Baseball Trip to N.Y.C. and Boston

[CAV]

In the summer I am making my first trip to N.Y. and Boston. I could use some info on making the trip better. I am also taking my 11 year old son with me.
So, to those who know.

What's the best way to get to the subway system from LaGuardia?
I see Kennedy has a stop, but I don't see one for the old airport.

Is it better to take the train (Amtrak) than to rent a car and drive to Boston?

In N.Y. we want to visit where Ebbets and the Polo Ground used to stand. Any advise on this?

There is a cementary in Brooklyn where a lot of early baseball founders are buried. It would be great baseball history lesson for my son. Is this an advisable thing to do?

While in N.Y. we will see a Mets and Yankee game while trying to see the regular tourist sites. In Boston we will have time only for the BoSox game.
So are there any great things to see around Fenway before and after the game?

[bigworm_122]

good for you..that should be alot of fun

i live on long island so i usually drive to the stadiums, but i know that their is a subway stop at shea stadium, which is right near laguardia. you could take a taxi from the airport. the subway i believe take you into grand central and times square.

yes kennedy does have the air train which takes you to jamaica station, then you can jump on the lirr to penn station. i mean i don't exactly know where you are staying.

personally i have driven to boston both times i have been there and really did not hit much traffic.

i know up in westchester county is the cemeteries that have babe ruth & lou gehrig, just do a search for that in google or something for more info. you can hit those on your way to boston. not to far north of NYC

for more info on trains & subways go to www.lirr.org

[DodgerBlue8188]

I could use some info for this topic too. I'll be going to a Yankees game in the summer. I'll be staying in Manhattan. What subway can I take to that game?

[Elvis]

Originally Posted by DodgerBlue8188

I could use some info for this topic too. I'll be going to a Yankees game in the summer. I'll be staying in Manhattan. What subway can I take to that game?

The Yankee Stadium Subway stop is located right outside the Stadium at the corner of 161st St. and River Ave. The Stadium is conveniently reached by several subway lines and a trip from midtown Manhattan takes less than 25 minutes. The #4 train, as well as the B (weekdays only) and D trains make stops at 161st St./Yankee Stadium. Metro North train service to Connecticut and Westchester County is available at the 125th St. subway stop.

[kramer_47]

Originally Posted by CAV

In the summer I am making my first trip to N.Y. and Boston. I could use some info on making the trip better. I am also taking my 11 year old son with me.
So, to those who know.

What's the best way to get to the subway system from LaGuardia?
I see Kennedy has a stop, but I don't see one for the old airport.

Is it better to take the train (Amtrak) than to rent a car and drive to Boston?

In N.Y. we want to visit where Ebbets and the Polo Ground used to stand. Any advise on this?

There is a cementary in Brooklyn where a lot of early baseball founders are buried. It would be great baseball history lesson for my son. Is this an advisable thing to do?

While in N.Y. we will see a Mets and Yankee game while trying to see the regular tourist sites. In Boston we will have time only for the BoSox game.
So are there any great things to see around Fenway before and after the game?

I think the cemetery you are talking about is Greenwood cemetery, there are alot of famous people buried there Charles Ebbets the Dodgers owner, Henry Chadwick "the father of baseball", Horace Greeley " go west young man", Boss Tweed, Crazy Joe Gallo, William Hart cowboy actor and many more. It is located on 5th ave and 25th st, you take the "R" train to 25th st and walk a block. They are very nice in the office at Greenwood, they helped me alot when I was doing my family tree. This is the address of the Greenwood Cemetery site.

http://www.green-wood.com/

[efin98]

Originally Posted by CAV

Is it better to take the train (Amtrak) than to rent a car and drive to Boston?

It may be cheaper to rent a car but it will save you alot of agrevation due to driving through downtown Boston to take the train.

If you decide to take the train take it all the way into South Station and walk right out of the concourse and down the stairs to the Red Line station. Take the Alewife-bound train two stops to Park Street and walk upstairs to the Green Line station then take any B, C, or D train to Kenmore. Or just follow the crowd.

In Boston we will have time only for the BoSox game.
So are there any great things to see around Fenway before and after the game?

If you take the train, I'd visit the Downtown Crossing shopping area(history, shopping, food). Other than that, there isn't much besides the stadium itself.

[Baseball Guru]

When I went to Boston from New York i took the bus.. The times worked out great and didnt have to worry about anything and they were flexible with the times....
Check out this link for more info: http://www.staticleap.com/chinatownbus/

[SABR Steve]

"A lot" as opposed to "alot" of useful information is given here. Thanks

[CAV]

Originally Posted by Baseball Guru

When I went to Boston from New York i took the bus.. The times worked out great and didnt have to worry about anything and they were flexible with the times....
Check out this link for more info: http://www.staticleap.com/chinatownbus/

I stumbled upon the Chinatown bus by doing a web search for a cheap way to get to NYC to Boston. Is this bus safe? It's only $15.00 a ticket and it is about as fast as the Acella Amtrak Train! I have read where you might sit next to a cage full of chickens being transported from one Chinatown to the next!

[CAV]

Originally Posted by SABR Steve

"A lot" as opposed to "alot" of useful information is given here. Thanks

Yes, a "lot" as in a plot at the cemetery!

[chrismarullo]

If you ever want a delux package of several different games and stadium with everything taken care of for you try this site:

http://www.jaybuckley.com/

I've gone on 2 of their tours and they're great.

[efin98]

Originally Posted by CAV

I stumbled upon the Chinatown bus by doing a web search for a cheap way to get to NYC to Boston. Is this bus safe? It's only $15.00 a ticket and it is about as fast as the Acella Amtrak Train! I have read where you might sit next to a cage full of chickens being transported from one Chinatown to the next!

For that price you would expect it to be like you said, but it's just like riding on any other bus. I took one of those buses down to New York yesterday and the only difference between the Chinatown bus companies and any other is the writing on the bus and the subtitles on the movies.

[Williamsburg2599]

There is tons to see in Boston.Predential Center, John Hancock Center, The Old state house(now a subway station), Boston Common, Fanuel Hall, The old north church, wats left of braves field, Paul revere's house, and alot more.

[TJH1923]

There is a reason the Dodgers and the Giants left New York. Both neighborhoods are toilet bowls. Both teams recognized this in the 50's and the City of New York didn't think either team would leave. While it would be nice to visit these locations, I don't recommend it because you will have your 11 year old son with you. No sense in putting yourself and your son in harm's way. At least at Yankee Stadium, which is also in a crap neighborhood, you'll have the crowd. There are generally no problems on game days. Stick to the pictures and books regarding the Polo Grounds and Ebbets Field.

[CAV]

Originally Posted by TJH1923

There is a reason the Dodgers and the Giants left New York. Both neighborhoods are toilet bowls. Both teams recognized this in the 50's and the City of New York didn't think either team would leave. While it would be nice to visit these locations, I don't recommend it because you will have your 11 year old son with you. No sense in putting yourself and your son in harm's way. At least at Yankee Stadium, which is also in a crap neighborhood, you'll have the crowd. There are generally no problems on game days. Stick to the pictures and books regarding the Polo Grounds and Ebbets Field.

Thanks, this is the type of info I have been needing to know before we go! Does anyone else agree or disagree with this?

I have heard the the Polo Grounds Apartments were very rough, but I don't know a lot about the Brooklyn area where Ebbets Field used to be!

I guess the Flatbush area is the same as it was 50 years ago or is it worse?

[VIBaseball]

Originally Posted by CAV

I don't know a lot about the Brooklyn area where Ebbets Field used to be!

I guess the Flatbush area is the same as it was 50 years ago or is it worse?

I don't know if I'd call it a toilet, but the old Ebbets neighborhood is not particularly attractive, and the modest plaque is not much of a draw in itself. I don't think you'll really summon up the old spirits.

I'd say Flatbush today is...different. There's a very strong Caribbean flavor -- Jamaican, Haitian, other cultures -- that wasn't there in decades past. If you like that kind of food, great. There are lots of other things to enjoy about Brooklyn too, but if it's baseball you want, you'll be going to Coney Island to see the Cyclones. Your son could then enjoy the aquarium and maybe the amusement park too.

[BasEbaLlKnoItAll]

Originally Posted by CAV

Thanks, this is the type of info I have been needing to know before we go! Does anyone else agree or disagree with this?

I have heard the the Polo Grounds Apartments were very rough, but I don't know a lot about the Brooklyn area where Ebbets Field used to be!

I guess the Flatbush area is the same as it was 50 years ago or is it worse?

Flatbush isnt really a place i'd reccomend visiting. Not a very attractive area, like VI said. But its not extremely bad to the point that it, if you really want to go there, then go. Same for the Polo Grounds site. Not a place you'd catch me hanging out, but if you want to see the plaque, and maybe the plaque think on the spot where Willie Mays made "The Catch", then go for it.

As for the game, which set are you going to? The set in Queens at Shea or at the Stadium?

I've never flown out of La Guardia, so I cant help you there, sorry.

I dont know what cemetary in Brooklyn you're talking about, but it sounds cool. Also, if you're renting a car, you can go out into Westchester (Valhalla/Hawthorne) and go to the cemetary (Gates of Heaven Cemetary) where Babe Ruth and Billy Martin are buried. Its right near Westchester Medical Center, and before I had to go and have surgery there over the summer I stopped at the cemetary. Prety cool, the tombstones are both very nice, and pretty close to each other. Gates of Heaven is a beautiful cemetary.

I, personally would probably take the train to Boston, as I hate long drives (and trust me, that drive is no fun), but it really doesnt matter. Both would work if you ask me.

Originally Posted by DodgerBlue8188

I could use some info for this topic too. I'll be going to a Yankees game in the summer. I'll be staying in Manhattan. What subway can I take to that game?

The main line for Yankee Stadium is the 4. Although I know two others go there as well.

Originally Posted by CAV

I stumbled upon the Chinatown bus by doing a web search for a cheap way to get to NYC to Boston. Is this bus safe? It's only $15.00 a ticket and it is about as fast as the Acella Amtrak Train! I have read where you might sit next to a cage full of chickens being transported from one Chinatown to the next!

lol, I would probably stick with Amtrak if you ask me. But hey, it may be worth a shot lol.


I hope you enjoy your trip. Is this just for baseball, or do you plan on checking out more things in the city as well? If you want any restuarant reccomendations or anbything like that just ask, and im sure us New Yorkers and Bostonians would be willing to help.

[CAV]

Originally Posted by BasEbaLlKnoItAll

I hope you enjoy your trip. Is this just for baseball, or do you plan on checking out more things in the city as well? If you want any restuarant reccomendations or anbything like that just ask, and im sure us New Yorkers and Bostonians would be willing to help.

Yes, it's mainly for baseball, Mets, Yankees, and BoSox. In NYC we will check out the usual tourist sites, Ground Zero, Empire St. Bld., Statue of Liberty, etc.

Sure, anything that will give us the local flavor I'm all for it! Going to the chain restaurants is not my cup of tea. When in Rome do what the Romans do! What can you recommend in both cities?

I think we are going to take the Acella Amtrak Train to Boston and back. Something we haven't done before so it will be a new experience.

[Donnybrook @ Second base]

Go to the "Top of the Rock" at Rockefeller center, it is a great experience.

[1995hoo]

To respond to the original post about LaGuardia, the easiest option in my experience is to catch a cab to the Jackson Heights/Roosevelt Avenue stop on the Queens Boulevard IND (which is also the 74 St-Broadway stop on the IRT Flushing Line). For reference for an out-of-towner, the Queens Boulevard line is underground, shown in blue, orange, yellow, and light green on the map, and includes the E, F, G (sometimes), R, and V trains; the Flushing Line, which is elevated, is shown in purple on the map and is the 7 train. After you buy your MetroCard and go through the turnstile you have the choice of going upstairs for the IRT or downstairs for the IND.

I can give you better directions if you post where you plan to stay. I assume you will have luggage and that you would not be going directly to either stadium.

Driving to Boston makes no real sense, especially if you have never been there. I am a fan of taking Amtrak's Acela, which is their high-speed train. It's a lot more pleasant than flying and it eliminates the nuisance of going back out to LaGuardia. (It is a bad idea, in my opinion, to take the subway to go to LaGuardia because you may not be able to find a cab when you get off the train, and you do not want to rely on the buses if you are not from New York.)

[TJH1923]

This is an example of what I was writing about in my earlier reply: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/crim...p-355064c.html

Enjoy your trip.

[CAV]

Originally Posted by TJH1923

This is an example of what I was writing about in my earlier reply: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/crim...p-355064c.html

Enjoy your trip.

I get your message. Well, as soon as school is out we'll be going on the trip! Thanks for the advice!

[CAV]

Our trip is approaching so I have a few questions to ask. What's the fastest way to get to Yankee Stadium from JFK? Like what subway line is the fastest! We need to find a place to store our luggage somewhere before the game. Are there lockers at Penn Station, Grand Central Station, or somewhere else to store our lugguge while we are at the game?

[bigworm_122]

Originally Posted by CAV

Our trip is approaching so I have a few questions to ask. What's the fastest way to get to Yankee Stadium from JFK? Like what subway line is the fastest! We need to find a place to store our luggage somewhere before the game. Are there lockers at Penn Station, Grand Central Station, or somewhere else to store our lugguge while we are at the game?

i know the bolwing alley across from yankee stadium has a bag check, but i don't know if i would trust them with luggage. i would suggest trying to check into your hotel before the game, if you have a chance

[pesky6]

Originally Posted by CAV

In the summer I am making my first trip to N.Y. and Boston. I could use some info on making the trip better. I am also taking my 11 year old son with me.
So, to those who know.

What's the best way to get to the subway system from LaGuardia?
I see Kennedy has a stop, but I don't see one for the old airport.

Is it better to take the train (Amtrak) than to rent a car and drive to Boston?

In N.Y. we want to visit where Ebbets and the Polo Ground used to stand. Any advise on this?

There is a cementary in Brooklyn where a lot of early baseball founders are buried. It would be great baseball history lesson for my son. Is this an advisable thing to do?

While in N.Y. we will see a Mets and Yankee game while trying to see the regular tourist sites. In Boston we will have time only for the BoSox game.
So are there any great things to see around Fenway before and after the game?

Well, if you want to make your trip better, I would suggest skipping NY altogether Seriously, NYC is great. I would recommend getting down to Times Square.

As far as Boston goes. . . sorry efin98, but there's lots to see and do in Beantown. Quincy Market is a favorite stop, and if you love Italian food, take a short walk to the North End. You won't be disappointed.

If you're interested, take the Red Line to Harvard Square. The Border Cafe is awesome if you like spicy food. Their jambalya is awesome! Or if BBQ is your thing, take the Red Line just a little further north to Davis Square and try Redbones. Everyone I've taken there has said that it's the best BBQ they've ever had.

If you're interested in other things, send me a PM.