Right in Front of My Face
Today is Opening Day of the 2010 Major League baseball season, a sure sign that spring is here and summer’s coming.
Our family has been, and currently is, very involved in the game – from players, to coaches, umpires, trainers, administrators, students of the game and just plain fans – from Little League level on up to the pros. On a bet, I would pit any one of the “girlie-girl” family member’s knowledge of the game against any typical fan.
Each of the 30 Major League teams has its own unique ballpark, varying in age, size, field dimensions, amenities and overall “feel.” So interesting are these venues, that many people have well-documented “missions” to attend games at each of the parks. Our area is home to the Detroit Tigers, who play at Comerica Park. Since its opening in 2000, I’m sure I’ve attended well over 300 games there. It’s a great place to see a game – excellent sight lines, comfortable seats, extremely clean and wide concourses, a varied selection of food and beverages, family-friendly carousel and Ferris wheel. The fan base is knowledgeable, friendly, diverse and highly supportive of the team. Going to a game there on a warm summer night is truly one of my favorite things.
Now, I’m sure there are a thousand different things that fans love about attending a game: food, beer, people-watching, socializing, etc. I’m there to see the game – the strategy, the little nuances that are the difference between success and failure – and am totally engrossed in it. That’s just me. So if someone else is there for the brats and fireworks, trust me, I’m not judgmental. We all have our own thing.
On a recent assignment, members of our creative staff came back with photos they took of select downtown venues, one being Comerica Park. While reviewing the park photos, I saw architectural details that were entirely new to me: tiger head “gargoyles” with baseballs in their mouths, intricate iron work, colorful ceramics, paw prints inset in cement and numerous other things. Where did these things come from? Were they just put in? Wow! Very cool.
After being convinced, and painfully assured, that these things were always part of the structure, I came to a stark realization: I never saw them.
There I was, a “bastion” of the design community, and I didn’t even see what had been right in front of my face…three hundred times! Embarrassing.
You can be sure that I’ll look for new details on each future visit to the park, and try to become more aware of the surroundings whenever, and wherever, I feel myself going into the “zone.” I’m sure this regularly happens to us all, in a lot of different ways, but it was a real eye-opener for me. It’s been said that baseball mirrors real life; if so, it had just supplied a valuable lesson.
Enjoy the season. And if you come up with any blatant “right in front of your face” moments of your own, feel free to share.
BTW, Ever see how a baseball is made? See our video on YouTube to find out.
Bill Betts 04/05/2010
Bob, So true that we sometimes get so focused on a tree that we forget to look at the whole forest. That can lead a person or even a company in the wrong direction. Thanks for reminding me that we have to step back and look at the big picture now and then to be sure we’re on the right track. Not only that, but the big picture can be a wonderful new experience of its own. Loved the baseball video!
Karla Coleman 04/05/2010
I’m just amazed by all the unique designs that your team found at Comerica Park. You don’t find that level of detail and creativity in most modern buildings. It’s almost a tribute in a way to the old stadiums that we love to look at. Yet it has a contemporary look and feel. For those of us who miss the old Tiger Stadium, at least they built something memorable and interesting.
Alan V 04/05/2010
I should go to more games. It is a great venue and we have a respectable team.
D. E. Allen 04/05/2010
Bob, similar experiences happen when I walk rather than drive or ride a bike. It may be an architectural detail or even a street I’ve never really noticed. Often, however, it is something that someone has done to their house or garden, or better yet something that nature has done to a tree, bush, stream or the sky. It makes for an ever changing canvas, often missed because of routine or a single-minded intensity to get from point a to b rather than enjoying the trip along the way.
Perry 04/08/2010
I was glad they built Comerica Park in that style…good reminder re taking in total experience & life lesson.