Matt Nelson

Spent some time inside the walls and behind bars for pro ballpark #158. The Big House Ballgame between the Joliet Slammers and the Gateway Grizzlies inside the Joliet Correctional Center. Baseball was played here starting in 1914. Slammers did a really nice job with this event.

Biked to and from @CRKernels earlier this week largely on @iowacitybike and @lctrails trails. Headwinds up, tailwinds on the return. Pinch hit walk-off homer for the home team.

A relatively late decision last week resulted in a quick trip to the Speedway Classic in Bristol, Tennessee. Bristol Motor Speedway is my 45th MLB ballpark (157th overall). I picked up GoMart Ballpark the night before in Charleston, West Virginia, for my 156th park.

San Antonio Missions at Wichita Wind Surge - Equity Bank Park - Wichita - #155

Las Vegas Aviators at El Paso Chihuahuas - Southwest University Park - El Paso - #154

Last week’s trip to the south and west. 2,700 miles on a rental car to pick up pro ballparks 151-155. ⚾️🧵 Las Vegas Aviators at Oklahoma City Comets - Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark - Oklahoma City - #151

Lakeland at Bradenton - LECOM Park - Bradenton #150

FCL Braves at FCL Rays - Charlotte Sports Park - Port Charlotte #149

Last week’s Florida baseball blitz. Portions of 9 games (55 innings) in 7 stadiums in 4 days. MLB plus Minor League Baseball’s Florida State League and Florida Complex League. Upgraded one stadium to become my 44th MLB park, added six new ballparks to get to 150 total. ⚾️🧵

Used a lot of ink at Wednesday's wacky St. Paul-Iowa 20-6 game... 13 organizational ranked prospects 6 top 100 ranked prospects 12 home runs Twins #9 and #11 ranked prospects combined to give up 13 ER Iowa hit 5 HR in the 7th St. Paul had 4 hits (all HRs)

Target Field opener Thursday, the 11th time I've made it to Target Field Opening Day. Twins lost. Jose Altuve struck out five times, so that was different.

I really enjoyed Eephus @icfilmscene a week ago. It's not a traditional sports movie. An independent hangout movie about some dudes who love playing baseball.

Toured the Louisville Slugger factory (again) last week. Love that tour on the factory floor!