We love taking in a ball game when we
travel during the summer. Here are a few
out-of-town ball parks we’ve visited in recent years:
The Traverse City (Michigan) Beach Bums set down their blankets at the city’s new Wuerfel Park in 2006. The minor league team is in the Frontier Independent Professional Baseball League. Frontier League organizers originally conceived of the league as a way for cities that might not have a chance to land an affiliated minor league team to have professional baseball. Frontier League players can sign with any major league team, unlike a farm team affiliated with a specific major league club.
Games can be a leisurely affair as the
pitching tends to be a bit slower than that in the AAA minor league or in major
league baseball. But the relaxed pace lends itself particularly well to
enjoying a picnic on a blanket in the grassy seating area around the outfield or
eating a freshly cooked burger from one of the grills stationed around the
concourse.
Kids enjoy interacting with team mascots Suntan and Sunburn, and everyone enjoys the family-friendly ticket prices.
The
Toledo (Ohio) Mud Hens enjoy a long-term affiliation
with the Detroit Tigers’ organization, meaning Toledo baseball fans can catch emerging talents as they make their way through Detroit’s farm
system
to earn a place on a big league roster.
Toledo’s
Triple-A level status means fans enjoy a fast-paced game, with pitchers hurling
balls in excess of 90 mph, and fewer of the lengthy stoppages in play major
league fans suffer through to accommodate commercial breaks for televised
coverage.
The Mud
Hens take their nickname from a marsh bird that inhabited the area near the
team’s downtown
Fifth Third Field during the late 1800s. Today, it is one of
the most popular team names and mascots Muddy and his gal, Muddonna, entertain
crowds during games.
One of
the team’s best-known fans, Jamie Farr, appears on the ballpark’s big screen
doing public service announcements and promos. Toledo native Farr earned fame
portraying Corporal Maxwell Klinger in the popular television series M*A*S*H. Farr helped boost the team’s popularity when Klinger received a care package
of Mud Hens’ items during one episode, and cast
members began wearing Mud Hens hats and shirts during the shows.
Catch some major league baseball action
with the Cincinnati (Ohio) Reds at the Great American Ball Park.
The riverfront ball park, opened in 2003,
sports a panoramic view of the Ohio River and neighboring Kentucky. The park is
also a short walk from several downtown hotels and restaurants.
As always, team mascots Mr. Redlegs and
Gapper are on hand to entertain the crowds.
Make sure you seek out the Skyline Chili
concession and have a Skyline Cheese Coney (a hot dog smothered in Cincinnati’s
signature Skyline Chili and grated cheese).
© Dominique King 2008
Great pictures and interesting infomation. See you Monday, 8:00 Pm LOBSTER. Moo and Roo
Posted by: Vivian King | October 26, 2008 at 09:18 AM
Great pictures and interesting info. See you 8:00 PM Monday for LOBSTERE. MOO & ROO
Posted by: Vivian King | October 26, 2008 at 09:21 AM