Fireworks Bonanza at US Cellular Field

Posted by Big League Tours on Sat, Nov 19, 2011 @ 09:30 PM
Family Tours Enjoy Fireworks
August 25, 2008 - When starting out at U.S. Cellular on Midwest 1 everyone was pumped and ready for the festivities and games to begin.  For an added bonus the White Sox put on a firework show and added some music for a great effect. It was a wonderful display probably one of the best I had ever seen up until that point in my life.  Small Group Tours and Sports PackagesThey had big boomers and small shooting fireworks that lasted for a very long time.  They did a wonderful job timing the fireworks with the music and just did a fantastic job. 

On Midwest 2 the next place to give us a firework show was Pittsburgh and I have to say this was my favorite of all times.  Not only did they have a firework show for all their fans, but they had REO Speedwagon come in and play.  All the lights went down in the stadium and off to the right the fireworks started going off.  Then the next thing you know REO Speedwagon is on stage playing in front of you in the infield.  They put on an amazing show and just when we thought it was over the fireworks started again and then back to REO.  This back and forth went on for over an hour.  So, not only did the fans get to see a MLB game but they also got to see a live concert and firework show.  This was one of the best things i have ever seen a stadium do for their fans I was absolutely blown away. 

The next night in Cincinnati they had a firework show also.  It was no concert and firework show, but they did an amazing job.  These were some of the biggest boomers that I had ever seen or heard.  They were such a loud boom they made you shake and jump right out of your seat.  Midwest 1 and 2 had many great aspects, but nothing better than fireworks in the summer while enjoying Americas favorite past time.

Topics: White Sox, baseball trips, MLB tours, Chicago, U.S. Cellular Field

Griffey in a White Sox Jersey

Posted by Big League Tours on Sat, Nov 19, 2011 @ 04:30 PM
August 8, 2008 - Many of our baseball trips have incorporated the Reds playing somewhere on the road which has suited me fine since I've been a lifelong fan of the Redlegs. Now keep in mind that I grew up during the Big Catching Junior on one of our baseball travel toursRed Machine era - coming of age as a baseball fan when Cincinnati fielded one of the greatest teams in baseball. In fact, one could argue that most, if not all, of the position players for the '75 Reds should be in the Hall of Fame - or would be if they played on any other team. (Compare Dave Concepcion's lifetime stats to Ozzie Smith's and tell me Davey doesn't deserve to be in Cooperstown...)

So having grown up a Reds fan rooting for a player named Griffey, it has been enjoyable to watch Junior come home to Cincinnati and spend 10 years playing as a Red. Knowing that we had the Reds on our schedule for August, I expected that I would be watching Ken Griffey, Jr. adding to his home run count. But I didn't expect to see him do it in a White Sox uniform.

We were fortunate enough to get into the ballpark early to watch batting practice for the White Sox. It was amazing to watch Griffey blast one shot after another past the outfield seats and onto the outer concourse. What a beautiful swing!

I hope Junior gets a World Series ring before his career is over, whether it's in Chicago or somewhere else. I also hope he reaches 3,000 hits and distances himself from Sammy Sosa on the home run record list. We'll have to schedule times to see him on our group travel tours in 2009 and after. Unfortunately it won't be in a Reds uniform...

Topics: White Sox, baseball road trips, baseball trips, MLB tours, U.S. Cellular Field

Midwest 1 Baseball Tour - Chicago and Milwaukee, Part II

Posted by Big League Tours on Sat, Nov 19, 2011 @ 02:00 PM
Big League Tours Offers Sports Packages In the Midwest
August 9, 2008 - Midwest 1 kicked off on Friday August 8th at U.S. Cellular where our guests were able to have a one on one experience with Ron Kittle.  Kittle played left field and designated hitter for the White Sox in 1982-86, 1989, and 1991. Mlb Tours White Sox World Series Gear

He also played for the New York Yankees, Cleveland Indians, and the Baltimore Orioles.  Kittle took the group into the Jim Beam Suite and talked a little ball with everyone.  He told stories from his career as well as his experiences with other players, best moments, and what he's doing now.  Big League Tour guests were able to ask questions of Kittle and just chat with a Major League Player, guests also able to get autographs signed and pitcures taken.  Kittle currently works for the Chicago White Sox, but in his free time he is building benches out of baseball bats and baseballs.  Check out his website and see what he has to offer.

After speaking with Kittle we were able to head into the stadium to see the Red Sox take on the White Sox. Buehrle pitched a a great game for the White Sox allowing them to win the game.  Buehrle was impressed with the amount of Red Sox fans that made their way into U.S. Cellular, but he soon quieted them with his impressive pitching.  For official stats of the game please click here.

Topics: stadium tours, White Sox, baseball tours, Chicago, U.S. Cellular Field, MLB road trips

Midwest 1 Baseball Tour - Chicago and Milwaukee

Posted by Big League Tours on Sat, Nov 19, 2011 @ 01:30 PM
Group Travel Tours by the Lake
August 8, 2008 - Each year, this is one of my favorite sports packages that we offer. We get to incorporate White Sox, Brewers and Cubs games all while staying in the heart of the Windy City.

Player experiences are part of our MLB ToursThis year, our package tour began at U.S. Cellular Field with our Big League Player Experience with Ron Kittle. Ron was the American League rookie of the year in 1983 and was a noted power hitter throughout his career. This Player Experience was held inside the ballpark before the gates opened up and in the Jim Beam club section. The fans traveling with us were able to listen to Ron share some stories about his career, ask him questions about the game, and watch the White Sox take batting practice from seats with a perfect view.

The game featured Mark Buerle pitching against Jon Lester and the World Champion Boston Red Sox. We had great seats as a group on the third base line between the dugout and home plate - an awesome place to watch a game. The White Sox were pleased to walk away with a victory with a 5-3 score. We headed back to the hotel with plans to head to Miller Park on Saturday.

Topics: Milwaukee, White Sox, baseball trips, baseball vacation package, Brewers, Chicago, U.S. Cellular Field, Cubs