Home Run On Wheels: Recent Episodes
Home Run On Wheels
Ron and Patti Clements traveled the country in an RV to attend at least one game at all 30 MLB stadiums in 2018. The journey began with Spring Training in Florida with Opening Day at Marlins Park. The trip continued all season, ending in St. Louis in September. They partnered with Children's Hope Alliance, a children’s advocacy group based in North Carolina, and held baseball-related events in MLB cities to raise awareness of the needs of children in the foster care system and their families. The Home Run On Wheels podcast not only chronicles that journey, but there are interviews with MLB players, media members and other sports figures as we talk all things baseball and life in an RV. The foster care mission continued in 2019 with kids getting out to MLB games in Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C.
In the 100th, and likely final, episode of the Home Run On Wheels podcast, we reflect on the last two years and the impact we've hopefully made on the lives of children in the foster care system. It's been a bittersweet week with the first week of spring training corresponding with the death of Ron's grandfather. Ron also discusses his first week working for the Milwaukee Brewers and why the San Francisco Giants might have the most bland venue in all of baseball. Support this podcast
Chris Nelson, who spent five years in the Oakland A's system, joined the podcast to discuss his youth baseball camps in the Phoenix area - https://mvpacademy1.com/ (one of which is primarily for children in the foster care system). Chris has partnered with the Milwaukee Brewers to use their https://www.azsmashersbaseballandsoftball.net/ (spring training facility) at Maryvale and also has relationships with the Royals and Rangers in Surprise, and of course, his former team in Mesa. Chris and Ron discuss his playing career, the youth camps, the partnership with the Brewers and foster care organizations in Phoenix, as well as the Astros cheating scandal. Support this podcast
We are adjusting to a snowbird life in the Phoenix area as spring training with the Cactus League has begun. Maverick, the new Home Run On Wheels "Barketing Manager" is also adjusting to RV life well and went on his first road trip last weekend. Pitchers and catchers have reported and we're ready for spring training. Ron will be working for the Brewers in Phoenix and we hope to catch at least one game at every Cactus League venue. There are new faces in new places, and sports trades are kind of analogous to kids in the foster system getting moved from home to home. Support this podcast
Home Run On Wheels has a new 'Barketing Manager' and his name is Maverick - a 2-year-old Border Collie mix with a birthday coming up. We also have other updates on our 2020 plans with dates and places, and how we're still trying to get some foster kids out to MLB spring training games in Arizona. Support this podcast
After visiting all 30 MLB stadiums in 2018, traveling down Route 66 and taking the RV into Mexico in 2019, Ron and Patti Clements reveal their 2020 plans for Home Run On Wheels. We also give thanks to our Phoenix-area friends for their hospitality and discuss a sense of community in RV parks. Be sure to subscribe to the https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4bok33kCG9d2SpVXd-1qqA?view_as=subscriber (Home Run On Wheels YouTube channel) for the latest videos. Support this podcast
The Route 66 trip has concluded after the Home Run On Wheels RV spent a week in the Los Angeles area. Ron and Patti highlight their favorite moments in Los Angeles, including the hospitality of the Lakers and UCLA athletics for Ron's book - A Sports Fan's Guide To Route 66 - but also share their favorite moments and locales along Route 66. Support this podcast
Ron and Patti are in Victorville, Calif., and they discuss their last week on the Arizona portion of Route 66 and share their plans in California before finishing the Route 66 trek Thanksgiving weekend. Among the things for which they are grateful are the beautiful sites they've seen along Route 66, including the National Parks and monuments like Petrified Forest and Walnut Canyon in Arizona. Support this podcast
As the Home Run On Wheels RV gets closer to California, Ron and Patti have been impressed by the landscape of New Mexico and Arizona. We also visited the only national park through which Route 66 passes and have been able to share the message of foster care along the way. Support this podcast
Ron and Patti are in New Mexico traveling down Route 66, which has several minor league baseball teams along the way.
The Cardinals, Padres and Rockies are all represented, but not as much as the Dodgers, who essentially own Route 66 baseball with farms teams in Rancho Cucamonga, Tulsa and Oklahoma City. Even Dodger Stadium is along the Mother Road.
We also discuss the historic 2019 World Series and that we may or may not have head celebrity neighbors at a rest area near McLean, Texas. Was it 3 Doors Down or Florida/Georgia Line?
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After a two-week hiatus, we’re back and talking Cardinals baseball along Route 66 in St. Louis and Springfield. The Dodgers also have their Double-A affiliate in Tulsa, and we share our thoughts on the 2019 World Series between the Nationals and Astros.
Also, there are some interesting tidbits about Stan Musial and the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in Springfield.
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Stephanie Tesreau of https://hoyleton.org/ (Hoyleton Youth and Family Services) joined the Home Run On Wheels podcast to discuss the work Hoyleton does, why they agreed to co-host Sunday’s https://www.facebook.com/events/2271901849788494/ (Home Run On Wheels book signing) in Fairview Heights, Ill., and how much baseball means to the city of St. Louis.
The Cardinals are also back in the postseason for the first time in three years, but that’s what Cardinals fans expect every October.
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As the MLB regular season comes to an end, Patti and Ron are beginning Route 66.
Recording from Joliet, they discuss their time in Chicago, which included Blackhawks and Bears games, plus a surprise trip for Patti to the CIBC Theatre to see Hamilton.
Are professional sports tickets overpriced? Certainly. Should children have more exposure to the arts? Most definitely.
We also had a surprise meeting at Soldier Field – Patti’s first-ever visit there – and we provide more details for https://www.facebook.com/events/2271901849788494/ (Ron’s book signing on Sunday, Oct. 6), at the Barnes & Noble in Fairview Heights, Ill.
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We’re spending the last week of the MLB regular season in the Chicago area, where we will begin our next adventure traveling down Route 66.
After seeing a pair of Brewers-Cardinals games at Busch Stadium, we’re curious to see if the two teams will face off in the postseason. In the meantime, we’ll experience a couple of firsts in Chicago with our first-ever visit to United Center on Wednesday and Patti’s first-ever game at Soldier Field on Sunday.
Ron also has a big surprise planned for Patti on Thursday.
We will be back in the St. Louis area on https://www.facebook.com/events/2271901849788494/ (Oct. 6, where Ron will do a book signing in Fairview Heights, Ill.), with a special giveaway.
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Randall and Gwen Floyd came out to the Home Run On Wheels RV in the St. Louis area to discuss their life as full-time RVers with their four children.
The Floyds have their own YouTube channel, “https://www.youtube.com/everyonelovesthefloyds (Everyone Loves The Floyds)” – which is also their https://www.instagram.com/everyonelovesthefloyds/?hl=en (Instagram account), and Gwen has written an RV lifestyle book called https://www.amazon.com/Roaming-Wide-Living-Free-Beginners-ebook/dp/B07W4Y1GX8 (Roaming Wide, Living Free).
They are also parents of Ray, a 7-year-old boy they adopted as an infant through the foster care system. The sun was bright when Gwen took our group selfie.
After spending an afternoon with the Floyds in St. Louis, we do http://everyonelovesthefloyds.com/ (love the Floyds).
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There was some good news and bad news in the last week.
After spending a week in the Hilton Head/Savannah area for vacation, we got off the Atlantic Coast just in time as Hurricane Dorian approaches. We are thinking of the people in The Bahamas who have been battered by Dorian.
We also discovered a new (old) issue with the RV, but that’s some more bad news. A bit of good news is Ron is doing a book signing in the St. Louis area on Oct. 6.
Listen to hear all the details of when and where.
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Ron and Patti are taking a week-long vacation in Hilton Head Island after a successful time in the Washington, D.C., area with a book signing and two different foster care organizations receiving tickets from the Nationals.
Both https://homerunonwheels.com/mlb-nationals-lssnca-jennifer-cormeny-busboys-poets-foster-refugees/ (Lutheran Social Services National Capital Area) and https://homerunonwheels.com/dcfyi-mlb-washington-nationals-susan-punnett/ (Family & Youth Initiative) benefited from the Nats’ donation.
We even spent some time with foster parent Irene Stevenson and her adopted daughter at the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum.
The next stops for Home Run On Wheels will be in the Nashville, St. Louis and Chicago areas.
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Susan Punnett, the executive director of the Family & Youth Initiative, joined the Home Run On Wheels podcast to discuss their work with teenagers in the foster care system and the donation of tickets from the Washington Nationals for Sunday’s slugfest victory over the Milwaukee Brewers.
The youth from https://www.dcfyi.org/ (DCFYI) who attended the game on August 18 saw the Nationals club eight home runs in a wild 16-8 victory over the Brewers at Nationals Park.
Teens are often the forgotten group of children in the foster care system and are in desperate need of a safe a loving home.
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Jennifer Cormeny, the https://lssnca.org/news_events/event_calendar/event/2019/08/13/home-run-on-wheels/255949 (Lutheran Social Services National Capital Area) Director of Family Services, joined the Home Run On Wheels podcast to discuss the https://www.facebook.com/events/403937387136950/ (Aug. 13 book signing) at https://www.busboysandpoets.com/events/th-evt-9463148/ (Busboys & Poets in Arlington, Va).
Jennifer explained how LSSNCA helps unaccompanied refugee minors find foster families. She also said the Washington Nationals’ donation of tickets to LSSNCA will help these youth have fun while experiencing the American pastime.
Ron and Jennifer will be part of a panel to discuss foster care and the Home Run On Wheels book Tuesday evening from 6-8 at the Busboys & Poets Shirlington location in Arlington.
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Ron and Patti share all the details about next week’s Home Run On Wheels book signing at Busboys & Poets in Arlington, Va.
The DC-area event is being co-hosted by Lutheran Social Services National Capital Area – one of two Washington-area foster care organizations that received a donation of tickets from the Nationals.
Family & Youth Initiative is the other organization that received tickets for the August 16-18 weekend series against the Milwaukee Brewers. Ron is rooting for Milwaukee. Patti, the Cardinals fan, hopes the Nationals sweep the Brewers (for the kids, of course).
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New York native Rich O’Malley fulfilled a childhood dream by attending a home game for all 123 teams in the four major U.S. pro sports leagues.
The former editor at the New York Daily News, chronicled his journey – which culminated with a 25,000-mile whirlwind over two months – in his book, “One Lucky Fan.”
Rich and Home Run On Wheels author Ron Clements met at McNally’s Tavern in Philadelphia to compare notes on their travels and MLB stadiums. Rich’s least favorite MLB park was one of Ron’s favorites. They did agree on No. 1 in both baseball and the NFL.
Rich was one of the best guests we’ve ever had on the Home Run On Wheels podcast. Enjoy.
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http://homerunonwheels.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Bethany-Group-HROW.jpg ()From left, Patti Clements and Ron Clements of Home Run On Wheels, Abigail Rose, Michelle Matthews and Missy Reeder of Bethany Christian Services of Western Pennsylvania
https://bethany.org/locations/us/pennsylvania/western-pennsylvania (Bethany Christian Services) foster care supervisor Michelle Matthews and branch director Bob Sherwin joined the Home Run On Wheels podcast. We discuss the needs of their children in the foster care system. Bethany is also very grateful for the donation of 200 tickets from the Pittsburgh Pirates for the July 22 game against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Michelle and Bob are both Pittsburgh-area natives and shared their favorite baseball memories. Bob even pontificated on the Pirates’ chances of returning to the World Series someday.
Ron is still waiting for his Brewers to finally win their first World Series.
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We recap our All-Star experience in Cleveland and look forward to our week in Pittsburgh with a https://www.facebook.com/events/361527441387865/ (book promotion event) and a Pirates game at PNC Park with foster families from Bethany Christian Services. The Pirates donated 200 tickets to Bethany for the July 22 game against the Cardinals. We also discuss our visit to Cleveland’s Playhouse Square to see the Tony Award-winning musical, “Come From Away,” which is one of the best plays either of us has seen. It’s a story of human kindness, which is something we could all use.
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Home Run On Wheels is in Cleveland for the 2019 MLB All-Star Game. We spent all day Sunday at the PlayBall Park, which has a lot to do, and we share our thoughts on what to expect from Monday’s Home Run Derby and Tuesday’s All-Star Game itself. There is so much to do in the Cleveland area and we did more than just All-Star Game activities.
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West Virginia Power relief pitcher Bryan Pall, a Seattle Mariners prospect and University of Michigan alumnus, discusses his varied community work in Charleston and shares some of his favorite baseball memories. Bryan is passionate about helping dogs find homes, loves working with kids and is grateful to be able to play professional baseball after missing more than a year following Tommy John surgery.
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Home Run On Wheels is in West Virginia, our 44th state in 16 months, after leaving Kentucky and visiting the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory. We also discuss the All-Star Game and whether MLB should guarantee a slot for a representative from every team. Should the NFL do the same?
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Nashville Sounds pitcher Zac Curtis discusses the motivation behind his community service and charitable efforts.
Curtis, who is with his fourth MLB team in four seasons and spent part of 2018 with the Texas Rangers, said his childhood has greatly impacted the man he’s become and is a big reason why he wants to give back to the community.
Curtis, a 2014 draft pick of the Arizona Diamondbacks, is a Middle Tennessee State alumnus – as is https://www.ronclementssports.com/nfl-titans-kevin-byard-contract-mtsu-camp/ (Tennessee Titans safety Kevin Byard), who is also heavily involved in community work.
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We are very excited over the wonderful news we received this week. The Pirates were very generous to a foster care organization in Pittsburgh and Ron has a book-signing event now scheduled in the Steel City. We also have things in the works in Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, D.C., where the Nationals have also donated tickets to a pair of foster care organizations. The Keystone State in July should be fun.
Big things are happening in 2019 with Home Run On Wheels. Download, listen, share and subscribe today.
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We give an update on the health of Holmes, the Home Run On Wheels Barketing Manager, and let you know what’s coming up in the next few weeks as we leave the Florida Panhandle.
We also have a date on our first book-signing event in Pittsburgh next month.
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Holmes’ cancer has returned and we’re trying to figure out the logistics of getting him treatments. It’s one of the challenges of living in an RV.
Patti is back after spending time between St. Louis and Peoria and recapped her experience watching her father take part in an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.
While she was gone, Ron covered an NCAA softball Super-Regional between Oklahoma State and Florida State in Tallahassee.
Ron hopes his alma mater, East Carolina, can get to the baseball College World Series for the first time and we both are rooting for the St. Louis Blues to win their first-ever Stanley Cup.
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We now have a foster care partner in Baltimore, where we will co-host a book-signing event in August and hopefully get kids out to an Orioles game.
This is the fourth city where we have events set up with foster care organizations. Bethany Christian Services in Baltimore joins the same agency in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia and Family & Youth Initiative and Lutheran Social Services National Capital Area in Washington, D.C.
Speaking of D.C., Patti’s dad traveled there on an Honor Flight so Patti drove to Peoria to share in the celebration of his departure and return. She also got to celebrate the Blues reaching the Stanley Cup Final while in St. Louis.
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MLB attendance is down across the board. Why? Ron and Patti Clements discuss several factors, but they also talk about their plans to get kids in the foster system out to MLB games and why baseball is still America’s Pastime.
Patti also shares some exciting news about her father, a Vietnam-Era Navy veteran who will be going to Washington, D.C., on May 23.
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The last two weeks have been filled with a bunch of good news, including Ron’s son, David, getting engaged. David’s girlfriend, Gabbey, said yes to his proposal on May 4. (There was no Star Wars-themed party afterward.)
We are very happy for David and Gabbey and got some good news on the Home Run On Wheels book and the summer tour. We’ve got organizations lined up in Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C., but are still trying to finalize events in Cleveland, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Atlanta, Nashville, St. Louis and Chicago. If you can help, let us know.
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Minnesota Twins prospects Jimmy Kerrigan and Devin Smeltzer, of the Double-A Pensacola Blue Wahoos, joined the Home Run On Wheels podcast to discuss their life journeys toward a professional baseball career.
Kerrigan was undrafted out of college, where he had to transfer from Temple to VCU after the Owls folded their program, and then played semi-pro ball before being signed by an independent Frontier League team near St. Louis. He had his contract purchased by the Twins in 2017.
Smeltzer was diagnosed with prostate and bladder cancer days before his 10th birthday, but was in remission by age 12. He went on to be a fifth-round pick of the Dodgers, but was traded to the Twins last year. The southpaw regularly visits children’s hospitals to share his story, but more to just be someone kids going through what he dealt with can lean on and talk to while also having fun.
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Ron and Patti recap their last six months, discuss the Home Run On Wheels book release in July and Holmes’ victory over cancer, and talk about what’s next for Home Run On Wheels.
The first baseball game of 2019 for Home Run On Wheels is in the books after seeing the Memphis Redbirds for the first time on April 4.
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Ron and Patti provide a brief recap of the 2018 World Series in the final episode of the year. We also discuss the highlights of a 15,000-mile RV trip to all 30 MLB stadiums and took them through 38 states and two Canadian provinces.
About 300 MLB tickets were acquired and donated to foster care organizations in six different cities.
Our next venture is on hold while Holmes completes his chemotherapy protocol, but stay tuned for the next Home Run On Wheels trip.
Talk with you in 2019.
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Ron and Patti recap the MLB postseason and give their World Series predictions, which are not the same. We saw the Dodgers go 2-2 and the Red Sox win two of three on our 30-stadium MLB trip.
We also provide an update on Holmes as he battles cancer. Spoiler alert: He’s responding very well to the chemotherapy.
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Sports writer and best-selling author Jeff Pearlman joined the Home Run On Wheels podcast to discuss his latest book, “Football For a Buck,” as well as his experience covering Major League Baseball.
“Football For a Buck” chronicles the “crazy rise and crazier demise” of the USFL, which ran from 1983-85. Why did the USFL fail? Who were Jeff’s favorite interviews? Of the eight sports books he’s written, what is his favorite? Listen to find out.
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Former MLB umpire Gary Darling joined the podcast to discuss Umps Care and his nearly 30-year career.
Umps Care is a charity foundation that works with children’s hospitals and foster care organizations to get kids out to games. The umpires also visit hospitals to talk baseball with kids.
Gary explains the origins of Umps Care and also talks about the highlights of his career, including special moments in 1998 and 2003.
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Now that the MLB regular season is complete (sort of), so is our RV trip.
Ron and Patti rank each of the 30 MLB stadiums. We have the same No. 30, but a different No. 1.
We also tell you what’s next for the Home Run On Wheels podcast with a pair of awesome guests coming up in the next two weeks.
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We have attended our final regular-season game of the year, but the immediate focus isn’t on our next trip but on our dog, Holmes, who has been diagnosed with lymphoma.
Holmes, the 11-year-old Home Run On Wheels “Barketing Manager,” attended three games with us, but now he has begun chemotherapy and our future plans are put on hold as he begins his battle with cancer.
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Home Run On Wheels donated 30 tickets to the Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition for Sunday’s game in St. Louis.
Ron and Patti preview the final week of the Major League Baseball regular season and they will be on opposite sides in St. Louis when the Brewers visit the Cardinals.
We also provide a review of Busch Stadium, which is in the upper echelon of MLB venues.
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Katie Corrigan, the director of family development for the Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition in St. Louis, joined us to discuss the importance of Cardinals baseball for children in St. Louis.
Thanks to Wells Fargo and the United Way of St. Louis, the Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition received 20 tickets for the Sept. 14 game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Home Run On Wheels also raised over $700 to purchase 30 tickets for the Sept. 23 game against the San Francisco Giants and donated those to the Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition.
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Children’s Hope Alliance CEO Celeste Dominguez joined Ron and Patti in St. Louis to discuss the impact the MLB stadium tour has had.
The trip has taken us through 38 states, two Canadian provinces, six national parks and, obviously 30 Major League Baseball stadiums. Celeste said the trip has been a success and the feedback has been positive.
But there is still more work to do as we prepare for the Giants-Cardinals game on Sept. 23 and you can help.
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Home Run On Wheels received some good news about St. Louis, where we will be able to get some kids to a Cardinals game.
Thanks to the United Way of St. Louis and Wells Fargo, the Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition has received 20 tickets for Friday’s game against the Dodgers. We are also going to Sunday’s game, but need your help to get more kids to a game at Busch Stadium on Sept. 23. Please donate at our https://www.gofundme.com/home-run-on-wheels (GoFundMe page).
We also received a positive phone call from a Texas Rangers employee about our visit to Globe Life Park last week.
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After running into some issues in St. Louis, we need your help to get some kids to a Cardinals game at Busch Stadium on Sept. 23.
Please donate now to https://www.gofundme.com/home-run-on-wheels?sharetype=teams&member=633286&rcid=r01-153656122478-b5a384e8106b4b23&pc=ot_co_campmgmt_w (Home Run On Wheels at our GoFundMe page) to get some kids to a game as we close our 30 stadium MLB tour.
Ron and Patti discuss their latest issue with the RV, the time they spent visiting Ron’s sister in Olney, Texas, and how Green Bay’s comeback win over Chicago in the NFL’s Sunday night opener created some tension.
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Home Run On Wheels got some welcome recognition from the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park. Ron and Patti even made it on the Jumbotron for the first time this season.
We enjoyed seeing the Rangers beat the Angels at our 28th stadium this year because we went with Ron’s mom and her husband, Marc, and their friends, Pete and Lynne.
We recap our trip to Globe Life Park and preview our final two MLB stadiums of 2018.
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After taking Holmes to his third MLB game of the season, Ron and Patti preview their final three stadiums of 2018.
Joining us Sunday at Minute Maid Park was Ron’s brother, Ben, and his girlfriend Bailey. They drove down from San Antonio and spent the night in the Home Run On Wheels RV.
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After seeing their sixth retractable roof stadium in Houston, Ron and Patti compare MLB’s roofed stadiums.
We also got some more media coverage in Houston, including our first television coverage as we continue our mission of raising awareness of the needs of children in the foster system.
We are grateful to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8LeWSOzMAM (KHOU in Houston), the https://www.facebook.com/a2dradio/videos/2217221471890724/?comment_id=2217249261887945¬if_id=1535595755961166¬if_t=comment_mention (A2D podcast) and iHeartMedia in Houston for having us on.
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Ron and Patti are in Texas, where things got a bit batty in Austin before we head to Houston for Stadium No. 27.
We also recap our trip so far and discuss our http://homerunonwheels.com/blog/mlb-stadium-review-citi-field-new-york-mets/ (least favorite stadiums). Apologies to http://homerunonwheels.com/blog/mlb-stadium-review-yankee-stadium-new-york/ (New Yorkers) everywhere.
With only four stadiums remaining, Patti is approaching her own personal milestone.
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Ron and Patti review their visit to Chase Field and how it compares to other stadiums along the way.
With four stadiums remaining, they also preview the rest of the trip as they prepare to depart Phoenix.
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In the 50th episode of the Home Run On Wheels podcast, Ron and Patti recap their day trip to the Grand Canyon.
We will then see our 26th stadium on Tuesday when the Diamondbacks play host to the Angels. Our Arizona hosts, Chris and Katie Harris – and two of their children – will join us at Chase Field.
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Ron and Patti recap their MLB trip through Arizona with some of their favorite sites and discuss certain obsessions they, and their dog Holmes, have.
While the RV is getting serviced in Avondale, Ariz., we are enjoying our stay at the home of our friends in Peoria. Holmes definitely enjoys the extra space, but there isn’t much outside time because of the desert heat.
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Ron and Patti discuss Patti’s birthday weekend in San Diego and why they loved Petco Park. But before Ron and Patti left the Los Angeles Area, Ron interviewed the GROWTH Foundation founder https://growthfoundationla.org/bio/ (Deana Ruggieri).
The https://growthfoundationla.org/ (GROWTH Foundation) helps troubled girls in the Los Angeles area through after-school programs, scholarship opportunities and community service to see the value of giving back.
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Ron and Patti visited Stadium No. 24 – Angel Stadium in Anaheim – and share their experience of sitting in the studio audience of a sitcom taping.
They watched a taping of Happy Together, a new CBS sitcom starring Damon Wayans Jr. and Amber Stevens West. There were also some Marines from 29 Palms in the audience, which had Ron reminiscing a bit.
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Ron and Patti Clements played the role of L.A. tourists over the weekend. They saw a pair of movies, including one at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, drove up to Griffith Observatory, walked the Hollywood Walk of Fame and even got in some beach time.
Everywhere they went, they continued to tell people about their trip to all 30 MLB stadiums and of the message to help foster children.
Ron and Patti review the movies Suicide Roadtrip (a comedy) and the blockbuster hit Mission Impossible: Fallout, and revisit their trip to Dodger Stadium while previewing Monday’s visit to Angel Stadium.
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Dodgers prospect Jeren Kendall spoke with Ron about trying to move up in the Dodgers organization and growing up in Wisconsin.
Kendall’s father played in the Phillies organization and advised his son to be patient with baseball, but most of all, have fun and don’t take anything for granted.
Ron and Patti also discuss their most recent visits to the Oakland Coliseum and Dodger Stadium and why they were stuck on the shoulder of an L.A. highway for three hours.
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Ron and Patti discuss their trip to the Bay Area and their 21st MLB stadium in 2018.
Ron rants a bit about the city and his disappointment with AT&T Park, which is kid-friendly but not exactly family-friendly.
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Thanks to a serendipitous meeting, Ron met Christine Slette in Crescent City, Calif. Christine is the Del Norte County CASA executive director. Christine came out to the RV and spoke with Ron and Patti about CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates).
CASA is a national organization headquartered in Seattle and serves as the voice of foster children in the court system.
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Ron and Patti spoke with Ron’s aunt and uncle in Olalla, Wash., about their experiences as foster parents over 17 years.
Bruce and Deb Clements were considering adoption following the death of their own daughter and filled that void by becoming foster parents.
The foster system is complicated, but navigating the hoops, hurdles and red tape is rewarding.
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Ron and Patti are on their way to Seattle for Stadium No. 20 and discuss their travels through the Northwest and the struggle at times to find reliable Wi-Fi on the road.
Which stadium are we most looking forward to seeing after the All-Star break? The answer probably won’t surprise you.
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Ron and Patti discuss their trip to Yellowstone National Park on their way from Denver to Seattle.
Yellowstone is a wondrous place, but the Clements couple were also able to continue to spread their message of helping children in the foster system.
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https://www.lfsrm.org (Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains) director of marketing Dona Dalton, program director Cindi Noah and office administrator Nicole Vail talked about the donation of tickets from the Colorado Rockies for Wednesday’s game.
And it was a doozy of a game.
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Family Alternatives director Mary Lennick joined the Home Run On Wheels podcast to discuss the donation of 30 tickets from the Minnesota Twins.
Ron and Patti also talked about their visit to Prince’s estate, Paisley Park, and their upcoming trip to Denver to see the Rockies at Coors Field.
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As Ron and Patti Clements leave Milwaukee, they provide updates on what is happening in Minneapolis, Denver and Seattle.
Family Alternatives in Minnesota and Lutheran Services Rocky Mountains both received donations of 30 tickets from the Twins and Rockies, respectively.
Target Field will be Stadium No. 18 on July 7 while Coors Field will be No. 19 on July 11.
Ron and Patti went to a trio of Brewers games at Miller Park and did three days at Summerfest on the Lake Michigan waterfront.
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Ron and Patti go over the mistakes they’ve made so far through the first four months of living in an RV.
There was an issue at the U.S.-Canada border, some mail in limbo between College Park, Md., and Philadelphia, and an embarrassing situation near the Indiana-Illinois border.
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Corey Kimber was a 2012 draft pick of the San Diego Padres. Tim Zier was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in 2014.
Both are now in the independent Frontier League trying to get signed by another MLB team.
Kimber is a pitcher for the Joliet Slammers while Zier plays second base for the Windy City Thunderbolts.
Home Run On Wheels also got some great news with the Minnesota Twins and Colorado Rockies donating tickets to local children’s organizations.
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Matt Roesler of https://www.anufs.org (Anu Family Services) came on the Home Run On Wheels podcast to discuss the donation of 50 tickets Anu received from the Milwaukee Brewers for the June 21 game against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Ron and Patti also discussed seeing their favorite teams twice in Milwaukee and were joined by friends and family for Saturday’s game at Miller Park.
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Connor Bach was a 2014 draft pick of the Washington Nationals. Justin Garcia was drafted a year later by the Houston Astros.
Both were released within two years by the clubs that drafted them. Bach and Garcia are now playing in the independent Frontier League.
Bach is currently with the Windy City Thunderbolts and Garcia plays for the Joliet Slammers while they try to once again get signed by an MLB team.
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Charlie Barrale has two passions in life — music and baseball.
Charlie joined the Home Run On Wheels podcast to discuss his debut album — “Different Than Before” — as well as his travels to all 30 MLB stadiums.
Charlie talks about how his father drove him to pursue his dreams — something he’s applied in recording his first album and completing his trek to every MLB stadium.
That message of pursuing one’s dreams is how Charlie tries to pay it forward as he speaks with children along his travels.
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Gordie Wykes of the Student Advocacy Center of Michigan, also known as the Tigers Unicorn, joined the Home Run On Wheels podcast to discuss his work with children and how he first donned the unicorn outfit.
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Ron and Patti compare the Queen cities of Cincinnati and Charlotte and discuss the many things to do along the Ohio River.
They also got to see the joy on the face of an 8-year-old boy, who went to his first MLB game at Great American Ball Park.
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Ron and Patti will be going to multiple regular-season games at the same stadium for the first time in 2018.
After taking Holmes to his second MLB game on Tuesday, they will also see Friday’s game between the Cardinals and Reds at Great American Ball Park.
They will also visit Skyline Chili, which Patti has never had, but Ron is not a fan.
http://homerunonwheels.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/GABPHolmes.jpg ()Holmes at Great American Ball Park on June 5
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Progressive Field was stadium No. 12 and Ron and Patti were impressed.
They were also impressed by the Cleveland area as a whole and recap their week with a trip to an Indians game, Cuyahoga Valley National Park as well as both the Pro Football and Rock & Roll halls of fame.
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St. Louis-based MLB columnist and movie critic Dan Buffa joined the Home Run On Wheels podcast. He assessed the National League Central and explained why the Brewers might be the team to beat.
Dan, Ron and Patti also discussed the best family-friendly movies as schools let out. We really like Kevin Costner and Tom Hanks.
Spoiler alert: Summer Catch is not one of them. (Also, we almost forgot about The Sandlot. Thank goodness we remembered.)
There is a lot of laughter because Dan is a funny dude.
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Pittsburgh band Nevada Color joined the Home Run On Wheels podcast at the LionFire music festival in Slippery Rock, Pa.
The guys talked music, baseball and their charity work with kids. They also shared some interesting travel stories — like why they smelled like French fries after touring in a biodiesel van.
They’re a Pittsburgh band, but here is https://twitter.com/NevadaColor?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw (@NevadaColor) singing about New Mexico. https://twitter.com/hashtag/LionFire?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw (#LionFire) https://t.co/WzUOUCV626 (pic.twitter.com/WzUOUCV626)
— Ron Clements (@Ron_Clements) https://twitter.com/Ron_Clements/status/1000776446758047744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw (May 27, 2018)
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Ron and Patti are back to baseball and back in the U.S.A.
They checked out a Triple-A game in Buffalo and have some big news about getting more kids out to MLB games.
They also discussed Ron’s first visit to Niagara Falls and the multiple waterfalls in the Niagara escarpment.
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Ron and Patti talk about what they’re most looking forward to over the final two-thirds of their MLB trip.
They’ll celebrate their birthdays over the summer, visit new stadiums and states and national parks while continuing to raise awareness of the needs of children in the foster system.
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A third of the way through their Home Run On Wheels MLB RV stadium tour, Ron and Patti Clements have seen games at the home stadium of every team in the American League and National League East divisions.
How do they rank? Numbers 8 through 10 are identical, but the husband-wife pair differ at the top.
Spoiler alert: They were not fans of Citi Field.
The episode begins, however, with a call to action as May is National Foster Care Awareness Month.
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Ron and Patti discuss their tours of Montreal and Toronto on the Canadian portion of the Home Run On Wheels trip.
They handed out Children’s Hope Alliance materials in both cities as they continue to spread the message of helping foster children during Foster Care Awareness Month.
http://homerunonwheels.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/RogersCentrePillar.jpg ()Kevin Pillar up to bat at Rogers Centre
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There have been three no-hitters so far this MLB season. Ron and Patti nearly saw one in Baltimore, but are still waiting to see their first.
Patti “interviews” Ron and they discuss the red-hot Yankees, MLB in London and the life lessons baseball can teach our youth — especially those awaiting adoption.
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Ron and Patti have so many people to thank through the first two months of the Home Run On Wheels venture.
As far as raising awareness for kids in the foster system, simply driving the RV around the country with the Children’s Hope Alliance logo and the Home Run On Wheels logo is a conversation starter all in itself.
May is Foster Care Awareness Month, so please reach out to your local organization to see how you can help.
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Ron and Patti discuss their trip to Citi Field, where they were joined by friends Tricia and Eric, and invite others to join them on the road at an MLB game.
Oh, and the Karate Kid threw out the first pitch.
http://homerunonwheels.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/MetsMacchio.jpg ()Ralph Macchio (aka, Daniel LaRusso, left) and William Zabka (aka, Johnny Lawrence)
http://homerunonwheels.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/MetsMacchio1.jpg ()Ralph Macchio waving to the crowd before throwing out the ceremonial first pitch on May 1
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Ron and Patti discuss the tolls – both literal and figurative – a couple has to endure during an RV road trip as well as their trips to Yankee Stadium and Fenway Park.
Patti was most looking forward to seeing Fenway Park and it lived up to her expectations.
http://homerunonwheels.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/FenwayPanoramic.jpg ()A panoramic of Fenway Park
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For the second time in seven years, Steve Melia is attending all 162 Yankees games in the season. This time around, he is taking his girlfriend, Marybeth Longona, with him.
The two joined the Home Run On Wheels podcast, in the RV, to discuss the http://the162crew.com/podcast/ (162 Experience) and their charity efforts.
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Ron and Patti detail their visit to Philadelphia with the Phillies’ sweep of the Pirates at Citizens Bank Park, multiple museum visits, Rocky and, of course, Philly cheesesteaks reviews.
We are experiencing technical difficulties with this episode’s audio on mobile devices. Please listen on a laptop or other desktop device.
http://homerunonwheels.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/PhilliesPhilly-1.jpg ()Sunset in Philadelphia from the One Liberty Observation Deck
http://homerunonwheels.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/PhilliesCitizensBank2.jpg ()Pirates players waiting for an infield popup
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Israel national baseball team general manager Peter Kurz explains the origins of Project Baseball and how it has helped grow the game in Israel.
A New York native and lifelong Mets fan, Peter has spent the last three decades living in Israel and has seen the positive impact baseball has on children in the country.
We are experiencing technical difficulties with this episode’s audio on mobile devices. Please listen on a laptop or other desktop device.
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Ron and Patti Clements have not exactly had the easiest transition from a three-bedroom house into an RV.
But it hasn’t prevented them from adhering to their schedule through the first few weeks of their MLB stadium tour.
They’ve met some great people and eaten some wonderful food along the way while sharing their message of helping children.
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Detroit Tigers pitcher Daniel Norris visited with Home Run On Wheels to discuss the simple life as well as overcoming adversity.
Ron and Patti also comment on their experiences in Washington, D.C., and Baltimore.
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Durham Bulls first baseman Jake Bauers joined the Home Run On Wheels podcast and said it’s kind of weird for him as a 22-year-old as kids are now looking up to him as a ball player just as he did when he was younger.
Ron and Patti also recap their week with games in Greensboro, Durham and Washington, D.C. Holmes even got to take in his first MLB game with Pups in the Park at Nationals Park.
We are experiencing technical difficulties with this episode’s audio on mobile devices. Please listen on a laptop or other desktop device.
http://homerunonwheels.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/HolmesNationalsPark.jpg ()Holmes at Nationals Park
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Miami Marlins outfielder Cameron Maybin joined the Home Run On Wheels podcast to discuss his Maybin Mission Foundation and the importance of inspiring others to do good in the community.
Ron and Patti also recap their trips to Marlins Park, Tropicana Field and SunTrust Park.
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After the Miami Marlins made a donation of 40 tickets to Our Kids of Miami-Dade/Monroe for opening day, the COO of Our Kids – Michael Williams – spoke with Home Run On Wheels prior to the Cubs-Marlins game at Marlins Park.
We also spoke with Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Chris Archer about his charitable work off the field and offseason trade rumors.
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Ron and Patti Clements give their Grapefruit League stadium reviews and also hear from Marlins third baseman Martin Prado and his Very Prado You initiative through the Marlins.
This all coincides with Opening Day with Home Run On Wheels visiting Marlins Park to watch the Marlins play the Cubs as Ron and Patti watch the game with a group of children from Our Kids of Miami-Dade/Monroe.
We are experiencing technical difficulties with this episode’s audio on mobile devices. Please listen on a laptop or other desktop device.
http://homerunonwheels.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Marlins1.jpg ()
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St. Louis Post-Dispatch Cardinals beat reporter Derrick Goold and Ron Clements preview the 2018 MLB season. Derrick gives his take on the Cardinals and whether manager Mike Matheny is on the hot seat.
Derrick also explains how he fell in love with baseball while growing up in Colorado.
Though Patti is losing her voice, she does offer her input on why St. Louis is such a baseball-crazed city.
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Pittsburgh Pirates players Jameson Taillon, Josh Bell and Chad Kuhl discuss their community work as well as expectations entering the 2018 MLB season
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St. Louis Cardinals player Jordan Schafer discusses the inspiration behind starting his charity foundation and also provides some travel advice for a long road trip.
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New St. Louis Cardinals players Luke Gregerson and Marcell Ozuna discuss joining the Redbirds and what it means to them to give back to their communities.
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Ron and Patti discuss downsizing from a three-bedroom house into an RV and their early experiences on the road in Florida for spring training.
http://homerunonwheels.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/20800129_10214615700608511_7554208580541322392_n-1.jpg ()Ron and Patti Clements
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Ron sits down with Sporting News baseball writer and Hall of Fame voter Ryan Fagan to discuss the state of baseball. Ryan talks about Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens, what to expect in the 2018 season and his passion for traveling – especially his beloved fishing trips. There is also food, lots of food. Patti offers her feedback on planning a long road trip.
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Ron interviews Marc Lancaster, who used to cover the Reds and Rays and is a Baseball Hall of Fame voter. They talk about baseball memories, Roger Clemens and Barry Bonds getting into the Hall of Fame, and spring training. Patti expresses her excitement about “getting back into baseball.”
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In the first episode of Home Run on Wheels, learn about Ron and Patti Clements and how they partnered with Children’s Hope Alliance to turn their bucket-list trip into a cause of bringing awareness to the needs of children across the country.
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