I Love the Minors!!

[Murphy03]

Earlier this season, I made a post about an outstanding experience that me, my son, and his best friend had at a Fresno Grizzlies game. The stadium is only about 20 minutes away and it is very accessible. Since my first post, we have been to roughly 6 games and I have learned to appreciate the minors for who they are; a group of hopefuls that appreciate the game of baseball and the fans that support them. Before this season, I was never really a fan of the minors but have come to enjoy the atmosphere and attitude of the game at that level. At the last home stand, I caught my first foul ball which is something my son has been wanting to happen at every game. I have also found players from both teams are friendly for the most part and don't mind chatting for a second. Here are some pics from this season so far and I hope everyone has a great summer!!

Chukchansi Park



Franklin Stubbs auto



Phil Nevin auto



Joe Panik auto



The Foul Ball (Pitcher-Edwin Escobar/Fresno--Batter-Johnny Giavotella/Omaha)



Grizzlies OF Chris Dominguez



The boys and their autographs



Grizzlies C Tyler LeTorre with my son Marcus(left) and his best friend



Grizzlies OF Gary Brown with Marcus, his best friend, and his cousin

[jarends]

I go to this park several times a season. It's a really nice stadium except for the Fresno heat during the summer.
--Jeff

[87hokie]

FRANKLIN STUBBS!!!
Anyway I have also found that the Minor League venues ARE ALL THAT! I am glad your experience was the rule rather than the exception.

I live in Richmond VA and was disappointed when the Braves pulled there AAA team out. We now have the Richmond Flying Squirrels! the AA affiliate of the SF Giants! and their fan support is even better.

Minor league parks have to sell the ballpark experience NOT the specific team...while a team may draw a crowd they may pull out the next season and be replaced by another franchise. The parks are successful because they are giving fans a fun experience.

Anyway - I have met Stubbs once or twice when he was in the Braves organization as a minor league coach. I have on of his jerseys from when he was a Hokie and was able to get it signed when the Braves moved to Disney... Super nice guy.

Le

[azdbacks1998]

I too had a huge love for minor league baseball (still do, just dont get to see it anymore). We had the Sidewinder's (Diamondbacks AAA team) here in Tucson for the majority of my younger, single days so I was able to attend at LEAST 2-3 games a week!! They've since moved the team to Reno, then MLB spring training moved to the Phoenix area....baseball has pretty much abandoned Tucson!

At least there's always baseball a couple hours away where I can see my Dbacks play still.

Thanks for the pics, brought back some good memories!...looks like the boys had fun too!

[ucffans]

We have the Augusta Greenjackets (Single A of the Giants). I saw Chris Dominguez a few years ago. He was our stud about 2 years ago. You want to talk about long shots, the single A guys are even MORE of a long shot.

[schwood]

We are pretty fortunate in New England honestly.

In Manchester we have the Fishercats. AA for the Blue Jays.
In Lowell, MA, we have the Spinners. A for the Red Sox.
In Portland ME, we have the Seadogs. AA for the Red Sox. They are stacked with good young prospects.
In Pawtucket, RI, we have the Red Sox. AAA for the Red Sox.

So, there is a lot of pretty close Minor League baseball in the area. Hard for an adult male to get much in terms of Autos though. They all think that we are out to make money on the autos. But, the experience is the best.