Apparently, the Phillies' idea was to build a ballpark for their AAA team that exactly resembled their major league ballpark, thinking that it was better for the players to hone their skills in the same environment they would face in the big leagues. Good theory. Problem is Veterans Stadium is a dreadful ballpark. It is sad thing to find a minor league ballpark with cookie-cutter dimensions and artificial turf.

In fairness, my only visit was on a miserable day. It rained throughout the game and a cold April breeze chilled me to the bone. Despite the size of the stadium, the seats were rather close to the field and provided nice views from all around. I imagine that the ridge set beyond center field probably looks pretty nice in summer when the leaves are full grown. On a cold, gray day, the trees simply looked cold and gray.

The food was dreadful. I had a cold, footlong hot dog that tasted like a tube of bologna on a stale bun and a coke that reminded me of Nyquil. The team store was nice, but the real find was a little stall under the left field seats. Here, an entrepeneurial fellow sold hats and other souvenirs. The great thing is that he sold the same stuff as the team store, but for about half the price.