"I believe in the church of baseball..."

In 1988, arguably the best baseball movie of all time hit theaters, and an instant classic was born. Of course I’m referring to Bull Durham (and this is not a review, so while you’re welcome to disagree, we’re not going to debate the brilliance of the film for the purposes of this post). Now, some people (ME, I’m talking about me…) might have loved it so much that they saw it on multiple separate occasions, until they could possibly quote large chunks of dialogue along with the characters while watching (to the delight—um “incredible annoyance”—of their viewing companions. Hypothetically…)

Furthermore, for some of us the allure of the fictional team on the big screen was further enhanced by the fact that we knew the Durham Bulls—and their iconic stadium--actually existed in real life. And for my family in particular, the thrill ran even deeper, since the genuine Bulls played at that time in the Single-A Carolina League, which also included our own hometown Frederick Keys. Finally, as if that weren’t enough to cause fangirl palpitations, Durham, North Carolina is only a couple hours’ drive from where I grew up, so…take my well-documented passion for exploring, mix it up with America’s pastime, and throw in (ha! sorry…) the potential for a sister road-trip. Is it any wonder the idea of a…Minor League Pilgrimage…took shape? 

That’s how, in the early ‘90s, two intrepid young women crafted their own version of a barnstorming Tour of the South, visiting the Lynchburg Red Sox and the Salem Buccaneers to go along with the aforementioned celebrity squad. Our mission took on somewhat of an urgent tone when we discovered that the storied DAP (Durham Athletic Park, which provided the cinematic backdrop for the movie ) was scheduled to be replaced by a swanky new facility, designed to draw a AAA-level Major League affiliate.

Thus we set out brimming with excitement and anticipation about setting foot in such a historic building and witnessing the Durham Bulls on their fabled field. And honestly, the whole adventure struck me as somewhat surreal—from the moment we drove up to the gates and gasped in awe as we recognized the surroundings from their motion picture fame, to taking our seats reverentially in the stands, to gazing appreciatively out at the famous scoreboard and painted bull who sternly overlooks the outfield wall. It was….a LOT of feelings, y’all.

Whew! Okay, fast forward to the present, when Team WestEnders nowadays actually resides oh, about 13.7 miles (nope, that’s exact, I looked it up…) from the sparkling DBAP (Durham Bulls Athletic Park)—gorgeous home of the AAA Tampa Bay Rays. Since moving to Chapel Hill almost 6 years ago, we’ve attended plenty of games, which are always wildly entertaining and thoroughly worth the effort.

But…folks…it was only LAST WEEK that I picked up on social media that…not only does the DAP STILL STAND…but it’s currently utilized by both a local university and High School for their home contests. I mean…I can’t…even…HOW DID I NOT KNOW THIS? I guess I assumed they’d torn it down, but it never even occurred to me to check. So naturally, once I’d somewhat recovered from my shock and remorse at having missed this very important bit of information, I felt a profound sense of calling to go pay homage to it in person.

Fortunately it was a far shorter trip than the first time, all those years ago (16.7 miles, if you’re curious). Not having a clue as to where the heck I was going, I followed the GPS’s guidance to wind my way through the streets of Durham, noting as I did so the interesting combination of glittery skyscrapers, modern apartment structures, and eclectic small businesses that had—I’m assuming slowly, over time—grown up into a quirky, appealing neighborhood surrounding the park.

And then, suddenly, there it was, in all its gracefully-aged glory. Seriously, it has clearly been carefully and lovingly maintained; in fact, it looked just as I remember it…except soooo much smaller! Right off the bat (ha! sorry…eh, not really…) I was astonished to see that there were even uniformed players inside the fence, warming up for a game. But it was a super-bummer that fans (or, you know, spying tourists) weren’t allowed inside, due to the stupid COVID. And while I totally get that, in light of the social distancing restrictions and whatnot…I’m also 100% willing to come back and pay for a ticket to an NC Central vs…whoever…matchup, to wander around the venue one more time and complete my full Walk Down Memory Lane! 

As it was, I traced a few circles around the perimeter, snapping photos, drinking in the atmosphere, and reveling in nostalgia. It truly is a little gem of a ballpark, and I’m inordinately pleased that not only did the city decide not to demolish it, but also that another generation of baseball enthusiasts is getting to experience its unique charms. During my stroll, the timeless words of Crash Davis sprang to mind, “I’m just happy to be here. Hope I can help the ball club…I just want to give it my best shot, and the good Lord willing, things will work out.” 

This rings true for the DAP, where in its presence you get the sense that the baseball gods are looking out for one of their favorite places. So let’s hear it for an OG field of dreams--long may she provide a playground for athletes to “…throw the ball…hit the ball…catch the ball”…but hopefully not to be lollygaggers!