Yo, baseball fans,
there's life beyond the Vet

With the 1997 baseball season well under way, and the Phillies season already drifting toward immortality of ineptness, we know a lot of you loyal Northeast Philly baseball enthusiasts are going to try to fill that Hardball Fix you would normally get at the Vet by heading to one of the major or minor league stadiums in the area to check out some of the other Boys of Summer.

Fear not. The News Gleaner will be taking a little road trip of it's own this summer, to find out if the grass and Astroturf is truly greener on the other side.

In the second installment of our summer long "Baseball Survival Guide," we take a look at Reading Municipal Stadium, home of the Reading Phillies.

What: Reading Municipal Stadium

Where: Located in not so scenic downtown Reading.

Importance: Home of the Reading Phillies, the Double A affiliate for the Phils for over 40 years. Reading Municipal underwent a major facelift back in 1993, expanding seating while adding a new entertainment area.

Ticket Price Range: Dirt cheap. Top seats behind home plate are $7.00. General admission for adults run for $4.00, but children and seniors can get them for $2.50. A tough deal to beat. Grade A.

Ticket Office: You can reach the R-Phils ticket office at 1-610-478-TIX-1. They normally draw around 4,500 people at night. They have taken somewhat of a hit at the box office this year, believe it or not, because the big club has struggled so much.

Drive Time From Northeast Philly: It takes around a hour, 10 minutes to get there. The ride an be boring, particularly at night on the turnpike, but it's not too bad. Congestion is not problem, generally.

Directions: Two ways to go the same exact way. It sounds really complex, but it's not. You can take the Pennsylvania Turnpike West bound to the Morgantown Exit. That will leave you off at 176, which you will want to take north until you reach 422 West.

After getting on 422 West, you'll take that to 222 North. 222 North takes you to Route 61, an industrial road that leads right into the stadium on the right.

Another option is via the Schuylkill Expressway, which you can take to the King of Prussia exit. Get off at the exit that allows you to take 202 South toward West Chester. From there, catch 422 west to Pottstown. After that, it's 222 north, to 61 and the parking lot.

Parking: Since the park is small, you really don't have to worry about a big delay. And the parking is plentiful. Grade B.

Prices: The hot dogs are only $1.00. A cool 20-ounce cup of Yuengling beer is only $2.50. Parking is free. Can't beat that. Grade-A.

The Atmosphere: Reading treats the game like it's a night out at a block party. There are on the field games, such as having two people being driven around the outfield in a portable boxing ring trying to win a pool for a year.

The best place to watch a game at Reading is a spot in left field called, quite simply, "The Deck." It's what it says it is, a big deck that runs from the foul line to left-center field. On the deck is a great bar called "Dingers," which serves beer and some mixed drinks at dirt cheap prices They also have a hot dog and fry place there so you can grab a bite to eat and a Coke.

It's a lot of fun, and a gathering spot. But be advised if you head there. Reading's season, unlike the majors, ends on September 1. There are, as of Wednesday, seven series left out there, so if you want to go, be advised that time is running out. Grade A.

Try to Avoid: It might sound like a minor complaint, but don't go there looking to get souvenirs. That's where they nail you. Also, if you are above 6'2", like I am, don't plan on comfort The seats are tight.

Be Prepared For: Not seeing the level of ball you are use to. A lot of people talk about the Phillies being a minor league club, but you can tell the difference between the bigs and the bushes. Also, you will be amazed at how bad this club can look. The R-Phils only have two legit prospects. Second baseman Marlon Anderson can pick it at the big league level right now. And young Rich "Catnip" Hunter is struggling to find the strike zone after the Phillies rushed him up a season ago.

Overall, though, Reading is a chance to relive what made the game great. Players come up to the bullpen and talk to you. There is a innocence in this small park, something that makes the game fun. And God knows it's been a long time since we could say that in this city.

Total Grade: A.

If you have an idea for a ballpark we should visit, or wish to share you're thoughts on any of the parks we will profile, feel free to let us know. You can write to Ballpark Review, The News Gleaner, 1612 Margaret St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19149. Or you could fax us by calling 533-0566.

Our next ballpark will be in two weeks, with a trip to Waterfront Park in Trenton.