Last week, I was back in Texas for my final week of work at the Dallas Distribution Center (ABF Freight) and managed just one day of baseball exploration. Cold temperatures gripped the North Texas area for most of the week. So cold, my toes and fingers are just now coming back to life, some 3 days after I returned to VA Beach. I did manage one day of baseball experiences and had a chance to visit Horner Ballpark, home of the Dallas Baptist University Patriots.

It was about a 10 mile ride south from my work location in Dallas to the campus of Dallas Baptist University and Horner Ballpark. I found parking next to the baseball complex and noticed several open gates. I peered through the perimeter gates and noticed that the DBU baseball team was practicing, so I started my journey around the concession area and front gate section of Horner Ballpark.

The sun was shining brightly on Monday and temperatures hadn’t plummeted just yet. It was a 2 layer clothing, sunglasses and hat kind of day with the sun present, but starting to set in the Dallas area when I arrived late afternoon. Since the gate to the field and stadium were open, I was able to view the front of the ballpark, check out the layout where the ticket office and concession stands were set up, and get a general sense of the ballpark from high up. I loved the brick foundation, the many inspirational signs and plaques throughout. And I happened upon a set of DBU acknowledgement plaques for All-American players and Major League Baseball signees.

I took a peek onto the field area and noticed that the DBU players and coaches were wrapping up practice. So, I focused my attention and photography on the field itself. As many fields as I visit, it never gets old seeing a baseball field in fantastic condition. Huge DBU logo behind home plate, massive scoreboard in centerfield, and a long list of DBU accomplishments stretched out on the left field padding. What a sight to see.

From the bleachers, I took a moment to scan the many fan views around Horner Ballpark. Then, set out to check out those views located just past centerfield and high above the first base line. As I walked out of Horner Ballpark, I made my way to the outfield section of the fan zone and found a deck with chairs. It took a little “mountaineering” to get up to this deck area but I am happy to report that I made it safely.

From there, I walked back to the parking lot, hopped in my rental car and headed over to the tennis court area. I parked and walked up a set of bleacher stairs to view the baseball field from a raised porch area. There were picnic tables and table tops set up with chairs for baseball viewing. Or, you could swing around and catch a tennis match, if you were so inclined. This section was awesome and probably a very hot ticket for DBU rivalry games.

I took in Horner Ballpark from the porch area as the sun was setting behind the backstop before heading back to my hotel. Wow, what an incredible baseball complex there at Dallas Baptist University. And speaking of incredible, the campus of DBU is absolutely amazing building wise. Just a beautiful and well maintained campus area, from the fields to the sidewalks, parking lots, and historic looking buildings. I loved all the inspirational messages on the brick walls. And reading the names of DBU alumni who achieved All American status and got a chance to sign and play in the Major Leagues. And getting a chance to walk the perimeter and insides of Horner Ballpark, especially all the cool fan views of the baseball field. Overall, it was an awesome Dallas baseball experience there at Horner Ballpark, home of the Dallas Baptist University Patriots baseball team.