The Baseball Trip 2021

Day 2  Wednesday, June 23

We head straight south from Des Moines to Missouri, and straight south still through the entire state of Missouri. We are on track for Fayetteville, home of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. The Naturals are a AA affilliate of the Kansas City Royals. They are up against the Seattle Mariner AA affiliate Arkansas Travelers. Why are they Travelers? I don't know. The Naturals are Naturals because Arkansas is the Natural State. Again, I don't know why.

Random Observation from Randy: This used to be the main route between Kansas City and Des Moines. A lot of people died on this road.

Anyway, this drive takes longer than expected (bridges out, detours, etc.), so we are very late arriving at the ballpark. Like, say, the fifth inning. Parking is $5.00, but no one is there...it's free! So what do we do? Head right up to the ticket window to buy tickets. When we get to the gate, there's no one there! Could've gotten in for free as well, but we never put two and two together! Idiots!

Nonetheless, here are a few pictures of Arvest Park:

Left-center

Right field video board.

Action at home plate.

Third base line stands.

And, of course, the Arvest Field Trolley. Gotta love the minor leagues.

By the way, Arvest is a prominent bank chain. Just so you know. The Naturals won 5-2 on $1.50 BBQ Sliders Night.

Favorite Town names: Fair Play, Mo

Favorite signs: Civil War Road

                          Prescious Moments Chapel

                          Napp Inn - Dream in Comfort

Random Observation from Randy: ...and wake up missing a kidney.

Things we cannot stick around for: Back Yard Days in Lamoni, Iowa

Broken barns: 5

Broken bridges: 3

Old satellites: 1

Random Observation from Randy: Goats. It wouldn't be a baseball trip without goats.