By John
Hey minor league baseball fan! Do you love traveling to minor league level baseball ballparks? Come discover the best quirks, features, baseball food, mascots, and promotions that minor league base
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The podcast currently has 11 episodes available.
In this week's episode we head to Wichita, Kansas to visit the Wichita Wind Surge of the Texas League. The Wind Surge are the AA affiliates of the Minnesota Twins. They play at Riverfront Stadium in
Follow Minor League Fan Club:
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Website: www.minorleaguefanclub.com
In this week's episode we head to Manchester, New Hampshire to visit the Manchester Fisher Cats of the Eastern League. The Fisher Cats are the AA affiliates of the Toronto Blue Jays. They play at Delta Dental Stadium in downtown Manchester right along the Merrimack River.
Ballpark Guide
This week's Ballpark Guide is second year GM, Michael Neis. Neis has had a very diverse career in sports working in baseball, basketball, hockey, and NASCAR.
During the episode, Neis shares with us about what makes the alternate identities special to the community and some of the promotions that will be associated with them.
Fan Guide
Brian Krause shares his experience with collecting baseball cards and his love for the Fisher Cats.
He discusses his journey as a card collector, his preference for collecting older cards, and his goal of completing sets.
Brian also talks about the fan experience at Delta Dental Stadium, including the view from the Hilton Hotel, the seating options, and the food offerings.
He mentions some outdoor activities in Manchester, such as hiking in the White Mountains and visiting the SEE Science Center. Brian also recommends some local restaurants, including the Puritan Backroom and the Red Arrow Diner.
Business, Organization, or Event
I got to chat with Keating Tufts of Boards and Brews Board Game Cafe in Manchester, New Hampshire. The board cafe is a cozy and fun space where people can gather to play board games, enjoy drinks, and relax.
With over 2,000 board games available, visitors can choose from a wide variety of options.
The cafe also hosts meetups on Tuesday nights where people can learn and play new games. It is a family-friendly place with a full restaurant menu.
Located on Elm Street, it is a convenient spot for locals and visitors alike.
Follow the New Hampshire Fisher Cats:
Instagram: @fishercats
X: @fishercats
Website: https://www.milb.com/new-hampshire
Follow Michael Neis:
LinkedIn: Michael Neis
X: @michaelneis
Follow Brian Kraus:
X: @NHbskraus
Follow Minor League Fan Club:
Instagram: @milbfanclub
TikTok: @minorleaguefanclub
Threads: @milbfanclub
X: @milbfanclub
YouTube: Minor League Fan Club
Website: www.minorleaguefanclub.com
In episode 008, I am joined by Eric from Earned Fun Average and Ed from The Dad Hat Chronicles to discuss our experiences and tips for traveling for minor league level baseball road trips.
We talk about the joy of exploring different cities, the importance of researching and planning for road trips, and offer tips and strategies. We also share their favorite things about road trips, such as visiting different ballparks and exploring the surrounding areas.
The conversation covers topics like trip length, what to bring to the ballpark, and how to make the most of rain delays. We discuss the importance of researching the ballparks, checking their policies on outside food and bags, and considering the location of the hotel. They also recommend bringing snacks, water, chargers, and entertainment for the car ride. Overall, the tips shared focus on maximizing the enjoyment of the road trip experience.
Takeaways from this episode
- Minor league baseball road trips allow you to explore smaller cities and markets that you may not typically visit.
- Research and planning are key to a successful road trip, including checking the weather and knowing what you can and cannot bring to the ballpark.
- Rain delays can be frustrating, but it's important to be flexible and have backup plans for activities in case the game is delayed or canceled.
- Bringing a glove to the ballpark is always a good idea.
- Checking out the surrounding area and local attractions can enhance the road trip experience.
- Research the ballparks and check their policies on outside food and bags
- Consider the location of the hotel and proximity to the ballpark
- Pack snacks, water, chargers, and entertainment for the car ride
- Coordinate group meetups and create a group text for communication
- Take advantage of free breakfast at the hotel
- Explore the amenities and food options at the ballpark
- Bring blankets, pillows, and other comfort items for the car
- Stay hydrated and take breaks for bathroom stops
- Plan for downtime during the drive with podcasts, audiobooks, or music
- Enjoy the experience and make lasting memories
Follow Eric:
Instagram: @epro04
X: @epro04
Follow Earned Fun Average:
Instagram:@earnedfunavg
X: @earnedfunavg
Follow Ed:
Instagram: @thedadhat216
X: @thedadhat216
YouTube: The DAD HAT Chronicles
Follow Minor League Fan Club:
Instagram: @milbfanclub
TikTok: @minorleaguefanclub
Threads: @milbfanclub
X: @milbfanclub
YouTube: Minor League Fan Club
Website: www.minorleaguefanclub.com
In this week's episode we travel to Fort Wayne, Indiana to visit the Fort Wayne TinCaps of the Midwest League. The TinCaps are the High-A affiliates of the San Diego Padres. Parkview Field, the ballpark that the TinCaps play in, is regularly named one of the best if not the best ballpark on a regular basis.
Ballpark Guide
This week's Ballpark Guide is John Nolan, play-by-play announcer and media Relations Manager for the TinCaps. John started with the team as an intern in 2013 and became the lead voice in 2015.
We begin our interview by discussing how John decided to get into becoming an announcer. We talk about his childhood and his love for sports.
As we start talking about the ballpark, we begin with an actual park located inside the baseball stadium that is open daily. People can come into the stadium and hang out at the park everyday.
Then we learn about all the great seating options throughout the ballpark. This ballpark has more unique seating options than most.
John and I discuss the food offerings at the ballpark especially the specialty apple items as well as a Midwest delicacy in the pork tenderloin.
We then learn about Johnny TinCap the TinCaps mascot and his impact on the community.
Fan Guide
This week I get to chat with Logan Wiening of Old Fort Baseball Co., an apparel brand based in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
We begin by talking about how he got started with Old Fort Baseball Co. and future aspirations for the brand.
He then walks us throughout the ballpark sharing a fan perspective on ballpark seating, views, and food.
Logan also talks about the best apple dish offered as well as the team playing as the Hoosier State Pork Tenderloins.
As we continue the interview, Logan gives us insight on where to park if we don't park in the attached garage. Parking is free on nights and weekends on the street. There are also hotels that we can stay at that are right next to the stadium downtown.
When we make it into Fort Wayne, we learn about the new Riverfront area and murals throughout the city.
Logan gives us some suggestions to try for food. He says some popular places are Powers Hamburgers, Fort Wayne's Coney Island Dogs, The Landing, and J.K. O'Donnell's.
Kid Friendly activities include Science Central and the Fort Wayne Zoo.
An annual event to consider when making road trips is the Three Rivers Festival that happens in July. There's also the German Fest in June.
Business, Organization, or Event
This week's business is Fuller Plants with Jessica Fuller. Fuller Plants offers all types of houseplants as well as personal services. Some services offered is one-on-one consultations either in person, at your home, or via text.
Jessica also will revive your plant if they are dying if it is salvageable.
Jessica recommends different types of plants for beginners and more advanced planters.
Follow Fort Wayne TinCaps:
Instagram: @TinCaps
X: @TinCaps
Website: https://www.milb.com/fort-wayne
Follow John:
Instagram: @john_g_nolan
X: @john_g_nolan
TikTok: @john_g_nolan
Follow Logan & Old Fort Baseball Co.:
Instagram: @oldfortbaseballco
X: @oldfortbballco
Follow Fuller Plants:
Instagram: @fullerplants
TikTok: @fullerplants
Website: https://www.oldfortbaseballco.com/
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Threads: @milbfanclub
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Website: www.minorleaguefanclub.com
This is a short episode this week to update you on the goings-on for Minor League Fan Club going forward.
There is going to be a change in the schedule to be able to accommodate my weeks as well as sustainability.
There will also be more opportunity to do more with other aspects of Minor League Fan Club that I feel has fallen by the wayside.
Follow Minor League Fan Club:
Instagram: @milbfanclub
TikTok: @minorleaguefanclub
Threads: @milbfanclub
X: @milbfanclub
YouTube: Minor League Fan Club
Website: www.minorleaguefanclub.com
In this week's episode we travel to Bridgewater, NJ/Somerset County to visit the Somerset Patriots of the Eastern League. The Patriots are the AA affiliates of the New York Yankees.
Ballpark Guide
This week's Ballpark Guide is Dave Marek, VP of Marketing, for the Somerset Patriots. He has been with the team for 24 years working with the team when they were in the independent Atlantic League and now as a Minor League affiliate.
During the interview, Dave and I discuss his reignited passion of collecting baseball cards and building his baseball card collection room.
Then he discusses how it has been working for the Patriots and the great owners for the last two decades and how working for the team differentiates between being independent versus affiliated.
He then walks us around the ballpark and talks about the upgrades that have been made, what it's like traveling to the ballpark, weather in the area during the season, and the great amenities throughout the ballpark.
We of course talk about the food offerings and different promotions that occur during the season.
Fan Guide
Our Fan Guide this week is Matt Slattery who is a season ticket holder of the Patriots. Matt attends almost every single home game with his daughter.
Matt and I begin the interview discussing the team being Yankees affiliates which prompt him to become a season ticket holder.
Then we begin discussing who his daughters' favorite players are which leads us into talking about how great the players are with interacting with the kids.
Matt then takes us through the ballpark describing the amenities from a fan perspective and where there are good places to sit during the game. He shares about how just outside the stadium there is a ton of shopping, restaurants, and hotels that you can basically have all the conveniences right next to the ballpark if you were visiting.
When we begin talking about the town itself, Matt recommends visiting the website visitsomersetnj.org for all the things to do in town. But he does highly recommend going to Somerville where there is an area with everything you could want to do from shopping to eating to entertainment.
Business, Organization, or Event
The business that is on this week is a small business called Lulu's Nutrition. Lulu's Nutrition is located in Somerset and serves up health food, snacks, teas, and shakes.
Follow Somerset Patriots:
Instagram: @somersetpatriots
X: @SOMPatriots
Website: https://www.milb.com/somerset
Follow Dave:
X: @davemarek94
Follow Matt:
Instagram: @mattnj
Follow Lulu's Nutrition:
Facebook: Lulu's Nutrition
Instagram: @lulus.nutrition
More on Somerset, New Jersey
visitsomesetnj.com
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Instagram: @milbfanclub
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Threads: @milbfanclub
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YouTube: Minor League Fan Club
Website: www.minorleaguefanclub.com
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Baseball Card Collection
07:56 Transition from Independent to Affiliated Baseball
16:19 Location and Parking
19:08 Ticket Prices and Weather
21:20 TD Bank Ballpark Features and Amenities
25:42 Food Offerings and Promotions
31:08 Activities for Kids
34:05 Social Media and Conclusion
35:17 Intermission MLFC.mp3
35:30 Introduction and Experience as a Season Ticket Holder
37:32 Unique Experience for Youth at TD Bank Ballpark
43:43 Favorite Features and Amenities at the Ballpark
46:24 Ballpark Food and Dining Options
49:14 Transportation to the Ballpark
50:41 Promotions and Events at the Ballpark
52:33 Exploring Bridgewater and Somerset County
54:55 Unique Landmarks and Photo Ops
58:39 Local Food Recommendations
59:19 Conclusion and Contact Information
59:58 Intermission MLFC.mp3
01:00:11 Introduction and Background
01:04:46 Customer Experience at Lulu's Nutrition
01:06:29 Introduction to the Somerset Patriots and TD Bank Ballpark
01:06:58 Call to Action: Leave Ratings, Subscribe, and Share on Social Media
004:
Chicago Dogs - Chicago, Illinois
In this episode, we travel to Chicago, Illinois to visit the Chicago Dogs of the American Association of Professional Baseball. The Dogs an independent league professional baseball team.
Highlights, Key points, and takeaways from this episode:
Ballpark Guide
Evan Gersonde is the Director of Sales and has been with the team for 6+ years. He has seen the team go from an unknown brand to a recognized identity.
Evan offers his experience from working at Impact Field to share with us the best that the ballpark has to offer.
He explains why the Chicago Dogs are geared toward affordable, fun family and fan entertainment where people can come multiple time a season to enjoy themselves.
He gives us his tips and where to park, where to stay when in town, and some of the best tickets to purchase that come with a great view and buffet.
We then learn about the promotional nights that the Dogs have and what some of the best giveaways in the past have been. The fans are very supportive of the team and come out in large numbers for promo and giveaway nights.
Then we discuss some of the kid activities that are available to attract the younger crowd whether they are into baseball or not.
Lastly, we get to talking about the food offerings at Impact Field. A popular hot dog restaurant, Weiner Circle, is located at the stadium. The Weiner Circle is known for it's raunchy way it treats their customers at the main location.
Fan Guide
The Fan Guides for this week are some of the Chicago Dogs biggest supporters. On this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Kelly, Christina, and Mike. All three of them are regulars at Impact Field and residents of Chicago.
Follow Chicago Dogs:
Instagram: @thechicagodogs
X: @TheChicagoDogs
Website: thechicagodogs.com
Phone: 224-781-1809
Contact Evan:
[email protected]
Follow Mike:
Instagram: @chidogfool
X: @chidogfool
YouTube: Chicago Dog Fool Fan Cast
Follow Kelly:
X: @kelabration
Instagram: @minorleaguenerd
YouTube: Minor League Nerd History Series
Follow Kelly and Christina:
Instagram: kelstinavisits
X: kelstinavisits
Follow Klairmont Kollections:
Instagram: @klairmontkollections
TikTok: @klairmontkollections
YouTube: Klairmont Kollections Automotive Museum
Website: klairmontkollections.com
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Website: www.minorleaguefanclub.com
003:
Tri-City Dust Devils - Tri-City, Washington
In this episode, we travel to Tri-Cities, Washington to visit the Tri-City Dust Devils of the Northwest League. The Dust Devils are the High-A affiliates of the Los Angeles Angels.
Highlights, Key points, and takeaways from this episode:
Ballpark Guide
Erik "The Peanut Guy" Mertens joins us as the Ballpark guide for this episode. Erik is the Manager of Fan Experience and Community Relations. He has been with the team for 24 years starting as a peanut vendor. He then became the teams' on-field emcee and recently was promoted to his current role.
Fan Guide
We are joined once again by Erik this time he is accompanied by his wife, Carina. They are going to give us some insight as fans at the ballpark and also show us around the Tri-Cities.
Business, Organization, or Event
I had to pleasure of feature Cara and Hot Mess Burgers & Fries from Kennewick, WA. Hot Mess Burgers & Fries is a food truck that serves the best smash burger and fries in the Tri-Cities.
Most of their food is made from scratch including their buns, American cheese, and sauces. The owners have over 40 years of combined experience.
The top burger at the restaurant is the Boring Mess, which is a basic patty, cheese, pickles, onions, tomatoes, and special sauce. Then they up it a notch and have the Big Mess which includes a grilled cheese sandwich inside the burger.
A lot of their food is limited meaning if you see it on the menu that week then it probably won't ever come back.
Follow the Tri-City Dust Devils:
Instagram: @tricitydustdevils
X: @TC_DustDevils
Follow Erik:
Instagram: @erikthepeanutguy
X: @Itserikmertens
Follow Carina:
Instagram: @con.carinaa
X: @carinosaleon
Follow Hot Mess Burgers and Fries:
Facebook: Hot Mess Burgers & Fries
Instagram: @hotmessburgersandfries
Follow Minor League Fan Club:
Instagram: @milbfanclub
TikTok: @minorleaguefanclub
Threads: @milbfanclub
X: @milbfanclub
YouTube: Minor League Fan Club
Website: www.minorleaguefanclub.com
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
04:33 Eric's Longevity with Tri-City Dust Devils
07:40 Eric's Love for Tri-Cities and Baseball
10:50 Getting to the Ballpark and Parking
11:26 The Giant Shade at the Stadium
13:22 Weather and Best Seats at the Stadium
16:48 Exploring the Stadium and Food Offerings
20:44 Dusty the Dust Devil and Mascot Activities
21:56 Erik's Peanut Patio
24:11 Eric's Role as Team Advocate
26:26 Promotions and Special Events
29:47 Unique Food Offerings at the Stadium
32:50 Exciting Promotions to Schedule
37:12 Where to Find the Team on Social Media
37:57 Closing Remarks and Farewell
38:19 Introduction and Welcome
38:58 Getting Intimate with the Fan Experience
40:19 Spending an Evening at Gesa Stadium
41:16 Favorite Drinks and Food at the Stadium
42:32 The Special Story of Ed's Fund
45:32 Other Events to Schedule Around
48:05 Exploring Tri-Cities: What to Do, See, and Eat
52:20 Regional Eats and Mexican Food
54:14 Outdoor Activities and Pub Runs
56:59 Family Activities and Places to Visit
58:50 Where to Find Eric and Karina
59:43 Conclusion and Farewell
01:00:17 Introduction to Hot Mess Burgers
01:03:34 Making Everything from Scratch
01:04:09 The Unique Menu at Hot Mess Burgers
01:06:16 The 'Boring Mess' Cheeseburger and the 'Big Mess' Sandwich
01:07:12 Limited-Time Specials
01:09:19 Creating a Friendly and Supportive Environment
01:12:18 Finding Hot Mess Burgers Online
01:13:17 Introduction and Value of the Show
Summary
This episode of Minor League Fan Club highlights some interesting promotions happening in minor league level baseball this year. The first promotion discussed is the Cheese Ball created by the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes, which has unique rules and fun activities.
The second promotion is the game between the Birmingham Barons and the Montgomery Biscuits at Rickwood Field, where Major League Baseball will be honoring the Negro Leagues.
The last promotion mentioned is the 'Wait, Who Are Those Guys?" night, where every team in the minors will participate, featuring Oatly as the sponsor.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:11 Highlighting Current Year's Promotions
06:33 Game at Rickwood Field Honoring Negro Leagues
08:59 Wait, Who Are Those Guys Night?
10:34 Conclusion
001:
San Antonio Missions - San Antonio, Texas
In this episode, we travel to San Antonio, Texas to visit the San Antonio Missions of the Texas League. The Missions are the AA affiliates of the San Diego Padres.
Highlights, Key points, and takeaways from this episode:
Ballpark Guide
Jennifer Lamb-Mahoney will be our Ballpark Guide for this episode. She works as one of their mascot performers. She shares her experience on how she got the job as a mascot performer and what it’s like to perform as a mascot.
Jennifer then takes us around Wolff Stadium where she talks about the promotions and events that fans can schedule their trip around.
We learn about where we can stay if we make it an overnight trip and what parking is like once we arrive at the stadium.
Jennifer also shares some of her favorite foods like the cheesesteak with homemade chips that you might want to try when you come to Wolff Stadium. We finish the interview with some fun things for kids to do while at the game.
Fan Guide
Our Fan guide this week is Charles Dennis. Charles is a former season ticket holder of the San Antonio Missions but recently moved to Kentucky.
We begin our interview by learning how he got his 51stubs handle and his extensive pin collection for his maps. He uses the map and pins to keep track of all the stadiums and arenas he has been to. He talks about how many ballparks he’s been to and how many he plans on making it to this year.
Charles then takes us on a tour of Wolff Stadium from a fan perspective. He shares what makes the stadium unique even though it’s one of the older stadiums in Minor League Baseball. He talks about the location of the ballpark and why being near an Air Force Base makes it special.
Charles then gives us some of his favorite treats to get if he was to have something at the ballgame and shares where you can find some solace from the Texas heat while watching Missions baseball. Hint: there’s a secret section you should consider sitting.
Promotions at the Missions are very popular just as they are at most minor league ballparks. Charles talks about some of the fun promos that occur during the game. We also get another tip from Charles on how to approach promos while waiting in line.
It’s time for us to go around San Antonio. Of course, there’s the Alamo and the Riverwalk but Charles tells us an exciting hotel and bar to visit if you do stop by the Alamo.
San Antonio is well known for BBQ. Charles tells us a couple of places that he recommends while you're in town. If burgers are more your thing then there is a delicious local place that he recommends as well. San Antonio makes the best tacos in Texas and Charles gives us his favorite place plus a list you can get of 365 different places done by the local newspaper. Last but not least we can’t forget Tex-Mex. One place that may be considered controversial in San Antonio in regards to what is good Tex-Mex is suggested in this interview.
Minor League Fan Club podcast wants to make sure we include the family in each episode. Several suggestions on where to take the kids while you’re on a trip to San Antonio include museums and theme parks.
We finish our interview by discussing San Antonio's biggest party known as Fiesta. Fiesta is a two week event celebrating San Antonio with many events going on all week all over town. Fiesta occurs in late April every year.
Business, Organization, or Event
This week's business is the historical Majestic Theater located in downtown San Antonio. I am joined by Yvette Southee as she walks us this the magical theater.
She talks about Broadway shows, comedians, and concerts that come to the venue. She also shares that you can tour the venue.
Follow Jennifer:
Instagram: @jmahoneyl
Follow San Antonio Missions:
Facebook: San Antonio Missions Baseball Club
Instagram: @samssions
X: @missionsmilb
Follow Party Pals SA:
Instagram: @partypalsSA
Threads: @partypalsSA
Follow Charles:
X: @51stubs
Majestic Theater:
www.majesticempire.com
Follow Minor League Fan Club:
Instagram: @milbfanclub
TikTok: @minorleaguefanclub
Threads: @milbfanclub
X: @milbfanclub
YouTube: Minor League Fan Club
Website: www.minorleaguefanclub.com
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Jennifer's Job as a Mascot Performer
05:49 How Jennifer Became a Mascot
08:01 Jennifer's Experience as a Mascot
09:06 The Mascot Club and Interactions with Other Mascots
11:49 Interacting with Fans and the Community
13:27 Promotions and Events at Wolf Stadium
19:11 Parking and Accommodations near Wolf Stadium
19:25 What Makes Wolf Stadium Special
21:04 Eating at Wolf Stadium
24:48 Activities for Kids at Wolf Stadium
26:03 Where to Find Jennifer and the San Antonio Missions
27:16 Introduction and Background
27:59 The Origins of the Pin Map
29:37 Collecting Pins and Memorabilia
31:05 Being a Season Ticket Holder
32:22 Unique Features of Wolf Stadium
34:50 Food and Promotions at the Stadium
35:43 Dealing with the Heat
38:12 Favorite Promotions
42:17 Things to Do in San Antonio
46:54 Best Tacos in San Antonio
49:04 Fiesta in San Antonio
51:10 Conclusion
51:46 Introduction to the Majestic Theater
53:13 Broadway Shows and Concerts
55:04 Backstage Tour
56:26 Finding Information and Tickets
57:17 Introduction and Invitation to Engage
57:31 Request for Ratings and Feedback
57:59 Conclusion and Farewell
The podcast currently has 11 episodes available.