This series has brought two former NL Central rivals back together. The Astros were violently ousted from our great division back in 2009. Sure, they've had more success than the Pirates since then because they tanked for a good four years. But one thing they can’t claim victory over us is having a better short porch. The Clemente Wall is far superior to the Crawford Boxes. But let's try to keep an open mind. Time for the tale of the tape.
Behind the Wall: Behind the Crawford Boxes is Crawford Street in Houston. Nothing seems to be special about Crawford Street in Houston other than Daikan (formerly Minute Maid) being located there. And technically, it’s indoors so it’s not even part of the same ecosystem. Behind the Clemente Wall is the greatest river in the history of the planet, the Allegheny. And the Allegheny Riverwalk is such a lovely stroll with the best skyline in America. You can also sit out there and wait for baseballs.
Clemente Wall 1 Crawford Boxes 0
Wall Height and Distance: The Clemente Wall is 21 ft high and 320 ft at its shortest. The Crawford Boxes are 19ft high and 315 ft at its shortest. So it’s very clear that the Astros are trying to boost their home run numbers artificially. Those are Little League dimensions for the Crawford Boxes.
Clemente Wall 2 Crawford Boxes 0
Gimmicks: Okay, the train is cool.
Clemente Wall 2 Crawford Boxes 1
Location in the Park: The Crawford Boxes are in left field and The Clemente Wall is in right field. It’s a tie.
Names: Clemente Wall vs Crawford Boxes. This is hands down going to us. Clemente is named after the greatest right fielder ever. There’s is named after a street?! And Pittsburgh once had a Negro League baseball team called the Pittsburgh Crawfords. I think we get two.
Clemente Wall 4 Crawford Boxes 1
Significant Home Runs: They’re lucky Russell Martin didn’t bat lefty. Just for fun, Davis’ Grand Slam last night or Pujols NLCS go ahead off Brad Lidge up on the tracks, which was cooler?
Clemente Wall 4 Crawford Boxes 2
Trash Can Receptacles: On the Clemente Wall there are none until you come down to the concourse. At the Crawford Boxes, they all have their individual trash cans and they bang on them the whole game. It’s almost like a code or something.
Clemente Wall 4 Crawford Boxes 3
Well there you have it. It was a tight and open minded race but the Clemente Wall is the better short porch. You can’t argue otherwise.
Let’s get this series win tonight! Go Bucs!
