Lincoln Saltdogs 15 St. Paul Saints 1

August 14, 2010
Saturday night
with SHR
St Paul, MN

It was my first time at a St. Paul Saints game since 2004, one of my all time favorite experiences at a ballpark. While there was no way that this game could live up to that game, I still had a great time. SHR did as well. At one point, she compared the zaniness of it all to the generic feel of most minor league parks these days, "This is what I thought all minor league games were like." She also likened the feel of the place to a street fair/carnival.


While most of the aspects of the promotions were similar to minor league parks, little touches made things more fun. I loved the guitar tech dizzy guitar race.

I love that the announcer is in the stands. I love the real life train!

The no wave zone is still in place. These kids didn't get the message. Right after this happened, Mudonna the team mascot ratted the offending hooligans out to an usher. They were harshly reprimanded. Bravo. Age is no excuse for such a lame pastime.

Not only is the park a no wave and no tie zone, it is also a no texting zone. The signs read - "No texting. Life is out there. Look up."

This Paul Bunyon character wasn't there in 2004.

Check out the abandoned building in right center. And if you are wondering, they still harness someone to the right field wall every game.

Mudonna went streaking and was led off the field by a uniformed official.

One big reason why this game wasn't as good as the game in 2004 -- this was as close as I got to the pig this time.

Hey look - it's karaoke with a real life Japanese guy - just like in 2004! Since it was Social Security night, he sang an Eddie Money jam.

Some of the contests on Social Security night consisted of such pointed commentary as playing for your kids' piggybank and being forced to run through red tape to win a race. Not that it had anything to do with social security but the Kiss Cam winners won a room at a casino for every one in their row. And there was also a ten-year-old vendor.

In the 7th inning or so, there was a huge downpour. Hundreds of fans cramped into the crowded concourse. SHR compared it to South Korea because it felt so busy and hectic.

We decided to leave after the rain slowed down a bit. Snoopy!


Look - it's the Professional Baseball Scouts Hall of Fame!



After waiting in vain about a half mile from the park for a bus back to our hotel, we headed back to the game for another inning after the game restarted. And then we took a cab back.

Posted: 12/13

For non baseball photos from the trip, check here.