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Day 22: Off to Chicago
SOUTH BELOIT / CHICAGO (Illinois, USA) - Today, Day 22 of our American trip, was a day off and so the Dutch National Softball Team went to Chicago, which was an almost two-hour drive. Thanks to an American Bank, the team was able to attend the Major League Baseball game between the Chicago White Sox and Colorado Rockies (interleague-game) from rightfield box seats. From this place, the team thanks everyone involved in making this visit possible.
We had great seats, could walk around in the Stadium Club to get a drink, something to eat or (of course) buy souvenirs. While walking around, you could follow the game in multiple television viewing areas.
To get to our seats, we had to go through a special entrance, get an elevator and there we were in US Cellular Field (or (new) Comiskey Park).
At our seats, instead of going yourself, it was also possible to order drinks or food, which were then brought to you.
The park opened for the 1991 season after the White Sox had spent 81 years at (old) Comiskey Park, which was the oldest Major League park in use. The oldest now in use is Fenway Park of the Boston Red Sox. The second oldest is Wrigley Field, the home of the Chicago Cubs.
The new park, completed at a cost of 167 million dollar, became US Cellular Field in 2003. The new stadium was built in the parking lot of the old stadium.
The spot where the old stadium stood is now the current parking lot.
In 2005, the Chicago White Sox won the World Series against the Houston Astros.
Currently, the White Sox are in first place in the Central Division of the American League, while the Rockies, the reigning National League champion, are in last place.
Starting pitcher for the White Sox today was Cuban José Ariel Contreras, who also pitched against the Dutch National Baseball Team for Cuba and participated in both the Haarlem Baseball Week and Rotterdam World Port Tournament.
Aaron Cook was the starting and winning pitcher for the Rockies, who won 5-3.
Jermaine Dye homered for the ChiSox, while Brad Hawpe and rookie catcher Chris Iannetta hit homeruns for the Rockies.
By the way, today was Father's Day, but in US Cellular Field, it also was Kids Day.
After weeks of practicing and playing, this was a much needed day off and the team enjoyed doing something else for a moment.
Tomorrow, we will travel to Akron (Ohio), then its back to business for the upcoming 4-game series against the Akron Racers.
The skyline of Chicago
At left is Sears Tower, the highest building of the USA
The team on its way to US Cellular Field, the home of the Chicago White Sox
The team poses for the main entrance of US Cellular Field
(photo taken by George Presburg)
Business Manager Caroline Theunissen, Coach Rob Walgien, Physical Therapist Rob Oskam and
Media Officer Marco Stoovelaar in US Cellular Field, seated on the visiting dug-out
(photo taken by George Presburg)
...Phone Home...
Coach Rob Walgien calls with his son Mitchell
Dana Horeman, Nina van Huissteden and Petra van Heijst
A view from our Box Seats in rightfield
The Dutch Team on their specially assigned seats in the stadium
The immense scoreboard in centerfield
Displayed is the name of Chicago's starting pitcher José Ariel Contreras
Coach Mary-Ann Hatt keeps a close eye to the field
Chicago's Jermaine Dye moments before hitting a homerun
Saskia Kosterink and Jolanda Kroesen
Dagmar Bloeming and Nina van Huissteden
The team watches the action on the field
Just before 'Take Me Out To The Ball Game' in the 7th inning, 'God Bless America' is performed
This is been done in several stadiums since September 11, 2001
A view from behind home plate
Here is where we were today
Chicago White Sox Manager Ozzie Guillen (left) sits in front of the dug-out
Physical Therapist Rob Oskam, Media Officer Marco Stoovelaar, Dagmar Bloeming,
Petra van Heijst and Judith van Kampen
(photo taken by Rob Walgien)
Behind the box seats, we could walk around, get a drink or something to eat in the Stadium Club
After the game, musicians play in the parking lot
The home of the Chicago White Sox
Go back to the schedule of the 2nd USA Tour
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