tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post4531224792681440195..comments2024-02-15T05:42:18.307-05:00Comments on Nats Insider: Harper's continuing contributionMark Zuckermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13525315258889435961noreply@blogger.comBlogger77125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-13460172994057477242012-08-20T17:08:43.333-04:002012-08-20T17:08:43.333-04:00Last Add: I second with emphasis NL's "be...Last Add: I second with emphasis NL's "be assertive" advice, knowing you will of course be polite about it. In the bathrooms, she can and should go straight to the accessible stalls, without waiting in line behind the crowd. Holden Baroquehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05941566402992955387noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-41405274089484657842012-08-20T16:26:23.174-04:002012-08-20T16:26:23.174-04:00Nats Lady, thanks for all the accessibility tips. ...Nats Lady, thanks for all the accessibility tips. I'm taking my 90 year old mother to her first Nats game vs the Cards on the Sept 1 afternoon game, and am planning to spring for the $25 Yards parking across the street from the park, and to ask before then about access via the underground ramp to our seats (which are at the bottom of sec 135, with a bathroom just up the ramp). She can do a few steps and we'll plan to put her walker on the back wall of the ramp and hope the weather is good. Or get the ADA seats at the back of the section under cover if it's not.Steady Eddiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11342496530868597550noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-38264608186402497922012-08-20T15:13:50.304-04:002012-08-20T15:13:50.304-04:00Bottom line, if your mother can't take stairs,...Bottom line, if your mother can't take stairs, you get the ADA seats. By law they have to give them to you, one for her and one for a "companion." NatsLadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06814911056080758503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-39645515137427944362012-08-20T15:11:51.055-04:002012-08-20T15:11:51.055-04:00The greeters stand outside the stadium and just in...The greeters stand outside the stadium and just inside holding up little round signs that say something like "May I help you." <br /><br />With my mother, I try to avoid the concourses which are so crowded, and just get to the seats, get her settles in, and then I go by myself to get food and she stays. Never let her wait in line (unless for the restroom, which is unavoidable, but you can time it, go before the game ends...) <br /><br />I found that with my elderly mother (80s) it's like with a child, you really have to scope out what you're going to do and plan ahead. When we went as a family to Target Field, where I had never been, I was pretty assertive. We ordered tickets online, but I called ahead and said we would need ADA seats for two of the party. They said, take care of it at the park. <br /><br />So we went in and went immediately to the fan support office and they exchanged two of the seats for the ADA area where there were no steps. It meant we had to sit separately from the others, but it also meant she wasn't tired or stressed. She didn't need a wheelchair that day, but other times I've insisted that she use one. <br /><br />She wants to participate when we go on an excursion like a baseball game but she overestimates what she's capable of, and gets tired VERY abruptly in situations where we can't just all leave, so I've learned to make sure that doesn't happen, to the best of my ability. I learned that to my regret when I traveled with her to my brother, who at that time lived in Seattle, and she was so exhausted from the airports, etc., that she slept for three days solid when we got there.<br /><br />One of my principal objections to Camden Yards was that there were no greeters, and when I finally found the fan support office they asked me who would be pushing my wheelchair (I had come alone), and there were no pedicabs or vans or anything to get from the parking area--quite distant--to the park and the handicapped parking was full even thought I got there an hour early.<br /><br />When I was in a wheelchair myself (five months) I learned a lot about how to get around in a world that is not made for "mobility-impaired."NatsLadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06814911056080758503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-49532299320944075202012-08-20T13:22:15.557-04:002012-08-20T13:22:15.557-04:00Laddie, when I attend with mobility-impaired frien...Laddie, when I attend with mobility-impaired friend(s) who don't use chairs or such, I try to sit in the 300's behind home plate, to avoid the stairs--still a good view. I've gone on ahead on occasion to get the tickets and come back around to the center-field gate, while they wait, or arrive later. And yes, the pedicabs are there. <br />Nats staff usually are wearing blue polo shirts, IIRC, but they all have to have badges, so look for those, and if you get a surly one, go ask a different one. Works for me.Holden Baroquehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05941566402992955387noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-65862498230575198422012-08-20T13:12:24.627-04:002012-08-20T13:12:24.627-04:00"All you have to do is motion to someone with..."All you have to do is motion to someone with a chair or one of the greeters, I've found them to be very helpful, that's their job."<br /><br />How do you identify a greeter? I was not aware they had them. <br /><br />I really should have asked the Nats officials I called about the tix pick-up. If they have greeters, they probably have some sort of accommodation for someone of her age and physical condition.<br /><br />I really appreciate your info. Should have asked before the game.Laddie Blah Blahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16474416524698003749noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-18352687810824407112012-08-20T13:06:22.801-04:002012-08-20T13:06:22.801-04:00"Also, you can get a pedicab to the Metro--I ..."Also, you can get a pedicab to the Metro--I did that when my Mother was in town, even though it's only a block. At that time they worked for tips (not sure if that's still the case)."<br /><br />That's good to know. I did not notice them. We could have used one to get around the stadium. For her, it was brutal. I don't think she will ever go back, though, so its moot, in her case.<br /><br />"Don't know exactly where your seats were, but mine are near the elevator, so I don't take the escalator for fear of falling."<br /><br />We got seats in 114, row MM. Good seats on the lower level. We were about even with where Zim plays 3rd base. The problem was that you had to navigate about a dozen or so steps to reach the seats. She was afraid to try, and we would not have let her try, in any case.Laddie Blah Blahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16474416524698003749noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-43786873035386221212012-08-20T13:04:12.283-04:002012-08-20T13:04:12.283-04:00Wow. That's an experience I've never had....Wow. That's an experience I've never had. Sorry to hear.<br /><br />The length of the walk is a killer. That's why I insist my mother use a chair in the airport, etc. Even if she insists she's "fine," by the end she's exhausted (and frankly, no fun to be with because she just wants to go home). <br /><br />All you have to do is motion to someone with a chair or one of the greeters, I've found them to be very helpful, that's their job. <br /><br />About the walk from Metro to the gate, the only solution is a pedicab, and you might not see one on the way in, although they are always there on the way out. NatsLadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06814911056080758503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-20676062694689634022012-08-20T12:59:13.004-04:002012-08-20T12:59:13.004-04:00"I understand, but why did she walk around th..."I understand, but why did she walk around the stadium?"<br /><br />We arrived by Metro and that was the only way to get to the Home Plate Gate.<br /><br />"Just the sight of my cane and I'm always asked if I need a chair."<br /><br />She doesn't use a cane. It was the length of the walk that did her in. No one offered her any help at all, inside or out. In fact, she was told she could not sit in the chair she was occupying on the concourse by a Nats employee, so I gave her mine. <br /><br />I was a shocked by his behavior. He said she was sitting in his chair, and he then put some of his belongings on the chair, but never did sit on it. I didn't mind standing, but it was getting to me by the time we left. All the while "his" chair remained unoccupied.Laddie Blah Blahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16474416524698003749noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-18233110548273066112012-08-20T12:45:11.362-04:002012-08-20T12:45:11.362-04:00Also, you can get a pedicab to the Metro--I did th...Also, you can get a pedicab to the Metro--I did that when my Mother was in town, even though it's only a block. At that time they worked for tips (not sure if that's still the case). <br /><br />Don't know exactly where your seats were, but mine are near the elevator, so I don't take the escalator for fear of falling. If I'm feeling ok I sometimes use the ramps. NatsLadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06814911056080758503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-60126730820477724532012-08-20T12:39:38.465-04:002012-08-20T12:39:38.465-04:00I understand, but why did she walk around the stad...I understand, but why did she walk around the stadium? Just the sight of my cane and I'm always asked if I need a chair. Once in a while I accept, as I did Saturday when my knee was killing me... NatsLadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06814911056080758503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-30201640080085249452012-08-20T12:35:59.310-04:002012-08-20T12:35:59.310-04:00NatsLady
We had a bit of a disaster yesterday. A ...NatsLady<br /><br />We had a bit of a disaster yesterday. A relative arranged for us to have comp seats, but you have to go to the Home Plate Gate to pick them up. We could not pick them up until 2 hours before the game, so we all walked around the stadium to get to the Home Plate Gate.<br /><br />The relative who arranged for the tickets wanted to come to her first Nats game. But she had knee replacement surgery a couple of years ago, and the walk around the stadium was an ordeal for her. I thought she was going to collapse, but she is a gamer. When we finally got inside, we all stayed on the concourse with her because we were afraid she might trip and fall going down the steps, or that she might not be able to make it back up when the time came to leave.<br /><br />We left early, after Harp hit his HR, and she almost collapsed, again, just walking to the Metro. Once we got there, she was fine, but she swore never again. <br /><br />It all could have been avoided if the ticket office would have allowed me to come in on Saturday and pick up the tix and distribute them to the others, and then allow the holders to come in through the CF gate. Nobody's fault, but some concessions should be made by Nats management for someone in her condition.Laddie Blah Blahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16474416524698003749noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-9831345683604730492012-08-20T12:23:29.302-04:002012-08-20T12:23:29.302-04:00Laddie, I am so behind in "normal life" ...Laddie, I am <i>so</i> behind in "normal life" stuff. My bills are paid, my cat is fed and my plants are watered and the Nats are winning. Priorities. <br /><br />My family knows better than to expect birthday cards...NatsLadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06814911056080758503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-82902476859055003422012-08-20T12:20:19.896-04:002012-08-20T12:20:19.896-04:00Since it was raining, I tried out the Stars and St...Since it was raining, I tried out the Stars and Stripes Club. Crowded and with the Team Store right there I bought more earrings! Ate something and sat with strangers while I did (nice folks) but I zipped out of there as soon as I could, because what is the point of living in a humid sub-tropical climate if your freeze your butt off in a/c?<br /><br />Went back out into the warm rain where I belong...NatsLadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06814911056080758503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-44246106346094069972012-08-20T12:13:52.131-04:002012-08-20T12:13:52.131-04:00"Beware theNatsMantis Strikes!"
Beware ..."Beware theNatsMantis Strikes!"<br /><br />Beware ... Nats ... strikes ... been an Expos fans all my life, those are words I don't like seeing together! hahaExpos4Everhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02814960539172935098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-70246680226785254462012-08-20T12:07:49.758-04:002012-08-20T12:07:49.758-04:00"We took my grandson to his first MLB game ye..."We took my grandson to his first MLB game yesterday."<br /><br />Great story, Joe. I had a fun time watching the little ones make the best of the rain delay. They all wanted to high-five Teddy. The whole park seemed to turn into a playground for them. It was almost better than watching the game.Laddie Blah Blahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16474416524698003749noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-4478744039451739642012-08-20T12:03:59.248-04:002012-08-20T12:03:59.248-04:00"Laddie, I am so addicted. I'm dreading N..."Laddie, I am so addicted. I'm dreading November."<br /><br />Yeah. I don't even watch the Skins' pre-season games now. I could care less. I used to be a Wizards fanatic, too, but that is so over. These Nats are special. But I will finally be able to get back to a normal life in November. I so way behind on so much stuff it will take me all winter to get ready for next ST. I plan on going down next year.Laddie Blah Blahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16474416524698003749noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-18286797386654310162012-08-20T11:59:39.745-04:002012-08-20T11:59:39.745-04:00"As a (reformed) Mets fan, I always wanted to..."As a (reformed) Mets fan, I always wanted to get to the end of the season, when they were in contention, to know the end of the story."<br /><br />Me, too. I used to love that team. When they finally won their first WS, I was in Vietnam. Couldn't believe the 1969 Miracle Mets had actually happened, and I missed the whole thing. <br /><br />Same thing with the Knicks' first championship in June 1970. I was listening to game 6 of their series final with the Lakers while waiting for my flight back to the states. I actually missed my flight because the game went into overtime and I couldn't turn off the radio until I knew who won. That was the game Jerry West hit a 75' jump shot as time ran out to tie the game and send it into overtime.<br /><br />Next morning was the biggest rocket attack of the entire war, and we had a front row seat. I still think about how Jerry West's shot might have got me killed. By the time I got home, the Knicks were champs, and I missed that, too.<br /><br />But I ain't goin' nowhere until the Nats are world champs.Laddie Blah Blahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16474416524698003749noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-8495810672465141242012-08-20T11:57:41.613-04:002012-08-20T11:57:41.613-04:00Laddie, I am so addicted. I'm dreading Novem...Laddie, I am so addicted. I'm dreading November. Will be sending back my cable box and putting away the Nats jerseys etc. A real sad moment in my year...NatsLadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06814911056080758503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-38546783084869985262012-08-20T11:56:01.996-04:002012-08-20T11:56:01.996-04:00MicheleS, where is this voice of reason? Link, if...MicheleS, where is this voice of reason? Link, if possible. Also, thanks for the scorecard. Never did meet Joe Seamhead though I sat around sec. 318 for quite a while and chatted with the "locals" over there...<br /><br />Do we know for sure it was a preying mantis? <br /><br />I only caught a little of the Yanks game, but I'm not sure why Carl Crawford shouldn't have his surgery? He's supposed to tough it out because the BoSox have a 4% playoff chance (1% for the division) instead of having the TJ and preparing for next season? I can at least sort of grasp the counterargument on Stras, but that one I don't get at all.<br /><br />I saw that about the time change on Sept 1. Not sure if I should sell back my ticket or hope for a rain delay. Can't make a 4:05 game, I barely make the 7:05 starts...Nevertheless, it's nice to be on TV, I'm really tired of Yanks-RedSox.<br /><br /><br />NatsLadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06814911056080758503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-28632495752309328762012-08-20T11:48:49.571-04:002012-08-20T11:48:49.571-04:00NatsLady, I thought I was a fanatic. Got nothin...NatsLady, I thought I was a fanatic. Got nothin' on you.Laddie Blah Blahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16474416524698003749noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-74388422680320914642012-08-20T11:46:07.297-04:002012-08-20T11:46:07.297-04:00I save all my stubs and make little notes on them!...I save all my stubs and make little notes on them! Then I store them in plastic baggies along with those "pseudo" baseball cards you get in the programs. I'll miss doing that next year when the red card becomes your ticket (for STH's). They said you can get souvenir tickets for Opening Day--and, of course, for the 2013 World Series--but it won't be the same. <br /><br />Also, on my wall calendar I highlight every win and put a red mark for every loss. This month looks pretty fine, so far.NatsLadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06814911056080758503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-33920274098022481562012-08-20T11:19:31.495-04:002012-08-20T11:19:31.495-04:00Braves outfielders beware ... The Blue Plains Mons...Braves outfielders beware ... <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4enilF4pEko&feature=related" rel="nofollow">The Blue Plains Monster</a> is luriking in the outfield grass, waiting for you! Let those balls fall and save your own life!<br />perichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02669200119049715758noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-21307486648068888262012-08-20T11:03:28.827-04:002012-08-20T11:03:28.827-04:00Atlanta Braves:
Beware theNatsMantis Strikes!Atlanta Braves:<br /><br />Beware the<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hGuallLPcM" rel="nofollow">NatsMantis Strikes!</a>perichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02669200119049715758noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-23146676871231906702012-08-20T10:54:12.377-04:002012-08-20T10:54:12.377-04:00Thanks, 222, I didn't realize there was more t...Thanks, 222, I didn't realize there was more than one story. Agreed that's a good sign.natsfan1ahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14540238101124316529noreply@blogger.com