Last week, I wrote about my recent trip to Houston, which included talking about travel with several baseball players and coaches. Steve Grande, media relations coordinator for the Houston Astros, was a tremendous help in GT gaining access to the field.

When discussing their favorite cities to visit during the baseball season, some of our interview subjects immediately picked their hometowns. Mets manager Jerry Manuel named Atlanta, and Astros infielder Geoff Blum picked San Diego. While I can’t argue with that logic (family, friends and home-cooked meals), I really tried to get everyone to go beyond.

Future Hall of Famer and Astros coach Jeff Bagwell said he liked Chicago because the people are so nice. Astros manager Brad Mills agreed with Chicago and added it is a very clean city. Astros All-Star outfielder Hunter Pence thought for a few seconds and named Chicago as his favorite. He mentioned the food and fun available there. Fellow Astros All-Star outfielder Michael Bourn agreed with Pence on all fronts. Matt Lindstrom, who started his career in Florida and joined the Astros this year, also said Chicago, and his reason was simple. He loves Gibson’s Steakhouse. Astros outfielder Jason Michaels continued the Chicago trend, but listed San Francisco and Houston as other favorites. Michaels said he was grateful for baseball, because it allowed him to spend time in so many great cities. Astros coach Jamie Quirk likes Boston and New York. Quirk noted the history, the beauty and, of course, the food.

We switched to the other side of the field, and got more love for Chicago from Mets outfielder Jeff Francouer. Frenchy said Chicago because the day games allow the players to see the city at night. He added the restaurants in Chicago are great. Mets infielder Mike Hessman took a more practical approach when he mentioned San Francisco and Philadelphia. Hessman says he loves playing in those ballparks. Mets coach Razor Shines gave us the surprise of the day when he said Montreal (although they no longer house a baseball team). Shines talked about the friendliness of the people and the beauty and class of the city.

I always find it interesting to hear the thoughts of these well-traveled people. I hope you do, too.

— John Wroblewski, distribution specialist