Stats-a-Palooza and Memories of The Trop

Caratini and Meyers homer as Astros move to 25-22

May 20, 2025

A few summers ago we were on vacation in the Orlando area and decided to make the trip to Tampa to see the Rays take on the Yankees at the Trop.

We’d heard a lot about it, almost all negative, and were intrigued.

The small parking lot felt almost minor-leagueish, as did the concession stands.

But the place was “overhated” as my son likes to say. It grew on us as we made our way to our seats down a spiraling walkway made of concrete.

By the time the game was over, we loved the place and its quirks. Depending on where you park, leaving that small parking lot was much easier than leaving, say, Globe Life Field or even Daikin Park.

The Trop had a vibe and an “It ain’t much, but it’s ours” feel to it.

My kind of place.

For us, driving over the bridge was an experience, something new and fun, we were on an adventure, but I understand that doing that 81 times a year in traffic would get old.

I’m guessing Steinbrenner Field just doesn’t have the same feel, whether it’s in St. Petersburg or not.