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Call from the Bullpen by David Maull

The Bullpen | Phillies | Sports Front Page

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Two Baseball Games,
Two Atmospheres
From the May 14, 1998 TV Times

A recent trip to a Philadelphia Phillies midweek afternoon game and a Wilmington Blue Rocks night game on the same day provided some interesting observations about the differences between major league and minor league baseball.

In Philadelphia, staffers taking ticket orders over the telephone are knowledgeable about the team and usually know who will be pitching on a certain day. In Wilmington, the person taking orders sounds grateful anyone is ordering tickets and makes it sound as if your call was the highlight of his day.

In Philadelphia, it's possible to get good field box seats down the lines or terrace boxes even with the bases. In Wilmington, it's possible to get box seats in the first row directly behind home plate.

In Philadelphia, you might see Tom Glavine if the Atlanta Braves are in town. In Wilmington, you might see Mike Glavine (Tom's brother) if the Kinston Indians are in town.

In Philadelphia, a scorecard is $1. In Wilmington, a scorecard is $1. In Philadelphia, a media guide is $10. In Wilmington, a media guide is $2. In Philadelphia, two regular-sized beers are $10. In Wilmington, two regular- sized beers are $6.

In Philadelphia, beer is served in a souvenir plastic cup with an attractive Phillies logo emblazoned on the side. In Wilmington, beer is served in a flimsy white plastic cup with only the word "BEER" emblazoned in large blue letters on the side.

In Philadelphia, the mascot, the Phillie Phanatic, rides a four-wheel off-road vehicle around the field and walks a ledge in front of the press box on the stadium's mezzanine level. In Wilmington, the mascot, Rocky Bluewinkle, rides a bike around the field and supervises toddler races between innings.

In Wilmington, the ceremonial first pitch is thrown to a player. In Philadelphia, the ceremonial first pitch is thrown to the Phanatic.

In Wilmington, a young man in a tuxedo vest named "Mr. Trash" wanders the stands collecting garbage. In Philadelphia, garbage ends up under the seats or in the aisle.

In Wilmington, fans can camp out near the clubhouse entrance to the field and get the autograph of nearly every player on the team. In Philadelphia, getting the autograph of every player is nearly impossible and would likely require one to attend all 81 home games.

In Wilmington, beyond the right field fence is a lovely view of the downtown area. In Philadelphia, beyond the right field fence is a lovely view of the right field bleachers.

In Wilmington, you will see a minor league pitcher every night. In Philadelphia, you will see a minor league pitcher every night Curt Schilling isn't on the mound. In Philadelphia, a run-down usually results in the runner being tagged out. In Wilmington, a run-down often results in the runner being safe on a throwing error.

In Wilmington, the winning run scores on two walks, a throwing error and a balk. In Philadelphia, the winning run scores on three walks and line single to center field.

In Wilmington, the fun comes from watching young players try to work their way up the chain to the majors. In Philadelphia, the fun comes from watching major leaguers be major leaguers.