Bring along the ball glove to San Diego

Take me out to the ballgame? How about taking yourself there by strolling across a sky bridge from your hotel?

That’s what guests at the Omni San Diego Hotel will soon be able to do, thanks to an 80-foot link from the hotel’s fourth floor to turnstiles at Petco Park, new home of the San Diego Padres. The park hosted its first game March 11, and the hotel is set to open April 7.

The 511-room high-rise will cater to ball fans in other ways too. It’s filled with game memorabilia, stretching back to the 19th century. Highlights include Joe DiMaggio’s cleats from 1941, the year the New York Yankee slugger hit safely in 56 consecutive games; Babe Ruth’s 1932 American League contract with the Yankees; and numerous stars’ baseballs.

Twelve guest rooms afford a view of the diamond, although not of the pained grimace on a player’s face when he’s tagged out. That’s because these rooms are on the 16th to 21st floors. (Most rooms face away from the ballpark.)

During games, some guest rooms “definitely will get some noise” from the roar of the crowd and triumphal music below, although “it won’t be loud,” said Ed Netzhammer, the hotel’s general manager. Park officials measured the decibel levels and adjusted the music accordingly, he said.

Affording a break from baseball, about half the rooms have balconies with views of San Diego’s bay, Netzhammer said. The hotel also has an outdoor terrace with pool and bar, a McCormick & Schmick’s seafood restaurant and a fitness center (without a spa).

On the top 11 floors of the 32-floor building are 36 condominiums, from 1,587 to 9,000 square feet. Since being put on the market in May 2002, all have sold, for prices ranging from $1.2 million to $9 million, a project spokeswoman said.

So why the baseball theme? It could have something to do with the hotel’s co-owner (with Omni): JMI Realty, whose parent company is controlled by Padres owner John Moores.

Published room rates start at $329 per night, corporate rates at $279. There are also packages that combine a stay at the hotel with Padres tickets and other extras. (619) 231-6664, www.omnihotels.com.