That’s it exactly,** Jasmine**. Games are very cheap, and they have an altogether friendlier feel than Major League games. They even had free child care. And we got free shirts.
Beer was still expensive, though.
The best ballpark I have been to ever is GPU Stadium, home of the Reading Phillies. Old-school charm, bargain seat and food prices, great variety and tasty stuff to eat, just an all-around cool experience. They even have a pool behind the outfield fence like in arizona now!
Reading is wonderful indeed–though when I was there it was still called Municipal Memorial. I also like the Durham Bulls’ ballpark, though I went there when they were still single A and haven’t been inside since the expansion.
I have been to quite a few minor league parks, though, and can honestly say that I have never been to a lousy one.
It’s true that in the lower levels of the minors the level of play often leaves something to be desired. I watch 6-8 short-season Class A games a year, have for about 7 years now, and the number of wild pitches, baserunning blunders, and fielding gaffes on bunts is…well, large. And there’s no such thing as a routine ground ball to short.
Still, it doesn’t matter. The atmosphere’s what counts.
Oklahoma Redhawks. Great new stadium, cheap tickets, okay team. John Rocker just got sent down from the Rangers, so THAT ought to be entertaining. Oh yeah, and a great big statue of Mickey Mantle in front of the park.
Used to be the Oklahoma 89’ers, which was a historical reference to the great land run of 1889 when we ONCE AGAIN broke our word to the Indians who had just gotten over the trail of tears . . . but that’s another thread. Anyway, when they changed the name to Redhawks, they picked the wrong bird. The state bird of Oklahoma is the scissor-tail FLYCATCHER! How could they pass that up???
djwalker, I’ve seen the Redhawks play the Memphis Redbirds many times.
For those who are curious: Today the Memphis Redbirds lost to the New Orleans Zephyrs, 6-8. Good game, though, and I got some wicked photos.