Jun. 3—In the latest things-are-getting-back-to-normal snapshot, yours truly was at a ballpark grubbing on some BBQ nachos out of an Isotopes baseball helmet for lunch on Wednesday.
Before arriving at Isotopes Park for a truly fortunate assignment — a “food showcase” of some of the items on the concessions menu before the Isotopes begin a six-game home stand Thursday vs. Las Vegas — it was important to rid any feelings of guilt for eating those chips dripping with nacho cheese and pulled pork; along with street tacos and BBQ pork sandwiches.
Since July, I have been trying to be health conscious with my meals, even trying a plant-based diet last summer. I was well off any diet on Wednesday.However, there are some vegan options at the ballpark. There are a vegan hot dog and a bean-patty burger, said Boris Revilla, general manager of Spectra at Isotopes Park.
He was smart enough to not bother to bring that out for the media on Wednesday. Most of the media were sports guys like me and ready for the traditional ballpark food.
My favorite was the foot-long chili dog, mostly because of the tasty bun. I plan to try the vegan hot dog when I go — as a fan — to an Isotopes game.
Yes, I’m one of those people who takes a pic of his meal and posts it on social media. So, this assignment seemed perfect for me. I enjoy New Mexican food, including such offerings at the ballpark.
As the Albuquerque Isotopes prepare to start their third home stand of the 2021 season, it’s been easy to recognize that baseball has been helpful and needed in the community’s return to normalcy.
Of course, ballpark “comfort food” is a big part of that. Revilla, who had the unnerving task of starting his job in 2020, said it was important to “bring in some New Mexican flavor” to the concessions offerings this season. There are street tacos, green chile sausages and sopaipillas.
“Now people are asking if we can stuff the sopaipillas,” Revilla said. “Maybe next season.”
Revilla gave some of the media a scoop: Starting in July, there will be available mugs shaped as baseball bats from which to chug a beer.
Count me in for that.
Overall, Revilla is excited about the season. Last year, he said he remembers having to repack food three days before what was supposed to be Opening Day because the coronavirus pandemic abruptly canceled the season for all of minor league baseball.
It’s much different now.
“It was a great feeling being here Opening Day and having baseball after so many hundred days without it,” he said. “It was just an amazing feeling to have the fans in here and seeing those faces when they walked through the gates.
“… It was something the city definitely needed. We have been cooped up for so long. Finally some of these restrictions are coming down. We are enjoying what we’re supposed to do.”
John Traub, Isotopes general manager, said it remains emotional to have a minor-league season at Isotopes Park, and it will probably be that way all summer.
“It feels great to be open,” he said. “We’re thrilled that people can come out again and resume a little bit of normalcy. It might be different, but it’s still about people being out. They love coming here.”
And, they should love the food.
‘TOPES THURSDAY: Vs. Las Vegas Aviators
6:35 p.m., 610 AM/95.9 FM, abqisotopes.com
PROMOTION: Pride Night, Isotopes Pride Flag giveaway
PROBABLES: Aviators RHP Brian Howard (0-2, 6.38) vs. Isotopes LHP Ryan Rolison (1-0, 8.10)
WEDNESDAY: The Isotopes and the entire Triple-A West league were idle.
TUESDAY: The Isotopes, for the second straight day, lost 3-2 to Sugar Land as Albuquerque completed a six-game road series in Texas. Ryan Vilade had two of the Isotopes’ three hits Tuesday night, including the first Triple-A home run for the 22-year-old. Albuquerque starter Ryan Castellani surrendered two hits and two earned runs over five innings. The bullpen combined for three scoreless innings.
(Click here for Triple-A West standings.)