I’ve been blessed to have enjoyed a game at every MLB ballpark, as well as hundreds of collegiate, minor league, independent league and ballparks outside North America. And in my early ballpark traveling days, I also made my share of mistakes. By adhering to these five tips below, you will maximize the enjoyment of your journey — and also come home with more money in your wallet.

1. Set a realistic daily budget — and stick to it
Yes, ticket prices, like at the new Yankee Stadium, are outrageous. But 2009 is also a tremendous buyer’s market. As a consequence, if you stick to a realistic daily budget, don’t be surprised if you make out better than you imagined. If $20.00 is all you can afford to spend per game on tickets, then balance this budget against your maximum limits on parking, food concessions and souvenirs. Separately, set a realistic non-game daily budget for transportation, lodging, meals and entertainment, including visiting neighborhood watering holes near each ballpark.

2. Take advantage of freebies and great deals — they’re out there
If you’re driving to each ballpark, you will find free street parking within walking distance of virtually all of them, although you’ll have to arrive plenty early to assess your options. Just remember, perception is reality.

Don’t leave any valuables showing — put them in your trunk or leave them at your hotel. If you have a maximum of $10 per game budget for parking, use the savings toward purchasing better tickets — or saving it for later in your trip when you need it. As an entertainment product, MLB is not immune to the current economic downturn, which is why teams are offering deals on tickets and concessions.

For example, the Padres debuted a “5-for-5 value deal” this season where fans can buy a hot dog, soft drink, popcorn, peanuts and candy for $1 each. Many clubs are also offering discounts on team merchandise. Look for these deals on the official Web sites of every MLB team, or if you can’t get online, ask at the ballpark ticket window or telephone the club. Remember, it’s a buyers market.

3. Don’t rush, instead, realistically manage your time
One of the biggest mistakes fans on a ballpark tour make is poorly managing their time. They think they’ve allowed enough time to park and get inside the ball yard when, in fact, they didn’t because they’re in unfamiliar territory. If you’re planning to catch a 7 p.m. game, for example, get to the ballpark at least an hour before first pitch versus sitting in traffic, frustrated that you’re wasting time instead of enjoying your time. You won’t be bored, believe me. Virtually all MLB ballparks have plenty of pre-game sights and sounds to entertain you, to say nothing about catching a home run ball during batting practice or perhaps even an autograph or two.

The Yankees have Monument Park. The Mets have the Jackie Robinson Rotunda. Detroit has a Ferris Wheel. The Braves, Diamondbacks, Rangers and others have museums, or mini-museums, inside their ballpark. Pre-game is also a great time to roam around the concourses and get familiarized with different sightlines and aspects of the ballpark, as well as unique concessions. Later in the game, especially if it’s a rout or poorly attended, try to move to better seats you discovered during pre-game, whether behind the dugout, down the lines or elsewhere. Other ballparks are worth enjoying early because of their neighborhood ambience, like Fenway Park or Wrigley Field. And still others have unique pre-game traditions, like tailgating at Miller Park. Keep in mind, some teams may not take batting practice on day games after a night game.

4. Don’t forget your ballpark traveling supplies
Unless you smooch with an usher (and I mean, really, really smooch), don’t forget your cell phone; camera and any associated batteries; jacket; and sunglasses in your car after you’ve already entered the ballpark. They don’t sell cameras at ballparks. Also, make sure you have enough cash before you enter the ballpark. Otherwise, you may find yourself standing in a long line missing an inning or two trying to use the one and only ATM kiosk near your seating area.

5. Hope for the best, plan for the worst
Plan as much as your can, but expect the unexpected. You can’t control the uncontrollable like a bad traffic accident on the highway that’s got you stuck in traffic and behind schedule. Or if the weather turns sour, a dreaded rainout — or rain delay.

Contact the visitors’ bureau in every MLB city and have them mail you a guide to their city, complete with maps, plus discounts and deals on attractions, restaurants and more. Don’t let the rainy days give you the blues, as there are plenty of great baseball and sports-themed museums in MLB cities like the Negro Leagues Museum in Kansas City, plus others in Boston, New York, San Diego, Baltimore and elsewhere. With an open mind and the right attitude, the trip of the lifetime has your name written all over it.

Joe Connor is a freelance writer who annually updates an online travel planning guide, “A Fan’s Guide To The Ultimate Ballpark Tour: Fully Loaded!” which is available for purchase exclusively at his Web sites: http://www.modernerabaseball.com and http://www.mrsportstravel.com.

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