Actually its called "Big League Dreams" and its a baseball paradise that just recently opened up at the intersection of Power and Elliot in Gilbert. As I walked into the complex yesterday, it felt like I was walking into a major league spring training venue. It certainly had all the feel of Peoria Sports Complex or Kino Sports Complex. There are 8 fields in all and each one is a replica of a major league stadium. I felt like I was taking a tour of big league ballparks past and present. Yankee Stadium, Ebbets Field, Wrigley Field, Sportsman Park, The Polo Grounds, Fenway Park, Angels Stadium and of course Chase Field are all on display. Each stadium has blown-up photos of real fans seated in the bleachers, giving the feel of really playing in front of a packed house!!! The dugouts are sunken into the ground just like real major league dugouts. I couldn't get over the fact that when I was a kid I played ball at places called "Duck Pond" and "Croton Point" (which was right next to the town dump). Suffice it to say, kids today have it GREAT!!!!!!

All 8 fields were in use yesterday and I was shocked that each player on each field seemed so "comfortable" out there. Obviously, the tradition of these stadiums doesn't mean as much to 10 and 11 year olds as it does to somebody like me!!! I was in awe walking around. I wasn't only walking around though, there's a huge batting cage in the middle of the facility and I had to grab a bat and take some hacks.
Then it was time to get down to business. I was there with my girlfriend Jenn, who's son Brandon was playing in a tournament at "Yankee Stadium". So there Jenn and I sat, in the 4th row, right behind the on-deck circle on the first base side. I really felt like we were in the Bronx!

Anyway, Brandon's team, the Cyclones, was in a battle with a team called the Prowlers. The game went into extra innings and the Cyclones won it 11-10. By the way, Brandon got the win, pitching the final 3 innings. It was a fine ending to a very entertaining day for me. So if you're like me and you're a baseball lover, you have to take the drive out to Gilbert and check this place out. You'll be amazed!!!
(and if you are like me, you'll be very jealous of any kid that gets the chance to play at "Big League Dreams").