Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Minor league Mayberry

We observed the first Monday of "spring" break with a minor league baseball game. If you've never done this with your kids, it's totally worth it even if you have less than zero interest in baseball (as I do). It's way easier than a major league game, in terms of parking, stadium size, and cost (and in our case it's at least 90 miles closer to home than the nearest major league park). The ballpark closest to us is clean and very kid-friendly; it even has a playground.

Plus, the goofy activities and cheesy (more on that later) promos are nonstop. Kids can't get bored by the slow pace of baseball when pretty much every inning includes a giveaway, race, or contest.

And when you are freezing your butts off in the bottom of the 5th you can just pack it in and go home, no harm done.

Brrrrrr.

Free baseballs! (Note empty seats. A staffer we talked with was so pleased we were there he handed each child a real! baseball!)


We win a cheesy giveaway (afraid to actually eat them, so far).

I'm telling you, the excitement NEVER STOPS: a cannon that looks like a bratwurst on a bun and shoots packages of brats out into the crowd.

14 comments:

Jennifer (ponderosa) said...

Bratzooka? Well, that's finally convinced me. I am moving to the midwest!

Mayberry said...

AND, Jennifer, that was the SECOND giveaway of smoked meat products during the 5 innings we were there.

Melisa Wells said...

I LOVE minor league baseball. We have a field about 25 minutes from our house and always go to a couple of games each year. They might be hokey, but they are WAY cheaper than the big leagues and they're actually more fun for the entire family! :)

Binkytowne said...

Didja win one? A pack of brats? Awesome. You clearly needed something to wash down the cheese curds!

Mrs. Wheezer said...

I love minor league baseball!

Kate said...

LOL! Funny they were shooting meat at you. Only where you live would they be shooting brats into the audience. Love it!

nonlineargirl said...

I love minor league baseball. Maybe not when it is freezing, but you are clearly of heartier stock than I am.

the mama bird diaries said...

That looks seriously cold. But fun!

Lady M said...

A Bratzooka? Without photographic evidence, I wouldn't have believed that!

Farmers Wifey said...

Brrrrr so cold! We are coming into winter here in Australia, so you have reminded me to get our warm clothes out! Cheers Michelle

apathy lounge said...

My middle son played baseball from 2nd grade until he graduated from high school last year. You're singing my song!

Kirsetin Morello said...

I am the last baseball fan on earth. Despite being an athlete, and loving many sports, I just can't catch the spirit for that never-ending game.

But minor league ball is so cheap! So easy! Such a kid-pleaser! I'm right there with you on this one. I won't be a regular, but I'm good for at least one game every spring.

Go mom!

JGH said...

Great idea - don't know why I never thought to do this. Yankee Stadium is such a nightmare.

Girlplustwo said...

now see, this is just fun.