Agnew's Mind He's got a long journey ahead of him.

Jon’s Past-Time

    by Jon Hassinger

I have been to 8 different major league ball-parks throughout my life-time. And over the next 8 weeks, I hope to give you my take, on each.

Vol I of VIII: The Vet.

Without a doubt the worst stadium for opposing teams to visit.

The outrageous fans, the Brillo pad / cement-like Astor-turf, and not to mention the dog-sized rats that occupied the locker rooms.

Veterans Stadium, is synonymous with the over-sized sports complexes of the 70's and 80's. It's ugly seats and generic "tin-can" structure took the ambiance of the old school ball-park, and dumped it into the Schuylkill River like a dead hooker.

However, some of my fondest memories from my first 13 or so years of life, including my first memory ever, were at The Vet.

My undefeated Pee Wee baseball team went to a game together. We met the Phillies on the field, and were even welcomed by the team, on the score board!

I was first introduced to baseballs biggest losers, Mets fans, at The Vet.

I saw plenty of the '93 Phillies games.

I WAS AT one of The Legendary Snow Bowls, and participated in throwing snow-balls at Jimmy Johnson.

And I will never forget my first Phillies' game, in 1984, with my Dad.
Mike Schmidt hit a walk-off homer.

I loved The Vet, but was happy to see it turned into a heaping pile of cement memorabilia, to make room for The Linc and what will be Part VIII of Jon's Past-Time, The Bank.

Up next, the biggest waste of seats, grass, dirt, bases, a giant apple, peanuts and crackers jacks - Shea Stadium.

Come back next week for Jon's Past-Time - Vol II of VIII: Gay Stadium.