West Michigan White Caps- Fifth Third Ballpark

Grand Rapids Michigan has something really special going with their team.

The area gives a lot of support to the West Michigan White Caps.

The fans and the venue both have much more of a AA feel than an A feel. This is a nice, slick venue with a very modern atmosphere.

Plus, the White Caps are affiliate with the Tigers, who play just up the road.

These guys have had some attention over the past years because of unique food items (including a huge burger).

I had a nice pork sandwich and potato salad myself. It was really good.

I know this might sound odd, but I felt like this organization wanted to make everything "really good."

Let me explain a bit. I have been to some parks that have a unique museum or statue. Maybe they have a great gift shop. BUT, they might have a very mediocre menu selection. Sometimes parks are excellent in one area, but not so good in another.

That was not the case here. I felt that this team was just really well managed in every area. On a scale of 1-10, EVERY area was at least a 9. The staff was helpful and friendly. They have a well stocked gift shop with unique items. Parking was easy. I checked out their promotions schedule. It was packed.

If I had to take a non-baseball fan to a minor league park somewhere... anywhere... and I wanted them to have the best experience they could possibly have.... I would take them here.

Its a newer park and all, so obviously you wouldn't have the charming history of an older park, but you would have all of the modern comforts.

Even without the history of an older team, they still have signs up mentioning current MLBers who have played, in the past, for the White Caps.

Oh, and Grand Rapids is just a really nice area. They have a nice downtown area with the cool Gerald Ford Museum, and they have the Fred Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park (I will get reviews for those sites up on my other blog). Those attractions, along with the White Caps can justify a 7 day trip to Grand Rapids.

Wild Pitches

I am a huge fan of low level professional baseball. I really appreciate the drive of the guys at the lower divisions, hoping that they can keep climbing up. I especially love the unaffiliated minor leagues. It is still professional, but it is VERY low.

I recently read that a very unsettled Frontier League team out of Michigan (it has moved around and even operated as a travelling team) will be moving to London Ontario.

I am so excited about this move! The last time a Frontier League team was in that area, they had the all time coolest name in all of minor league baseball (they were the London Werewolves!). This team will be playing at the same historic field that the Werewolves occupied, Labatt Park.

I read an article recently about an amateur team that also occupies that facility. The team is upset about the new Frontier League team coming in to play their games, and ultimately to compete for the local fans attention.

A few local fans in the area did comment, and it appeared that they felt both teams deserved support.

I do hope that the amateur team continues to get lots of local support. I also hope that the baseball fans in London realize that a Frontier League team in their area is very cool and beneficial.

The Frontier league has evolved a great deal since the Werewolves pulled out of town a decade ago. The league is expanding, and the teams are drawing fans.

Personally, I have an affiliated team within a few miles of my house. I see that team 10-20 times a year. I drive a lot during the summer to catch other minor league teams. The closest Frontier League to me is an hour away. I go to several of their games each year too.

The Florence Freedom are about 70 miles from my house. I look forward to the weekend games when I have a moment to drive to the area for an evening game. The Florence area is nice. There are several book stores, sandwich shops, and a couple of other local businesses I visit while I am there.

I usually have 1-4 friends I meet for the games too, and we spent a lot of time in the Florence area. We also spend money.

I figure the local economy appreciates my time in the area. I appreciate the fact that Florence has a Frontier League team.

I have spent a lot of time (and money) in minor league towns. I know lots of other people that also visit minor league towns, and support the area businesses.

Off the top of my head, I know that the last two seasons I have supported the local economy in Kansas City KS, Washington PA, Bridgeport, CT, and York PA on road trips to see independent teams.

I have never driven out of the way to see an amateur team.

I hope London thinks about the benefits to their local economy (and, I think the town is thinking that way, as they have OK'd the team to come to town). There are minor league baseball fans out there that are going to come to your area and spent money because there is a professional team there.

Tony Packo's- Toledo OH

Tony Packo's, in a lot of ways is the signature of Toledo. If someone tells me they drove through town, I will always ask if they stopped there.

There are several locations in the Toledo area, but I always stop by the original, or the one right across from the ballpark. In fact, part of the Mud Hens experience, in my opinion, includes going to Tony Packo's before the game.

The restaurant is famous for it's autographed hot dog buns proudly displayed on the walls.

The restaurant across the street from the Mud Hens has a lot of baseball memorabilia displayed. It almost serves as a local baseball museum. They have some gorgeous panoramic photos of old parks in the area, and actual park relics on display.

And the food is tasty and unique. The vegetable soup is perfect. There is a taste to it that reminds me of Tabasco, but without the heat.

They care about the quality of their hot dogs too. In fact, they are some of the best around. I love hot dogs, and these are some of the best.

If you are traveling in or through Toledo, you have no excuse for not stopping here!

tonypackos.com

Here is a link to an older post of mine on my other blog:

kentuckytravels.blogspot.com/2010/02/tony-packos-toledo-ohio.html

Lansing Lugnuts

We took a moment to stop and see the Lansing Lugnuts on our recent road trip.

This is an interesting park in an interesting area.

This is one team that has taken the naming rights thing to an entirely new level. Try to say this without getting confused-

The venue formerly known as Oldsmobile Park is now known as Jackson Field at Thomas M. Cooley Law School Stadium. I have a feeling that locals are probably having a tough time saying it. More importantly, I bet locals are having a hard time remembering it. I am guessing that the park will still be called by it's old name, or the locals will simply generically say, "Lets go see the Lugnuts."

Hey, as a fan of minor league baseball I do try to take note of who has a sign up at the park. If a company is supporting minor league baseball, I do try to think about that.

Then again, I think about how cool it is that Victory Field in Indianapolis has proudly not sold it's naming rights. They are in a bigger market though, with a lot of local fan support.

Still, this is a nice little park that is fun. The staff was great.

Right across from the park are some nice condos and businesses. I have always had a fantasy of living in a nice little place like Lansing, directly across from a park.

I love cool art and cool baseball related statues, and the Lugnuts have them! One piece of art was hard to explain, but interesting.

Wild Pitches

Check out this witty article from Kevin Manahan and the Star-Ledger:

www.nj.com/njvoices/index.ssf/2011/09/mets-hurt-themselves-newark-by.html

The Yankees tried to move their AAA team to Newark for next year only, as their current top minor league team needs a new home since the park in Scranton-Wilkes Barre will be renovated during 2012.

The Mets objected, as they play within a close distance of Bears and Eagles Riverfront Stadium.

The Newark bears of the independent Can-Am league play there now (I am not sure of what their plans would have been if the AAA Yankees came to town).


This has been a great few days for baseball fans.... I hope your team(s) made it. Again, I am pulling for the Tigers, but I like all of the teams that made it this year...

I have mentioned that Cliff Lee is my guy too, so I hope he does well with the Phillies. Oh, did you read the article in Sports Illustrated this week about Cliff and Philadelphia? It is a nice article about the fans, and their relationship with Cliff and the other pitchers with the Phillies right now.

AND.... how can you not be inspired by the Rays? WOW! Joe Madden is simply the coolest guy in baseball these days.

Were you watching the various games on Wednesday night? TELL ME that the baseball gods do not exist..... I thought it was odd too that Red Sox fans everywhere were pulling for a Yankees victory! The Sox don't need another jinx.... They really just got over the curse.... Maybe a Ted Williams stamp could bring them some luck next season?

Ned Skeldon Stadium- Toedo OH

Ned Skeldon Stadium was the home of the Toledo Mud Hens from 1965-2002. I drove through the Maumee area recently, and had a few minutes to swing by and take some quick pictures.

I wasn't able to get inside, but I did get some photos from around it.

I asked someone near the park about getting in. I was told that a very nice guy keeps the place up, and does a good job. Schools still play there games on the field. I looked for the grounds keeper, but I could not find him.

Wild Pitches

Well, the minor league season is over. I know, you are also asking yourself, "what do I do now?"

Well, there is that whole MLB post season thing that is about to get going. I saw the Tigers at spring training this year, and I saw them in Detroit (and I visited 4 of their affiliated parks this season) so I am pulling for them right now.

One thing I noticed mentioned at the Frontier League web site recently. MORGAN BURKHART will be managing Windy City in 2012! If you are a fan of the league, this is a pretty big deal. Morgan has some time at the show under his belt, and he was the most dominant player in the league in the 90s.

David Cheadle

David Cheadle literally had a cup of coffee with the Braves, making it in to one game in Cincy, and one in Atlanta.

He sent me a very nice article recently about his career. He turned down a college scholarship to sign with the Yankees.

After hitting a wall out of frustration and breaking some bones, the Yankees dealt him to the Braves. His career highlight was striking out Pete Rose. In school, he pitched ridiculously, pitching the entire way of a 23 inning Babe Ruth league game, allowing 4 hits and striking out 49!

Bush Stadium Indianapolis Indiana

I recently came across this postcard from 1995. It has been roughed up in the mail, but it still looks good!

Not a lot of stuff out there on the old stadium. This postcard was postmarked 1995, and it says on the back:

"The Indianapolis Indians' move to a new stadium in 1996 will leave the venerable ballpark vacant. The city-owner of the 1931 Art Deco stadium- has opposed landmark status."

Parkway Field, Louisville, KY

This is a GREAT postcard of Parkway Field in Louisville, KY. Used from the 20s through the 50s by the old Louisville Colonels. I have had a tough time finding quality items relating to this park!

Stadium Journey

Hey! Check out stadiumjourney.com! Someone mentioned this one to me lately, and I really like it!

They review ballparks and other sports venues! It is very interactive, has some nice pics, and gives a lot more info than most sites on food, atmosphere, etc.

They have a nice rating system too! This will be a great resource for any minor league baseball (or any other sports fan) that enjoys a good sports road trip!

Joanne Gerace

I received a note from Joanne Gerace recently. Joanne had an association with author Roger Kahn, as the GM of the Utica Blue Sox.

She mentions the book by Kahn about her and the Blue Sox, called "Good Enough to Dream." Her literary association with Kahn puts her in GREAT company.

Joanne says, "Blue Sox Baseball was my job and passion."

She says that now her favorite team in the majors is the Yankees, and Posada is her favorite!

I will get a review of "Good Enough To Dream" soon!

Wild Pitches

Well, the minor league baseball season is pretty much over. I did make a quick road trip through Michigan, and saw the Tigers, Lugnuts, WhiteCaps, and Mud Hens!

The Mud Hens, obviously are in Ohio, but they are darn close to Michigan, and they have some strong connections to the state. I was glad to see that they are drawing some good crowds! Oh, and I had the chance to indulge in some Tony Packos!!!!

I know Toledo is not the usual family tourist stop, but Mud Hens baseball and GREAT dogs are the perfect combo for a road trip.

I have been to Comerica Park before, but this was my first chance to actually catch a game. The park has a great, lively field. Good friendly staff too! Detroit seems to be trying hard to shake its bad rep, and in general, they are doing a good job. Still, I walked about 3 blocks to get to the game, and I was harassed by various people asking for donations, change, and trying to sell stuff. This was my only negative experience in Detroit though, and it wasn't too bad.

There is an excitement there that reminds me of the vibe going through Pittsburgh a little over a decade ago. Locals seem to have more pride in the area and that is a plus. I hope (and believe) Detroit can pull out of their slump as a town.

The White Caps in Grand Rapids put on a great show! VERY friendly staff and good atmosphere. This area could support a AA or AAA team.

Michael Veeck

The legendary Michael Veeck sent me a nice, long letter recently! I was very glad to hear from this minor league innovator!

He tells me that his favorite minor league team is the St. Paul Saints, as he is very involved with that team right now.

His favorite major league team is the White Sox. His son is currently working for them!

Michael mentions that he has also worked for the Marlins, Tigers, and Rays.

His all time favorite players are Early Wynn and Larry Doby. Currently, Jim Thome is a favorite, and he says that Jim is a great home run champion.

Michael mentions Jim Bouton's "Ball Four" as a great book.

Thanks Michael! What a great note! I agree with everything! Jim Thome is such a great player with legit numbers! I became a fan back in my Cleveland days.

Bobby Freeman D-Back organist

If you have followed this blog for some time (again, thanks mom!) you know that I love corresponding with interesting people involved in baseball.

I sent a note to Arizona Diamondbacks organist Bobby Freeman not long ago, and he sent me one of the nicest responses. Thanks Bobby!

I did get his great CD, "Ballpark Hits." I love having ballpark organ music around, especially in December and January, when I am really missing a trip to the park. Please pick up the CD if you enjoy the sound of the organ at a game.

Jim Bouton- Ball Four

"Ball Four" is one of those great books that gets a lot of credit, but it probably deserves even more.

Bouton is so honest (not just about his teams, and teammates, but also about himself) you feel like you know him after reading the book. In my edition, in one of the update sections, he even suggests that the reader is sort of like family if they have read to that point. And you do feel for him and his relationships, especially with his family.

Reading the book now, in the 2010s, it almost seems odd that they book was controversial at one time. I can understand the books by Canseco, Rose, and McCarthy being controversial, but Bouton's doesn't feel that way to me.

Then again, I wasn't around when the book originally came out.

Reading about the Pilots during their year is great fun on its own. Reading about Jim's dealing with the Yankees, and shuffling between the majors and minors is fun too.

Jim Bouton is witty as heck. It is difficult to describe his humor, but it is original and unique.

Ed Hearn- Conquering Life's Curves

It is no secret that one of my all time favorite teams is the 1986 Mets (though, as history goes on, I find the Red Sox and Astros from that year just as fascinating and worthy of admiration- but I hated them back then).

The whole team was great. I remember the names of the all of them.

Ed Hearn was the catcher behind Carter, which made him pretty cool. AND, he was an 86 Met!

Ed jokes in his book about David Leterrman making a joke one night about how all of the 86 Mets put a book out. Dave jokingly mentions that even Ed Hearn has a book out. This was BEFORE Ed actually published his book.

Ed gets traded to the Royals in a trade that many consider very lopsided, with the Mets getting the better deal.

Ed has some physical problems and his career winds down more quickly than he expected.

He comes through a lot, and survives some very close calls, with the help of his wife and religion.

Ed receives a kidney transplant, and becomes a motivational speaker.

This is a really nice book (it reads a lot like Gary Carter's books). He keeps his head up through a lot, and seems grateful for all he has. The last chapter is the best, as he is able to connect to the family of the person who's kidney he receives.

Gary Ross 1968-1977

Gary Ross played in the majors from 1968-1977, spending time with the Cubs, Padres, and Angels.

I received a note from Linda Ross recently for Gary.

I asked Gary about his time with the Hawaii Islanders. Linda told me that Gary was on the All Star team for the Islanders, and he was the MVP of the game!

Gary was also in 2 books, "Cubs of 69" by Rick Talley and "Tales of the San Diego Padres" by Bob Chandler and Bill Swank.

Wild Pitches

I am still trying to squeeze in a few more games before the season is over!

Here are a couple of things you might enjoy....

Check out Ben's Blog this week (linked to the left side of the screen under my favorite baseball blogs). He has a fun video of Seals parachuting into Victory Field in Indianapolis!

Also, go to the Akron Aeros site. They have a contest going to rename the team! I am split on this one. They have been the Aeros for some time now.... but.... Aeros is kind of an iffy name. I kind of like the Rubber Ducks suggestion. They do have a cool Star Wars parody video promoting their upcoming fireworks night that is pretty cool. Check that out!

Stan Naccarato- Tacoma Washington Legend

Stan Naccarato has been involved with baseball in Tacoma for decades! He pretty much ran the franchise there forever! If you follow the PCL, or baseball in Washington, you know him!

He very kindly took a moment to let me know about his career recently.

I tells me that he wears World Series rings from the 89 and 90 A's, and the 78 Yankees. He received them as Tacoma had their AAA teams those years. He says that working with those teams was "top dog fun"!

He says that the Yankees and the Mariners are his favorites.

Chris Green- 1984 Pirates

Chris Green played pro baseball from 1980-1987, spending some of 1984 with the Pirates! He sent me a great note recently!

He tells me about his very first major league game.

"It was against my hometown LA Dodgers". He comes in to the game to pitch to a lefty and strikes him out on three pitches! Catching for the Pirates was Tony Pena.

Chris knew that, after a his relief appearance, a pinch hitter would probably be batting. Well, Chris' teammates let him get a batting helmet and head on to the on deck circle. He had his bat ready!

When he looked back, he noticed that the entire team, including manager Chuck Tanner, was getting a big kick out of the situation!

Thanks Chris!

Sandy Vance 1970-1971 Dodgers

Sandy spent some time in the eary 70s with the Dodgers.

He sent a brief note telling me about some of his favorites in baseball.

His favorite team is still the Dodgers, and his favorite former player is Sandy Koufax.

Interestingly, this Dodgers fan says that his current favorite player is Tim Lincecum.

He also notes that his favorite books are "Lefty's Legacy" and "I Live for This".

Tom Walker 1972-1977 Major League Pitcher

Tom Walker played for the Expos, Tigers, Cardinals, and A's during his major league career.

He let me know recently that he was in a book, "61 Humorous and Inspiring Lessons I Learned from Baseball" by Howard Kellman.

Roberto Clemente

"My God, Blass thought. Clemente! He's invincible. He doesn't die. He plays as long as he wants to and then becomes governor of Puerto Rico."

I FINALLY got around to reading the Roberto Clemente biography by David Maraniss titled, "Clemente: The Passion and Grace of Baseball's Last Hero."

This is just a cool book. First off, it is about Clemente. Personally, I love number 21. he is such a mythical figure. He died way before I even came along, but he is so fascinating.

Maraniss shows us a lot about Roberto in this book. The title alone really gets Clemente right. Words like grace, passion, and hero are all very appropriate for the Pirates legend.

I think anyone stopping by this blog knows the story of Roberto Clemente, but if you don't, pick up this book. Sure, it is huge, but it is so good you will read it in no time.

Roberto Clemente is one of the few characters in history who truly sacrifices everything for a cause that he believes in. He personally tries to take food and medical supplies to Nicaragua after a major earthquake. He wants to accompany the supplies himself to make sure that the people get the needed items.


I can think of people in our modern times who might sign a check, or help out a little, but I can't think of someone actually going to a devastated area to make sure the government does not take the supplies.

Maraniss does a great job of covering Roberto's career. He also details the state of the people in Nicaragua. I was not aware of the details concerning the bad condition of the aircraft.

Two of my other favorite baseball characters make appearances in the book. I have met Steve Blass and Manny Sanguillen a couple of times. I love these guys and their connection to Clemente. If you attend a Pirates game in Pittsburgh, Manny is pretty easy to locate. Blass is around too, and it is so great still having these guys around.

St. Cloud Stadium Huntington, WV

West Virginia is a great area with a ton of history! They have had some amazing minor league teams and venues.
I did stop by St. Cloud Stadium recently. This nice little park has been through a LOT and the area has kept it up, but it is especially in need of some care right now.
Check out digitalballparks.com for a very thorough write up on its history.
I am hoping this park still has some life left in it!