Rust Belt Road Trip 2025
Four Cities, Seven Games and Another Baseball Adventure
It's funny how quickly one tour rolls into the next. Before long we were all heading back across the Atlantic, this time for our Rust Belt Road Trip, taking in some of the Midwest's most historic baseball cities.
This tour also happened to coincide with the FIFA Club World Cup, which made for a nice bonus. Whilst none of the cities on our itinerary were hosting matches, it was great being in the right time zone to catch the games in bars after baseball or back at the hotel. It added another layer to the trip, especially with a few football fans in the group.
As always, everyone arrived slightly differently. A few of us met up at Heathrow before the flight, whilst others joined from regional airports around the UK. Some had even built their own American adventures around the tour, including a couple of people who had started out in Chicago before meeting us in Cincinnati. By the end of the day though, we were all in the same place and ready for another week of baseball.
Our arrival into Cincinnati even provided an unexpected welcome. Whilst waiting for John Eccles, who was flying in from Atlanta to join us, we noticed a suitcase going round the baggage carousel with Elly De La Cruz's number on it. A couple of minutes later, the man himself appeared to collect it. At around six foot six, he wasn't exactly difficult to spot. We managed to grab a quick photo before he headed on his way, which wasn't a bad way to kick off the trip.
The rest of the evening was fairly relaxed. After checking into the hotel, we headed over to O'Malley's in the Alley to shake off a bit of the jet lag, grab a few drinks and catch up with the rest of the group. It didn't take long before the conversations turned to the week ahead, with everyone comparing stadium wish lists and looking forward to getting the tour properly underway.
Cincinnati
Our first full day gave everyone a chance to explore Cincinnati before the baseball. One of the things I really like about the city is how compact it is. Most places are easy enough to reach on foot, so after breakfast we wandered across the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge into Covington, Kentucky. Crossing into another state before lunch isn't something you get to do every day.
We ended up spending most of our time around MainStrasse Village, a lovely old German neighbourhood packed with independent bars and restaurants. After a drink at Max's Pizza Pub, we made our way over to Smoke Justis, one of Covington's best-known barbecue and bourbon spots. Safe to say nobody was leaving hungry. Great food, good beer (and bourbon) and a relaxed start to the tour before the baseball began.
Game 1
Cincinnati Reds vs Milwaukee Brewers
Great American Ball Park – Cincinnati, Ohio
Eventually it was time to head back across the river to Great American Ball Park. I've always thought this is one of the most underrated stadiums in Major League Baseball (having visited in 2025 which you can read more about here). The location overlooking the Ohio River is superb, the Reds Hall of Fame is well worth a visit and there's a fantastic choice of food and drink throughout the stadium. Prices are noticeably cheaper than many other MLB ballparks too, which certainly doesn't go unnoticed by our groups. The only surprise is that it doesn't attract bigger crowds.
The game itself certainly wasn't an offensive masterclass. Nine innings came and went without either side troubling the scoreboard, sending the game into extra innings. The biggest cheer of the night actually came thanks to a promotion when the Reds pitchers recorded their eleventh strikeout, everyone in attendance qualified for free pizza at a future game. The Brewers challenged the strike-three call, leaving the whole stadium waiting to see whether their pizza was about to disappear. Thankfully for the Cincinnati faithful, the call stood and the biggest celebration of the evening followed shortly afterwards.
Eventually the Brewers edged it 2-1 in extra innings, but one thing we couldn't leave Cincinnati without trying was Skyline Chili. It's one of those dishes that divides opinion, but you can't visit the city without giving it a go at least once.
After the game, it was back to O'Malley's in the Alley for one last drink before calling it a night. One city down, plenty more to come.
Detroit
The following morning it was time to leave Cincinnati behind and make the four-hour journey north to Detroit. We'd arranged a private transfer for the group, which turned out to be one of the best decisions of the trip. Our rather plush Sprinter van even had a table in the middle, making the journey feel far more sociable than simply sitting in rows. Apart from a quick comfort stop somewhere in the middle of Ohio, it was a straightforward drive and before long we were arriving into downtown Detroit.
After dropping our bags at the Fort Pontchartrain Hotel, we headed straight back out to explore. I have to admit, Detroit pleasantly surprised me. I'd heard plenty of different opinions before visiting, but the city centre was spotless, the architecture was fantastic and there was a real mix of beautifully restored historic buildings alongside modern developments. Everything felt spacious, relaxed and, above all, safe. It was a brilliant first impression.
With England playing Ghana in the FIFA Club World Cup that afternoon, we went in search of somewhere to watch the match before heading to the baseball. We initially tried Tin Roof, thanks largely to its excellent location close to Comerica Park, but it wasn't quite the atmosphere we were after. Instead, we ended up at Harry's Detroit Bar, which proved to be the perfect pre-game spot. Sadly, England didn't quite provide the entertainment, with the game finishing 0-0, but it was still a great way to build up to our second ballgame of the tour.
Game 2
Detroit Tigers vs New York Yankees
Comerica Park – Detroit, Michigan
Comerica Park is another stadium that doesn't always get the recognition it deserves. Sitting right in the heart of downtown Detroit, it has a brilliant backdrop and a really distinctive identity. Everything from the blue and orange colour scheme to the tiger statues and themed concourses gives it plenty of character. It's also one of the most family-friendly ballparks I've visited, with a Ferris wheel, carousel and plenty to keep younger fans entertained before first pitch. We also discovered several premium seating areas around field level that are open to fans at certain points during the game, giving everyone the chance to experience some fantastic views from around the stadium.
Not that we needed to move too much, as our own seats weren't exactly shabby. We were only five rows behind the dugout, giving us a superb view of everything unfolding on the field.
The game itself was an entertaining one. One of the standout moments came when Ben Malgeri made his Major League debut and recorded a hit on the very first pitch he faced. The ovation he received from the Detroit crowd was a lovely moment to witness and one of those occasions where everyone, regardless of which team they supported, was willing him on.
There was also plenty of British interest, with Jazz Chisholm Jr. going deep for the Yankees before New York eventually edged out the Tigers 4-3. It rounded off another excellent day and reinforced what many of us were already thinking. Comerica Park is a hugely underrated ballpark with some outstanding views, a great location and plenty to enjoy both inside and outside the stadium.
The following morning we swapped baseball for a bit of history and made the short journey out to Dearborn to visit The Henry Ford Museum. I can honestly say it exceeded every expectation.
Calling it a car museum doesn't really do it justice. Whilst the automotive displays are obviously a huge part of the attraction, the museum covers so much more than the history of Ford. It's packed with significant moments from American history and contains some genuinely remarkable artefacts.
Seeing the 1961 Lincoln Continental in which President John F. Kennedy was assassinated was incredibly thought-provoking, as was standing beside the very bus where Rosa Parks famously refused to give up her seat. The museum also houses the chair from Ford's Theatre in which President Abraham Lincoln was sitting when he was assassinated. To see these pieces of history in person was something that left a real impression on all of us.
There was plenty more to explore as well, from aviation and railways through to industrial innovation and even an enormous collection of Christmas decorations that, had my wife been with me, would probably have taken up most of our afternoon!
Game 3
Detroit Tigers vs New York Yankees
Comerica Park – Detroit, Michigan
Back in Detroit that evening, there was another opportunity for anyone wanting even more baseball and, unsurprisingly, the whole group decided to go again. This time we were treated to one of the game's very best pitchers, Tarik Skubal, taking the mound for the Tigers. We sat a little higher up in the stadium, which offered a completely different perspective and really showed off the Detroit skyline beyond the outfield.
Despite Skubal's presence, it was once again the Yankees who came out on top. Paul Goldschmidt did much of the damage with a pair of home runs as New York claimed a comfortable 4-2 victory.
By the end of our stay, Detroit had become one of the biggest surprises of the tour. Between the revitalised downtown area, the excellent museums, welcoming atmosphere and two enjoyable evenings at Comerica Park, it had completely won us over. It's a city I'd happily return to and, judging by the feedback from the group, I'm certainly not the only one.
Cleveland
After breakfast in Detroit, it was time for the second transfer of the tour as we made the relatively short journey across to Cleveland. At around two and a half hours, it was a much easier drive than the previous day and, before long, we were pulling up outside Hotel Indigo in downtown Cleveland. The location couldn't really have been any better, with Progressive Field just a couple of blocks away. Some of the group were even lucky enough to have rooms overlooking the ballpark.
Once we'd dropped our bags, the priority quickly became food. We'd all worked up an appetite on the journey, so headed straight to Mabel's BBQ on East 4th Street. Safe to say it didn't disappoint. The brisket was outstanding, the portions were generous and, in fact, we enjoyed it so much that we ended up going back the following day as well.
Whilst we were in the area, quite a few of us also wandered into Rally House, which turned out to be a dangerous discovery for anyone who enjoys sports merchandise. Compared to buying inside the stadium, prices were noticeably cheaper and the range was enormous, covering not only the Guardians but also the Browns, Cavaliers, college teams and plenty more. It quickly became one of the group's favourite shops of the trip.
Game 4
Lake County Captains vs Fort Wayne TinCaps (High-A)
Classic Auto Group Park – Eastlake, Ohio
After a bit of time back at the hotel, it was off to our first Minor League game of the tour as the Lake County Captains hosted the Fort Wayne TinCaps. I always enjoy including Minor League Baseball on our itineraries because it offers something completely different to the Major Leagues. The atmosphere is far more relaxed, there's much more interaction between the club and the fans and everybody involved seems determined to make sure you have a good time.
Lake County certainly didn't disappoint. It happened to be Bark in the Park night, meaning dogs were welcomed into the stadium and every time the Ring doorbell sound played over the speakers, dozens of dogs all started barking at once. It was completely chaotic, but absolutely hilarious.
The Captains also have plenty of quirky features around the stadium. There's a mini-golf course beyond the outfield, swinging cabana-style seating and perhaps most famously, the 'Toilet Row' seats, where fans literally spend the game sat on gold-painted toilets. We admired them from afar rather than booking them ourselves!
The baseball wasn't bad either. Lake County raced into a commanding lead during the opening few innings, helped by several towering home runs. One player who certainly caught the eye was Jace LaViolette, the Guardians' highly-rated prospect, who looks well worth keeping an eye on over the next few seasons.
One of the nicest moments of the evening came after the game when Bennett Thompson from the Captains spent some time chatting with our group and posing for photos. It's little interactions like that which sum up Minor League Baseball so well. Everyone is approachable, welcoming and genuinely pleased you've made the effort to visit.
By the end of the evening, it had once again reminded us why we enjoy including Minor League Baseball on our tours. It's a completely different experience to MLB, but one that our groups always seem to love.
The following morning was all about exploring Cleveland. We started by heading down to the waterfront to visit one of the city's famous Cleveland signs before making our way to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Even if you're only a casual music fan, it's an incredible place to visit. We ended up spending the best part of four hours wandering through the exhibits, taking in everything from Elvis Presley and The Beatles to Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones and Michael Jackson. Guitars, handwritten lyrics, stage outfits, awards and countless other pieces of music history are all housed under one roof. There was even an entire floor dedicated to Wings, which was a nice surprise. It's easily one of the best museums we've visited on any of our tours and well worth allowing plenty of time for.
Game 5
Cleveland Guardians vs Seattle Mariners
Progressive Field – Cleveland, Ohio
Eventually it was time to make the short walk over to Progressive Field for our first visit to one of baseball's most improved ballparks.
Friday nights in Cleveland come with a few extra perks. Before first pitch, fans could take advantage of $1 hot dogs and $2 Coors Light beers in the Right Field District, which unsurprisingly proved extremely popular. It made for a brilliant atmosphere before the game had even started and probably the cheapest evening of the entire tour.
Progressive Field was another pleasant surprise. I'd probably done the least research on this ballpark beforehand, but I came away really impressed. Recent renovations have transformed the outfield areas, creating plenty of social spaces, bars and standing-room viewing areas that all offer fantastic perspectives of the game. One of our favourite spots was the Terrace District in left field, where several members of the group ended up spending much of the evening with a drink whilst watching the action unfold.
Before first pitch, we also spent some time around the Guardians' Heritage Park and Hall of Fame area, learning more about legends such as Satchel Paige, Cy Young and Jim Thome. One of the other standout features of Progressive Field is just how close you can get to the bullpens. We found ourselves only a few feet away from Mariners reliever Andrés Muñoz during warm-ups, and I even managed to come away with a practice ball as a little bonus souvenir.
On the field, the Mariners eventually claimed a 3-1 victory behind a strong performance from Luis Castillo, with Colt Emerson providing one of the night's biggest moments with a home run before Muñoz closed things out for the save.
As if that wasn't enough, the evening finished with a spectacular fireworks display which lit up the Cleveland skyline and rounded off another excellent night at the ballpark.
Afterwards, we headed over to The Clevelander, where a few well-earned drinks accompanied more Club World Cup football on the televisions. It was a fitting end to another brilliant stop on the tour.
Pittsburgh
The following morning it was time for our third and final transfer of the tour. Thankfully, it was also the shortest, with the journey across Pennsylvania to Pittsburgh taking just a couple of hours.
The highlight of the drive came right at the end. As you approach downtown, the road disappears into the Fort Pitt Tunnel and, for a brief moment, you can't really see anything. Then, almost instantly, you emerge into one of the best city skylines anywhere in America. It genuinely took a few people by surprise and, in my opinion, it's the perfect way to arrive in Pittsburgh.
After checking into the EVEN Hotel Downtown Pittsburgh, we wasted very little time before making our way towards the ballpark. Walking across the Roberto Clemente Bridge with PNC Park sitting directly ahead is one of those baseball moments every fan should experience at least once.
Game 6
Pittsburgh Pirates vs Cincinnati Reds
PNC Park – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
PNC Park regularly features near the top of people's lists of favourite ballparks and it's very easy to see why. The skyline beyond the outfield is every bit as impressive as the photographs suggest, but it's the little touches around the stadium that also stand out. Statues of Pirates legends, nods to the club's history and a real sense of pride in Pittsburgh baseball all add to the experience before you've even found your seat.
The weather wasn't quite as welcoming. A rain delay pushed first pitch back, but thankfully it eventually cleared and, looking back, it was more than worth the wait.
This turned out to be one of the games of the entire trip.
It ebbed and flowed throughout, with Brandon Lowe providing one of the early highlights, whilst a few members of the group also kept one eye on England's Club World Cup match against Panama on their phones. The ending, though, was something none of us will forget.
With the Reds down to their final out in the ninth inning, and Eugenio "Geno" Suárez facing a two-strike count, he somehow launched a go-ahead opposite-field home run that completely stunned the Pittsburgh crowd. One moment the Pirates looked on course for victory, the next the Reds were celebrating a dramatic 9-7 lead before closing out the game. I've been lucky enough to watch a lot of baseball over the years and I honestly think it was one of the best finishes we've ever experienced on one of our tours.
Despite the unsettled weather, it was an unforgettable first evening in Pittsburgh.
The following morning we spent a little more time exploring the city before returning to the ballpark. Walking along the riverfront, we took in the Mr. Rogers Memorial before heading over towards Acrisure Stadium, learning more about Pittsburgh's sporting history along the way, including the site of the old Three Rivers Stadium and the famous Immaculate Reception.
Game 7
Pittsburgh Pirates vs Cincinnati Reds
PNC Park – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Back at the ballpark, the weather couldn't have been more different. Blue skies had replaced the previous evening's grey clouds and PNC Park looked even more spectacular in the sunshine.
This was another optional game for the group, but once again everyone decided to come along. With tickets available for less than $20, it felt impossible to turn down another opportunity to enjoy what is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful settings in baseball.
We spent a bit of time exploring different viewpoints around the stadium before finding seats behind home plate in the upper deck. For me, that has to be one of the finest views anywhere in the sport. Looking out over the Roberto Clemente Bridge, the Allegheny River and the Pittsburgh skyline whilst watching a Major League game is one of those proper 'pinch me' moments.
There were plenty of little moments throughout the afternoon too. We even bumped into Captain Jack Sparrow wandering around the concourse, which somehow felt perfectly normal by this point in the trip! John Spencer also finally treated himself to his first piece of merchandise of the week, opting for one of the Pirates' iconic pillbox hats.
On the field, the Pirates bounced back with a convincing 9-4 victory. Rylan O'Hearn provided much of the offence with two home runs, although another heavy rain shower briefly brought proceedings to a halt before play eventually resumed. Once the weather cleared, Pittsburgh finished the job with a couple more late home runs to send the home fans home happy.
After the game, there was only one place to finish our final evening in the city. Primanti Bros. has become something of a Pittsburgh institution and, after hearing plenty about it over the years, it certainly lived up to expectations. Sandwiches piled high with meat, fries and coleslaw probably aren't the healthiest way to round off a baseball tour, but they certainly tasted good.
Final Day
Although our flight back to London wasn't until later that evening, we still had most of the day to enjoy Pittsburgh.
The morning started a little earlier than planned thanks to an unexpected hotel fire alarm just after 6am, which saw everyone briefly standing outside wondering what was going on. Thankfully, it turned out to be nothing serious and before long we were back on track.
Our first stop was Point State Park, where the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers meet to form the Ohio River. It's a beautiful spot and the perfect place to take in one last view of the city before heading up to Mount Washington aboard the historic Duquesne Incline.
The views from the top are every bit as good as advertised. We spent a while taking photographs before enjoying a drink at Grandview Saloon, looking back across the city we'd spent the last couple of days exploring.
With a little more time to spare before heading to the airport, we finished the trip with a visit to the Heinz History Center. As well as telling the story of Pittsburgh itself, it also houses the excellent Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum and plenty of exhibits covering everything from Heinz to the city's industrial heritage. It rounded off our sightseeing perfectly before it was finally time to head to the airport for our direct flight home.
Wrapping Up
Seven games in seven days. Four cities. One Minor League ballpark. Countless miles on the road.
Looking back, this was probably the busiest itinerary we've put together so far, but everything came together exactly as we'd hoped. The weather behaved itself, the transfers all ran smoothly and, most importantly, we got to experience some fantastic baseball in four very different cities.
What really made the trip, though, was the group. Whether people had travelled with us before or were joining us for the first time, everyone got stuck in, got on brilliantly and embraced everything the itinerary had to offer. From Major League and Minor League baseball to museums, barbecue restaurants, merchandise shopping and the occasional late-night sports bar, it was another week full of great memories.
The Rust Belt might not be at the top of everyone's USA bucket list, but after spending a week there I'd happily recommend every stop on this tour. Cincinnati, Detroit, Cleveland and Pittsburgh each offered something completely different, and together they made for one of our favourite trips yet.
Another road trip complete... now it's time to start planning the next one.
