June 22, 2011 - Friday morning of our tour allowed our guests some time to explore some sites in New York City. We then
gathered together to go to Yankee Stadium for one of their escorted tours. Here's the group just outside the House That Ruth Built (v2, anyway...)
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Topics: sports travel and tours, baseball tours, baseball stadiums, big league tours, MLB tours, Yankees, Yankee Stadium, MLB road trips, Baseball
June 21, 2011 - What East Coast baseball tour could be complete without a stop in Cooperstown, NY, the home of the National Baseball Hall of Fame? We loaded up our motor coach early on Thursday morning and headed upstate to the wonderful little village nestled in by Lake Otsego.
Invariably around the third hour of our trip, someone asks the question, "Why is the Hall of Fame out here in the middle of no where?" Which, frankly, after making the trip several times myself, I think is a fair question.
Sources state that "according to an interview conducted in 1906 by the Mills Commission, nearby resident Abner Graves attributed the game's invention to his deceased friend, Abner Doubleday. Graves stated that Doubleday invented baseball on a cow pasture within the village in 1839."
I have also heard that early versions of the lemon peel-style baseball were found in a trunk owned by Doubleday in Cooperstown. (The picture to the left is a modern day recreation of those versions that you can purchase today from Leather Head Sports.)
So because of the credit given by Graves and the articles found in Cooperstown, it has been considered the birthplace of baseball and is therefore the home of the Hall of Fame. That doesn't change the fact that it's still a tough place to get to but it's definitely worth the trip.
The exhibit that was new to me that I enjoyed the most this year was the Viva Baseball exhibit. It's a dedication to the impact that Latin American baseball and ballplayers have had on the Major Leagues.
The section had information about great Latino members of the Hall such as Roberto Clemente, Orlando Cepeda, Juan Marichel, and Tony Perez as well as many modern day players like Adrian Gonzalez, Albert Pujols, David Ortiz, and Johann Santana.
The exhibit is a great recognition of the impact that Latino players have had and will continue to have on the great game of baseball.
As you plan your family tours or look for baseball vacation packages, fans of all ages would enjoy a trip to the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown to experience the rich history the game has to offer.
Invariably around the third hour of our trip, someone asks the question, "Why is the Hall of Fame out here in the middle of no where?" Which, frankly, after making the trip several times myself, I think is a fair question.
Sources state that "according to an interview conducted in 1906 by the Mills Commission, nearby resident Abner Graves attributed the game's invention to his deceased friend, Abner Doubleday. Graves stated that Doubleday invented baseball on a cow pasture within the village in 1839." I have also heard that early versions of the lemon peel-style baseball were found in a trunk owned by Doubleday in Cooperstown. (The picture to the left is a modern day recreation of those versions that you can purchase today from Leather Head Sports.)
So because of the credit given by Graves and the articles found in Cooperstown, it has been considered the birthplace of baseball and is therefore the home of the Hall of Fame. That doesn't change the fact that it's still a tough place to get to but it's definitely worth the trip.
The exhibit that was new to me that I enjoyed the most this year was the Viva Baseball exhibit. It's a dedication to the impact that Latin American baseball and ballplayers have had on the Major Leagues.
The section had information about great Latino members of the Hall such as Roberto Clemente, Orlando Cepeda, Juan Marichel, and Tony Perez as well as many modern day players like Adrian Gonzalez, Albert Pujols, David Ortiz, and Johann Santana.
The exhibit is a great recognition of the impact that Latino players have had and will continue to have on the great game of baseball.
As you plan your family tours or look for baseball vacation packages, fans of all ages would enjoy a trip to the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown to experience the rich history the game has to offer.
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Topics: New York, hall of fame, Cooperstown, Baseball
June 16, 2011 - The second day of our tour, we loaded up and headed to Baltimore to see the Orioles and Rays at Camden Yards. For most in our group, it was their first trip to the first of the "retro" parks that started a new trend in stadium design and architecture. But more about that when I write about our baseball stadium tours.
The game was a Sunday afternoon game and, just like the day before, was delayed slightly by rain. This time the game started just six minutes late. Our guests were sitting just above the Rays dugout with a great view of the field and of the warehouse building. The picture to the left was taken from our seats.
On each of our baseball road trips that include Orioles Park, our guests always like this ballpark and tend to include it in their favorite. More to come from our escorted tour of the stadium on Monday.
The game was a Sunday afternoon game and, just like the day before, was delayed slightly by rain. This time the game started just six minutes late. Our guests were sitting just above the Rays dugout with a great view of the field and of the warehouse building. The picture to the left was taken from our seats.
On each of our baseball road trips that include Orioles Park, our guests always like this ballpark and tend to include it in their favorite. More to come from our escorted tour of the stadium on Monday.
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Topics: stadium tours, Orioles, Rays, baseball road trips, Baltimore, baseball stadiums, Baseball, Oriole Park, Camden Yards
The city has created a park incorporates the foundation of the President's house and lots of historical facts about our country's formative years.
It was great standing on the site of s
o much history, especially such pivotal history for our country. (I have a feeling that will be a theme of some free day stops on this tour!)One thing to note, whenever our schedules' allow, we build in free time on our baseball road trips. We believe that if you are going to visit a city one time, or if it's the first time that you are taking your kids, you should have the freedom to explore the things that you want to see, not be forced to see things with everyone on the group tours...
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Topics: Philadelphia, group travel, stadium tours, baseball vacations, Phillies, baseball travel, big league tours, group tours, Baseball
Wouldn't Dad love a luxury baseball tour from Big League Tours this year? It's a great vacation for the whole family, or the perfect father/son-daughter trip. There are several MLB tours still available for the 2011 season. Just click on a link below to see all the info.
Midwest Plus, July 20- 26, 2011
Chicago/Milwaukee, August 2- 6, 2011
Reds Road Trip, August 5 - 8, 2011
Big Apple, August 10- 14, 2011
Oktoberfest in Cincinnati, September 16 - 18, 2011
Escorted tours make great gifts for baseball fans. Check out the tours still available and give Dad a gift that he'll remember for a lifetime!!
Midwest Plus, July 20- 26, 2011
Chicago/Milwaukee, August 2- 6, 2011
Reds Road Trip, August 5 - 8, 2011
Big Apple, August 10- 14, 2011
Oktoberfest in Cincinnati, September 16 - 18, 2011
Escorted tours make great gifts for baseball fans. Check out the tours still available and give Dad a gift that he'll remember for a lifetime!!
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Topics: stadium tours, Luxury baseball, Milwaukee, Miller Park, baseball games, baseball tours, Wrigley Field, big league tours, Brewers, Chicago, Baseball, Cubs
May 24, 2011 - Here's a great story that appeared May 23rd on OregonLive.com. The story caught my attention for a couple of reasons. First, the story begins when a group of Red Sox fans are at AT&T Park last June. They were there to see the Giants host the Red Sox in interleague play. The significance is that one of our small group tours hosted by Big League Tours in 2010 was at two of the three games of that series.
Second, this story, while it takes a dramatically unexpected turn, is about the love of baseball
that runs generations deep in families and friends. It's a love for the game that drove me to start Big League Tours in 2006, a love that was instilled in me by my dad and grandpa. A love that I've been instilling in my kids. And a love that I see demonstrated by the many different guests that we meet on the baseball road trips that we offer each season.
I often tell people that it hit me one day that I wasn't going to have my dad with me forever and that my son wasn't going to think I was "cool" for much longer. So the dream that we shared of seeing all the Major League parks together had a window on it that wouldn't stay open for long.
We've nearly completed getting our three generations to all 30 MLB baseball stadiums on family tours of our own and while hosting Big League Tours' travel package tours. But take a peak at the story on OregonLive.com and see if you are inspired to follow your favorite team on the road, return to your favorite team's stadium, or visit all of the MLB parks.
If you are like us, and the group of folks in the Diehards, you'll appreciate things like great seats, meeting the players, and staying in great accommodations. Those are all things that we do for you on each of our tours. Join us on a tour that will provide memories that will last a lifetime, won't you?
Second, this story, while it takes a dramatically unexpected turn, is about the love of baseball
that runs generations deep in families and friends. It's a love for the game that drove me to start Big League Tours in 2006, a love that was instilled in me by my dad and grandpa. A love that I've been instilling in my kids. And a love that I see demonstrated by the many different guests that we meet on the baseball road trips that we offer each season. I often tell people that it hit me one day that I wasn't going to have my dad with me forever and that my son wasn't going to think I was "cool" for much longer. So the dream that we shared of seeing all the Major League parks together had a window on it that wouldn't stay open for long.
We've nearly completed getting our three generations to all 30 MLB baseball stadiums on family tours of our own and while hosting Big League Tours' travel package tours. But take a peak at the story on OregonLive.com and see if you are inspired to follow your favorite team on the road, return to your favorite team's stadium, or visit all of the MLB parks.
If you are like us, and the group of folks in the Diehards, you'll appreciate things like great seats, meeting the players, and staying in great accommodations. Those are all things that we do for you on each of our tours. Join us on a tour that will provide memories that will last a lifetime, won't you?
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Topics: Red Sox, baseball road trips, baseball tours, baseball stadiums, big league tours, AT&T Park, Baseball
May 23, 2011 - We just got back from our Big League Tour trip to Boston to see the Red Sox play the Cubs for the first time since 1918! As usual, BLT comes through again! The hotel was in a terrific location, the seats to both games were phenonemal, but we truly had a terrific time meeting Bill Lee! Our 1:1 time with him was really special - he is a very down-to-earth guy and full of really fun stories. BLT never disappoints!
Name: Theresa & Frankie
City: Branchburg
State: New Jersey
Country: USA
Your Trip: Red Sox vs. Cubs 2011
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Topics: stadium tours, Red Sox, Boston, Fenway Park, big league tours, Chicago, Green Monster, MLB road trips, Baseball, Cubs
May 10, 2011 - Looking for a baseball tour to please the pickiest baseball fan you know? Look no further. This 
tour is a baseball aficionado’s dream tour – six stadiums and the Hall of Fame in one trip. The longest of our 2011 MLB road trips begins in Philadelphia where we'll see the Phillies host the Cubs at Citizens Bank Park. Then it's off to Baltimore to see the Rays and Orioles at the first of the retro ballparks, Camden Yards.
We'll take a stadium tour of Orioles Park and visit the Babe Ruth Birthplace Museum before heading to Washington D.C. There our guests will have the rest of the day and all of Monday to explore our nation's capitol. We'll then catch the Cardinals at Nationals Park with a view of the Capitol building in the distance.
We'll then part for New York City, where we'll spend three nights, catch games at Yankee Stadium, Citi Field, make a day run up to Cooperstown, and take in some sights in the Big Apple. We're staying right in the heart of Manhattan so our travelers will get to enjoy every minute of being in the city.
Our final day will consist of a trip to Boston to see the Brewers play at historic Fenway Park. This is a tour that you don’t want to miss! You can learn more about this and all of our 2011 baseball road trips by visiting us at BigLeagueTours.com.
Saturday, June 11 - Cubs @ Phillies, 4:10 PM
Sunday, June 12 - Rays @ Orioles, 1:35 PM
Monday, June 13 - Free Day in DC
Tuesday, June 14 - Cardinals @ Nationals, 7:05 PM
Wednesday, June 15 - Rangers @ Yankees, 7:05 PM
Thursday, June 16 - Cooperstown, All Day
Friday, June 17 - Angels @ Mets, 7:10 PM
Saturday, June 18 - Brewers @ Red Sox, 1:10 PM
tour is a baseball aficionado’s dream tour – six stadiums and the Hall of Fame in one trip. The longest of our 2011 MLB road trips begins in Philadelphia where we'll see the Phillies host the Cubs at Citizens Bank Park. Then it's off to Baltimore to see the Rays and Orioles at the first of the retro ballparks, Camden Yards. We'll take a stadium tour of Orioles Park and visit the Babe Ruth Birthplace Museum before heading to Washington D.C. There our guests will have the rest of the day and all of Monday to explore our nation's capitol. We'll then catch the Cardinals at Nationals Park with a view of the Capitol building in the distance.
We'll then part for New York City, where we'll spend three nights, catch games at Yankee Stadium, Citi Field, make a day run up to Cooperstown, and take in some sights in the Big Apple. We're staying right in the heart of Manhattan so our travelers will get to enjoy every minute of being in the city.
Our final day will consist of a trip to Boston to see the Brewers play at historic Fenway Park. This is a tour that you don’t want to miss! You can learn more about this and all of our 2011 baseball road trips by visiting us at BigLeagueTours.com.
Saturday, June 11 - Cubs @ Phillies, 4:10 PM
Sunday, June 12 - Rays @ Orioles, 1:35 PM
Monday, June 13 - Free Day in DC
Tuesday, June 14 - Cardinals @ Nationals, 7:05 PM
Wednesday, June 15 - Rangers @ Yankees, 7:05 PM
Thursday, June 16 - Cooperstown, All Day
Friday, June 17 - Angels @ Mets, 7:10 PM
Saturday, June 18 - Brewers @ Red Sox, 1:10 PM
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Topics: Red Sox, Boston, Orioles, Baltimore, big league tours, Yankees, Yankee Stadium, Nationals Park, hall of fame, Baseball, Mets, Oriole Park
May 10, 2011 - When you have a good thing going, there's no reason to mess with it, right? That's how we feel about having Bill Lee join our tour in Boston. Except in this case it's a great thing! We've been very fortunate to have Bill join us on several tours over the years and he always delights our guests.
Bill was called up to the majors in 1969 and pitched into the 80's, making multiple post season appearances (including the '75 World Series) as well as the All Star Game. But he's probably as well known for his quotes, beliefs and practices that earned him the nickname "Spaceman". Here's short video that will give you a little taste of what's in store for our guests:
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Topics: stadium tours, Boston, baseball road trips, baseball stadiums, big league tours, Baseball
May 10, 2011 - Here’s a home stand that doesn’t happen often. In fact, these two teams haven’t played in Boston since the 1918 World Series, back when Babe Ruth was still pitching for the Red Sox! 
This should prove to be a great matchup of two storied MLB franchises in the oldest ballpark in the Major Leagues.
Travelers on this long-weekend baseball vacation package will join us in Boston as we take in two games at Fenway Park, sitting in great lower-level seats. We’ll stay in the heart of Boston allowing our guests to explore this historic city along the Freedom Trail, at one of the museums, or any of the historic sites and buildings that Bean Town has to offer.
We’ll also have a reception and a Big League Experience, a meet and greet with Bill "Spaceman" Lee, getting our guests closer to the game that they love. Also included in the package is a baseball stadium tour of Fenway Park.
Friday, May 20 Cubs @ Red Sox, 7:10PM
Saturday, May 21 Tour of Fenway Park
Big League Player Experience w/ Bill "Spaceman" Lee
Cubs @ Red Sox, 7:10PM
We'll have photos and testimonials coming up!!
This should prove to be a great matchup of two storied MLB franchises in the oldest ballpark in the Major Leagues.Travelers on this long-weekend baseball vacation package will join us in Boston as we take in two games at Fenway Park, sitting in great lower-level seats. We’ll stay in the heart of Boston allowing our guests to explore this historic city along the Freedom Trail, at one of the museums, or any of the historic sites and buildings that Bean Town has to offer.
We’ll also have a reception and a Big League Experience, a meet and greet with Bill "Spaceman" Lee, getting our guests closer to the game that they love. Also included in the package is a baseball stadium tour of Fenway Park.
Friday, May 20 Cubs @ Red Sox, 7:10PM
Saturday, May 21 Tour of Fenway Park
Big League Player Experience w/ Bill "Spaceman" Lee
Cubs @ Red Sox, 7:10PM
We'll have photos and testimonials coming up!!
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Topics: Red Sox, Boston, baseball stadiums, Fenway Park, Baseball