14 for the Diamondbacks this season – went 7 1/3 innings, giving up just two runs on ten hits. He helped himself out with some key strikeouts (a total of nine K’s versus no walks). Miller, reaching the mid-90s, threw 72 of 100 pitches for strikes. In addition, he got a hand (or arm) from Reno catcher Ronnie Freeman who shut down the Nashville running game, nailing all three Nashville attempted stealers (second, third and fourth innings). The Sounds were, apparently, testing the 25-year-old Freeman, in his first game at AAA since being promoted from AA Mobile. He passed. There was one other attempted steal in the game. This one, by Reno, was thwarted by Nashville catcher Matt McBride. Not a good day on the base paths for either side.
There were mixed feelings about the Nashville Sound Wave (cheerleaders/dance line). Some of our group questioned whether baseball needs cheerleaders. I’ll stay out of that one. Everyone seemed to like the racing country stars – Johnny Cash, Reba and George Jones.
On this date (August 16) in 1954, the first issue of Sports Illustrated hit the newsstands. One the cover was BBRT’s favorite player of all time, Braves’ third baseman Eddie Mathews. The Braves’ third sacker – known as a basher (512 career home runs) and a brawler (he had some memorable conflicts with players like Don Drysdale and Frank Robinson) – was pictured hitting a home run. He would appear on the cover again in June of 1958 and August of 1994 (40th Anniversary Issue).
Day Three of Ballpark Tours XXXIV sees us remaining in Memphis, with a second Tacoma Raniers/Memphis Redbirds game slated for 6:05 p.m.
Being as major fan of the blues, I headed toward the Beale Street Entertainment District, where the barbeque is sweet and the live music starts at 11 a.m. and runs straight through to 3 a.m. It’s also where I saw quite a few of my fellow tour participants. I stopped to take in a few tunes at a handful of clubs before heading for lunch at my previously selected destination – B.B. King’s Blues Club. I could not miss visiting the original B.B. King’s location. I was not disappointed. The house band was great – back in Minnesota they’d be headliners – and so were the Memphis-style dry-rub ribs. I hung out at B.B. King’s for a couple of hours (or a couple of brews, depending on how you measure) before heading over to Autozone Park for the evening’s ball game (6:05 p.m. start),
It was another heavy, humid day – with storms predicted –which may have contributed to the very small crowd (as might the Redbirds sub-.500 record). We did not, however, get rained on. The announced attendance was 3,517, but I’d be surprised if there were more than 2,500. – and they were a quiet bunch, despite Memphis’ 6-2 win. We tried to get something going, but often all you heard was the “sound of one fan clapping.” Good seats again, by the way, third-base side this time.
Major League Baseball has seen some memorable names over time. Recently, we’ve witnessed a hitter named Nick Swisher and a pitcher named Homer Bailey. In the past, we’ve also seen appropriately named hurlers like Bill Hands and Rollie Fingers; a catcher named Matt Batts; and a DH (recently, unfortunately, retired) named Prince Fielder. MLB lineups have also boasted the likes of Mike Colangelo (say it fast, an artful player); Carlos Santana (guitar optional); and Grant Balfour (not the count he is looking for). There are also names that are just unusual – Urban Shocker; William Van Winkle Wolf; and Boof Bonser (yes, John Bonser did, indeed, legally change his name to Boof.). Then, of course, there is one of my favorites – Wonderful Terrific Monds III, who never played in the major leagues, but patrolled the outfield in the minors from 1993 to 1999.
On this date 15 years ago (August 6, 2001), Boston Red Sox catcher 
Baseball Roundtable declares July 31, 2016 
