159 reasons to love the Minors in 2007
Audio: Ripken Jr. chats at the NYPL All-Star Game
2. Akron Aeros: The Aeros have finished with the best record in the Eastern League four of the last five years. With the talent they have coming up from 2006 Carolina League champion Kinston (such as southpaws Chuck Lofgren and Scott Lewis), there is no reason to expect 2007 to be any different in the winning department.
Audio: Lofgren talks 2006 Carolina League playoffs
3. Albuquerque Isotopes: The Triple-A All-Star Game will take place at Isotopes Park on July 11. Before then, however, there are the nightly chili pepper races and Orbit, the team mascot who always has the kids in stitches. And the Sandia Peak Tramway is the word's longest aerial tram, taking visitors 2.7 miles between the Sandia Mountains.
4. Altoona Curve: Former local sports superstars Jerome Bettis (Pittsburgh Steelers) and Mario Lemieux (Pittsburgh Penguins) are among the partners in the Curve's ownership collective.
5. Arkansas Travelers: Travs fans look forward to April 12, when they will inaugurate a new stadium, Dickey-Stephens Park, replacing historic Ray Winder Field. The Travelers switched from the name "Little Rock Travelers" to "Arkansas Travelers" in 1961, becoming the first professional baseball team to be named for an entire state.
6. Asheville Tourists: Everyone, not just chicks, digs the long ball. McCormick Field is the right place to go for offensive fireworks as one of the top parks in the South Atlantic League for homers. This year, look for 2006 second-rounder David Christensen to take advantage of the friendly confines.
Audio: Christensen doubles the fans' pleasure
7. Auburn Doubledays: In the ever-shifting world of the Minor Leagues, it's tough to establish a dynasty. The Auburn Doubledays, though, have won the New York-Penn League's Pinckney Division each of the last five seasons. Fans have become accustomed to seeing a successful club, and they will turn out in droves as the squad attempts to capture its sixth straight crown in 2007.
8. Augusta GreenJackets: Where else can you go to watch a team owned by a Hall of Famer? OK, there's Round Rock and Corpus Christi over in Texas (Nolan Ryan) and Aberdeen in the NYPL League (Cal Ripken Jr.) -- but the GreenJackets are the only full-season team owned by Ripken. Who knows when the Iron Man will show up?
Video: Ripken Jr. discusses his MiLB ownership plans
9. Bakersfield Blaze: Sam Lynn Ballpark has been the home to this charter member of the California League for more than 50 years and has seen its share of prodigious players, including the pro debut of then-17-year-old Don Drysdale in 1954. The next in that line should be outfield prospect John Mayberry Jr., son of former Major Leaguer John Mayberry.
Video: Mayberry Jr. has fun in Hawaii
10. Batavia Muckdogs: It's hard not to love a team called the Muckdogs, especially when such a memorable moniker is tied into the local heritage. Many of Genesee County's agriculturists farm in the "muck," a nutrient-rich soil that yields bountiful crops of onions, potatoes, cabbage -- and apparently winning baseball teams.
11. Beloit Snappers: The Twins have one of the deepest farm systems in baseball, and future stars like Matt Garza and Kevin Slowey have made stops in Beloit. This year, go see 2006 first-rounder Chris Parmalee (before he's gone), second-round outfielder Joe Benson and third-round pitcher Tyler Robertson.
Audio: Parmalee should blow through Beloit in 2007
12. Billings Mustangs: It will be a bittersweet season in Billings, as fans will say a long goodbye to Cobb Field. The venerable facility has hosted the Mustangs since 1948, but after the season it will bow before the wrecking ball in the name of progress. An as-yet-unnamed stadium will then be built on the same spot.
13. Binghamton Mets: New York Mets rising superstars David Wright and Jose Reyes rank among the most notable of the B-Mets alumni now playing for the parent club. And if you want to combine a baseball road trip with some romance and leisure, you don't have to drive too far to reach the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York, renowned for its wineries and B&Bs.
14. Birmingham Barons: Friday Night Fireworks, an appearance by Spiderman and a bevy of food and drink specials should have folks coming out to the park all year. And for transplanted New Yorkers, there will be a familiar face in the dugout. Former Met Rafael Santana will be making his Southern League managerial debut after spending his first season on the bench last year in Winston-Salem. And if you're in town and can't get a ticket, Curt Bloom, the longtime voice of the Barons, makes every game enjoyable on the radio.
15. Bluefield Orioles: This July, Cal Ripken Jr. will achieve baseball immortality when he is inducted into the Hall of Fame. His long road to Cooperstown began in Bluefield in 1978, when as a 17-year-old prospect he hit .264 over 63 games. Fans wishing to see where the "Iron Man" got his start would do well to visit this charming mountain town.
Audio: Ripken Jr. recalls life in the Minor Leagues
16. Boise Hawks: According to ZZ Top, "Every girl's crazy 'bout a sharp-dressed man." If that's the case, then the Hawks will be very popular with the opposite sex this season. The team will be sporting new uniforms, featuring an alluring red, white and gold color scheme.
17. Bowie Baysox: The "Bay" in the name refers to the majestic Chesapeake Bay, 20 miles east of the ballpark. The park is also not far from Camden Yards, home of the parent Orioles. Check out the Bullpen Garden, featuring tomatoes, corn and other greenery nurtured by some of the team's pitchers and management.
18. Brevard County Manatees: Leave it to Manatees GM Buck Rogers to come up with unique promotions even in the offseason. Rob and Lori Brown just won season tickets for life in the first Brevard County Manatees Treasure Hunt. They found the sought-after "treasure coin" by following clues embedded in codes, song lyrics and hidden text. The next hunt starts in May.
19. Bristol Sox: It's always nice to watch a baseball game in style and comfort, and Bristol's fans have ample opportunity to do so. Those "in the know" bring their own lounge chairs to DeVault Memorial Stadium and watch the game along an elevated bank behind the first-base bleachers. It doesn't get much more relaxing than that.
20. Brooklyn Cyclones: Perhaps no team in the Minors is blessed with a better location than the Cyclones, whose KeySpan Park is situated on prime Coney Island real estate. Fans can visit the original Nathan's Hot Dogs, ride the original Cyclone roller-coaster, take a dip in the ocean and see a real live freak show, all before taking in a game at one of the most well-regarded facilities in all of professional baseball.
21. Buffalo Bisons: The food at Pettibones Grill, the restaurant at Dunn Park, is among the best on the circuit and a great place to catch all the action. And with Torey Lovullo back to skipper the Bisons again in 2007, there's sure to be plenty to watch.
Audio: Bisons manager Lovullo talks about his team's talent
22. Burlington Bees: Set a record. Burlington's attendance record was set back in 1994 and stands at 83,927. Do your part to smash that record in 2007. Considering a season general-admission ticket will run just $190, how can you refuse?
23. Burlington Royals: Here's to the beginning of a beautiful relationship. After 21 seasons as an Indians affiliate, the 2007 campaign will mark Burlington's debut season with the Kansas City Royals. Fortunately, for baseball purists, the club will continue to play in Burlington Athletic Stadium, one of the few old-time ballparks left in the Minor Leagues.
24. Carolina Mudcats: Who doesn't love Muddy the Mudcat? Well, you can take Muddy home on June 16 because it's his bobblehead night. But with dollar dog nights on Tuesdays and dollar drink nights every Thursday, not to mention Friday night fireworks and kids-run-the-bases promos on Sundays, there will be plenty of reason to see the Mudcats this season.
25. Casper Rockies: Hobart the Platypus, one of the most creatively named and designed mascots in the league, entertains fans at every Rockies home game. The team has a platypus for a mascot because Casper is located along the North Platte River. Platte sounds like Platypus. Get it?
26. Cedar Rapids Kernels: There's Mr. Shucks, the mascot. There's the Home Run Hot Tub in left field. Does Mr. Shucks ever go in the Home Run Hot Tub? We don't know, but it's worth heading to Veterans Memorial Stadium to find out.
27. Charleston RiverDogs: Fun is good. That's owner Mike Veeck's business plan. Show up each and every Saturday as one of the first 1,000 fans and get a special giveaway. And considering the club hosted midget wrestling in 2006, plugging into Veeck's promotional prowess would be a very good idea.
28. Charlotte Knights: There's a new manager in town. Marc Bombard replaces Razor Shines and will try and lead the Knights to the International League playoffs for a second consecutive season. If starter Lance Broadway doesn't make the staff in Chicago, look for him to anchor the staff in Charlotte.
29. Chattanooga Lookouts: The River Walk in Chattanooga is one of the best places to be on the circuit. There are shops, restaurants, an aquarium and a footbridge over the river. The rock gardens and nearby caverns are also spectacular and a wonderful way to spend an afternoon before a night game. And don't forget to take a ride on the Chattanooga Choo Choo. Seriously.
30. Clearwater Threshers: You can have it all in Clearwater. Enjoy some Florida State League action at brand new Bright House Networks Field, and after the game (or before it, for that matter) enjoy some of the best grouper sandwiches or conch fritters at one of four Frenchy's restaurants in Clearwater Beach.
31. Clinton LumberKings: As the only charter member of the Midwest League (1956) left, the LumberKings have outlasted two of their former parent clubs: the Seattle Pilots and the Montreal Expos. Bump that up to three if you want to include the Brooklyn Dodgers from pre-Midwest League days.
32. Colorado Springs Sky Sox: Rally the Mascot and the Zooperstars highlight the schedule throughout the regular season, but make sure you're there on May 12. The first 1,000 kids under 2 who attend will get a free rod and reel and participate in the casting clinic on the field. You can also visit nearby Pikes Peak and the Garden of the Gods.
33. Columbus Catfish: There can't be a better -- or more affordable -- place to bring the kids than Golden Park on the weekends. Every Saturday and Sunday, kids can run the bases, and they can even eat free at Sunday home games. For just $25, you can get four tickets, four dogs, four sodas and a program as part of the Fox 54 Sunny 100 Family Fun Pack.
34. Columbus Clippers: The Yankees have left town and the Nationals have moved in, marking the first time since 1978 that a team other than the Baby Bombers will be playing in Columbus. Not to fret, though, because the Nats have some top-flight talent led by Kory Casto, who figures to spend the first part of the season with the Clippers. And while you're there early in the year, make sure to stop by the weekend of May 18 for games against Richmond and Louisville because fans ages 12 and younger will get free autographed baseballs.
Video: Casto talks about the Rookie Career Development Program
35. Connecticut Defenders: If you're a fan of the TV show Gilmore Girls, you undoubtedly noticed that this season Lorelei's beloved, diner owner Luke Danes, replaced his ever-present baseball cap with a new lid, emblazoned with the letters "CD." That's a Connecticut Defenders cap Luke is wearing (the show takes place in mythical Stars Hollow, Conn., which wouldn't be too far from Norwich, where the Defenders are based).
36. Corpus Christi Hooks: Circle June 26 on your calendar if you want to attend the Texas League All-Star Game at Whataburger Field. The defending Texas League champions, run by Reid Ryan, son of Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan, will host the event in just their third year of existence.
37. Danville Braves: The defending champion Braves possess a promotional savvy rarely seen in the unassuming world of Rookie League baseball. Highlights on the 2007 schedule include bobblehead giveaways, multiple fireworks displays, an appearance by the Mayberry Deputy and the always-popular "Thirsty Thursdays."
38. Dayton Dragons: It began with Adam Dunn, Austin Kearns and Wily Mo Pena. It will continue with Joey Votto, Homer Bailey and Jay Bruce. Next up could be 2006 first-round pick Drew Stubbs. Just a stone's throw from the parent club in Cincinnati, you can see the Reds stars of tomorrow right now.
Video: Votto talks about the Rookie Career Development Program
39. Daytona Cubs: The only team in the Florida State League that does not also host Major League Spring Training, the Cubs play at Jackie Robinson Ballpark, which boasts more historical significance than the other 10 stadiums combined. The park, which took its new name in 1990, was the site of the first professional integrated game, as Jackie Robinson started at second base on March 17, 1947, for the Triple-A Montreal Royals against parent club the Brooklyn Dodgers.
40. Delmarva Shorebirds: Bill Rowell. The Orioles haven't had a big young shortstop-turned third baseman this exciting in their system since that Ripken fellow came through. Rowell won't move back to short, but he's got power potential to spare.
Kevin Czerwinski, Benjamin Hill, Jonathan Mayo and Lisa Winston contributed to this story.