Photos From Peoria - Part Four

My view from the press box. I think I took this about the 7th or 8th inning last night, between pitches. It's amazing how I can talk and take photos at the same time. I'm multi-talented. So if you were listening last night and heard what sounded like a camera in the background, this was it.


The view from the Silver Hawks dugout on the third base side. No railing to protect you, so be careful if you are chasing a foul ball by the dugout.


I'm not a big Cardinals fan (see my post in part three about being a Reds fan), but you can't deny that Albert Pujols is one of the greatest players in the game right now. He's also a former Chiefs player, back when they were still with the Cardinals.


The lawn section beyond the left field fence has palm trees planted. More for decoration than for shade, but yeah, I can get on board with palm trees.


I don't even know what this is. It's a sun room I guess, but what it's doing on a baseball concourse is beyond me. I think it's more of an advertisement for a company, but if you are going to do this, shouldn't it be placed somewhere that fans could sit in it and watch the game? It's pushed so far back on the concourse that you really wouldn't have a good view of the game from it, so I guess it's just there for advertising purposes.

Hope you enjoyed the tour of O'Brien Field.

Photos From Peoria - Part Three

The Bradley University Braves play games at O'Brien Field as well, and this is an area on the concourse devoted to the team. The most famous Bradley alum is probably Kirby Puckett, and his number is retired and hanging on the outfield wall. Peoria has really done a nice job including a number of former Bradley players, including those that have played in the majors and minors, in this area.


This is a statue behind home plate of Chiefs owner Pete Vonachen giving a baseball to a young fan. Vonachen is in the Peoria Baseball Hall of Fame, and has won numerous awards for his work in minor league baseball. I had a chance to meet him during an inning break last night, and it was a pleasure to talk with him. Pete's son Rocky runs the team now, but you can tell that Pete really has had a tremendous impact on the Chiefs and their relationship with the Peoria community.


A nice touch at the ballpark is that they covered all the concrete support pillars with former Peoria players who have gone on to play in the majors. I didn't take pictures of all of them, but I couldn't resist taking this one, since it features two of my favorite players from my childhood. I think deep down, I wanted to be a speedy centerfielder like Devon White and Jerome Walton. Instead, I was a second baseman.


For anyone who grew up watching Cubs baseball on WGN during the daytime hours, you'll know why I took this photo. These guys were awesome. I have always been a lifelong Reds fan, but again, with the Cubs games on during the day all the time, I have a special place in my heart for the Cubs of the late 80's and early 90's. Too bad I can't stand the Cubs anymore. Joe Girardi now manages the Yankees, while Mark Grace is a commentator for the Diamondbacks.


The stadium, from centerfield.

Photos from Peoria -- Part Two

The picnic area beyond the right field fence, and the scoreboard from a side angle.


The centerfield fence has ivy on the top of it, a tribute to Wrigley Field's ivy covered walls.


Just a general shot of the stadium from down the right field line. This gives you an idea of the seats and suites layout.


This is an area called "Wrigleyville" which is adjacent to the first base bag. Aside from the ivy, it's just a place to sit on barstools and watch the game.


This is another area, closer to home plate, like "Wrigleyville" above although this one isn't called Wrigleyville. I am a fan of these areas, because it is a different way to watch a game (leaning against a bar-top or sitting in bar stools) as opposed to just sitting in your hard back seat.

Photos from Peoria - Part One

Here are some photos of O'Brien Field in Peoria. It's a very nice ballpark, and you'll notice a lot of ties back to the parent club (The Cubs) and former players (both Cubs and Cardinals). They really embrace the team history here, which is nice to see.


Just a general shot of the stadium taken during batting practice. I was standing on the concourse behind the seats when I took the photo. Notice the downtown buildings in the background. If you have a downtown skyline, it's always good to incorporate it when you are building a ballpark.


This is near the main entrance to the stadium. Again, a link to some former Peoria Chiefs. Click on the photo to make it larger and see all the names.


Part Two -- See above.


They've named the suites after former players. The Sandberg Suite is the largest suite of them all. Ryne Sandberg managed Peoria for two seasons, and everyone here loves him. Heck of a ballplayer, but never took the Chiefs to the playoffs in his two seasons as a manager. That could be more to do with the players than his managing ability, but I just thought I'd point it out.


The large lobby area on the suite level as you exit the elevator. The players on the wall on the far left of the picture is Albert Pujols, a former Peoria Chiefs player when they were affiliated with the Cardinals.