159 reasons to love the Minors in 2007
42. Durham Bulls: No Kevin Costner, no Susan Sarandon and no Tim Robbins. Who needs 'em? Because there will be a new skipper in Charlie Montoyo, who joins the club after leading Montgomery to the Southern League title last season. Former Major Leaguer Gary Gaetti also joins the staff as the Bulls' hitting coach.
43. Elizabethton Twins: The Twins have long been regarded as having one of the best farm systems in the Minor Leagues, and Elizabethton fans often get to reap the rewards of the club's scouting success. 2006 marked the third season in a row in which the club had the most representatives on the Appalachian League All-Star team, and this coming year promises a new parade of promising prospects.
Audio: The Twins are laden with prospects
44. Erie SeaWolves: If you're familiar with the SeaWolves, you're no doubt also familiar with the mascot on the logo, the friendly Pirate Wolf. But did you know he has a name? He's "C. Wolf," and he's also the lone talking mascot in the Minors. The SeaWolves also boast a statue of a friendly frog known as "One Hopper" in front of the Jerry Uht Park, but One Hopper recently went on the DL when vandals smashed the left side of his baseball cap.
45. Eugene Emeralds: Emeralds fans will be happy to see a familiar face in 2007 -- that of "new" manager Greg Riddoch. Having already managed the team from 1975-76 and 1978-81, Riddoch is just nine wins shy of establishing the all-time record for most victories by an Emeralds manager.
46. Everett AquaSox: Fans of the AquaSox will be happy to learn of a new addition to Everett Memorial Stadium for the 2007 season: the Bullpen BBQ. Groups of 25 or more can reserve the area, which provides an all-you-can eat BBQ meal prior to the game. If that's not enough, the view of the Cascade Mountains over the outfield wall should suffice.
47. Frederick Keys: Sick of singing "Take Me Out To The Ball Game" for the 80-bazillionth time during the seventh-inning stretch? Keys fans sing their very own song -- "We're the Frederick Keys" -- and shake their keys as accompaniment. The song was written by the duo of "Holly and Lou" before the team's inaugural season in 1989.
48. Fresno Grizzlies: Every weekday home game at Chukchansi Park has its own special theme. One theme worth looking for will be top draft pick day. Because if Tim Lincecum finds his way to Fresno this season, tickets will be hard to come by. The Forestiere Underground Gardens are sharp and wonderful to see and a pleasant diversion before a game.
Audio: Lincecum fans 10 in a 2006 playoff game
49. Frisco RoughRiders: The club brought in an interior decorator to spiff up the nine ladies' rooms at Dr Pepper Park. And speaking of cooling off during the hot Texas nights, they also have a three-tiered pool pavilion in the outfield, rentable for the evening by groups.
50. Fort Myers Miracle: Singer Jimmy Buffett and actor-comedian Bill Murray have been part-owners of this always innovative club since 1989. This year, in honor of Valentine's Day, the team made mascot Miss-A-Miracle available to hand-deliver Miracle "Sweetheart Pack" gift bags including general admission tickets, a red Miracle cap and a red rose. The offer sold out quickly.
51. Fort Wayne Wizards: They might have to change their name to the Contradictions. On July 19, the Wizards have made an odd pairing: Thirsty Thursday, a popular promotion that offers adult beverages (and soda, as well, to be fair) at discout rates, with a Christian concert.
52. Great Falls White Sox: Great Falls is worth visiting as a tourist destination. Before checking out a game at Centene Park, fans can visit the Lewis and Clark Center, which is just one mile away. As if that wasn't enough, the C.M. Russell Museum, which celebrates one of the most popular cowboys of all time, is also located nearby. Explorers, cowboys and baseball -- a perfect trifecta.
53. Great Lakes Loons: Do you need a reason other than they are brand spanking-new with a swanky new ballpark and a mascot named Lou E. Loon? OK, how about Clayton Kershaw, one of the Dodgers' latest in their parade of young, elite pitching prospects?
54. Greeneville Astros: It's great to be a baseball lovin' kid in Greeneville. Those 12-and-under can join the Lil' Outlaws club, entitling them to a free T-shirt, exclusive autograph sessions, free admission to Monday games and an autographed photo of mascot Tennessee Tex.
55. Greensboro Grasshoppers: First Horizon Park, simply put, is one of the gems of Minor League Baseball. Set within the ballpark, about to begin its third season of operation, is the Go Triad GrandStand outdoor sports bar down the left-field line. There are few ways better to take in a Minor League game.
56. Greenville Drive: Two words. Gabe Kapler. The recently retired big leaguer will be a first-time manager for the Red Sox affiliate. Big baseball fans will like him because he spent parts of nine seasons in the big leagues. Casual fans will like him because of his engaging personality and, let's face it, he's easy on the eyes.
Audio: Kapler looking forward to next phase
57. Hagerstown Suns: There's a new affiliation in town. With the Mets out and the Nationals in, there's a great regional flavor in Hagerstown. With affiliates in Potomac, Harrisburg and Hagerstown, Nats fans can check out almost all of the organization's future with just a short car ride.
58. Harrisburg Senators: City Island, located in the middle of the Susquehanna River just off of the mainland that boasts the skyline of the capital of Pennsylvania, is the home of the Senators, the only Eastern League team to win four championships in a row (1995-1999 during the heyday of the Montreal Expos' prospect reign). Be sure to leave time to enjoy the park's surroundings, which include an 18-hole miniature "water golf" park, a carousel, a Civil War-era train for the kids, batting cages and an arcade.
59. Helena Brewers: Great Falls isn't the only club with a Lewis and Clark connection. The famed duo attend every Helena Brewers home game, and giving and receiving hugs is their specialty. Their full names are Lewis the Lion and Clark the Cougar, and they are two of the most lovable mascots in the business.
60. Hickory Crawdads: If the Minor Leagues sometimes seem like a merry-go-round of young talent, Hickory takes that literally. LP Frans Stadium is one of the few ballparks with a working carousel.
61. High Desert Mavericks: The Seattle Mariners come into Adelanto for the first time as the new parent organization of the Brett family-owned Mavericks with a run of success. Seattle's California League affiliates have captured two of the past four titles and will send the likes of 2006 first-round pick Brandon Morrow to High Desert with sights on another crown.
62. Hudson Valley Renegades: Everyone loves Rookie, the Renegades' raccoon mascot. Now, those wishing to contact him during the long offseason can do so via Rookie's very own MySpace page (#129737238). He currently has 48 friends and is always looking for more.
63. Huntsville Stars: Money in the Bank. Don Money, that is. The Stars' skipper returns for another season in Huntsville, and anyone over 35 will remember him as a pretty good third baseman with the Brewers back in the day. Prior to the game, head over to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center and take a ride on the Space Shot Simulator. It's fun, exciting and if you don't throw up, you'll have a good time.
64. Idaho Falls Chukars: Sunrise, sunset. McDermott Field, the home of the Chukars, was demolished this past October after 66 years of service. While this certainly caused a few tears to be shed, the team is now focused on the future. This season, the Chukars will play their first season in brand-new Melaleuca Field, a sparkling facility with a most unpronounceable name.
65. Indianapolis Indians: The chance to see a game at one of the best venues in the Minor Leagues should be enough to bring fans to Indy. The chance to eat at St. Elmo's Steakhouse, one of the best steak joints in the Midwest, is another.
66. Inland Empire 66ers: The 66ers will play both ends of the clock in 2007 with a Turn Back the Clock Night on June 9 when they don the uniforms of the San Bernardino Stampede and a Turn Ahead the Clock Night on Aug. 4 when they will be outfitted in Los Angeles Dodgers uniforms. Both nights will feature an opportunity for one fan to win a trip for two to an away Dodgers game.
67. Iowa Cubs: The restaurant above the left field wall in Principal Park provides one of the best places to watch a game in the PCL. And the food's good, too. Also, not too far out of town in Van Meter is the Bob Feller Museum, a wonderful little place that's packed with history and tales about one of the game's greatest pitchers.
68. Jacksonville Suns: There's the beach, the beach and the beach. And when you're tired of the sun and the surf, head on over to the park because the Dodgers have had one of the game's best farm systems in recent years. One of the early highlights will be April 7 against Tennessee when fans will be given a replica 1967 Nolan Ryan jersey.
Audio: Jacksonville's prospect parade should continue in '07
69. Jamestown Jammers: When it comes to memorable logos, the Jammers are as good as it gets. In a nod to the region's wine-making prowess, the team's uniforms feature an anthropomorphic, bat-wielding bunch of grapes.
70. Johnson City Cardinals: While not named after a hotel magnate or a bearded Mets slugger of the late 1980s, the Cardinals' Howard Johnson Stadium still ranks as one of the most idiosyncratic ballparks in the Appy League. Most interestingly, right field contains a sloping 15-foot bank right in front of the fence. Balls hit to that portion of the ballpark are always an adventure.
71. Jupiter Hammerheads: In case you thought all of the Florida Marlins' prospects were already in the Majors, think again. The Hammerheads' starting rotation could be among the most prospect-laden in the Minors in 2007, with former first-round picks such as Chris Volstad, Brett Sinkbeil, Aaron Thompson and Sean West likely candidates for the slots.
Audio: Florida doesn't mind an abundance of arms
72. Kane County Cougars: Head out to Elfstrom Stadium on June 19 for the Midwest League All-Star Game. Go on any other day and hope a Cougar tosses a no-no in nine innings. If that happens, someone will go home with a cool 10 grand.
73. Kannapolis Intimidators: Earnhardt fans, unite. While Dale's family no longer owns a share in the club, the team name forever pays homage through his retired No. 3.
74. Kingsport Mets: The Appy League is known for providing a lot of bang for the buck, something Kingsport delivers in abundance. A general admission ticket costs a mere $3, while luxurious types who insist on sitting in an actual chair are charged a cool $5. Children and senior citizens, meanwhile, can get in for just $2.
75. Kinston Indians: The Indians' Team MVP award is called the Cap'n Pat Crawford Award, named for the former Gashouse Gang member and St. Louis Cardinals scout who arranged for the club's first Major League affiliation in 1937.
76. Lake County Captains: Classic Park is reason enough to head to Ohio. Once there, have some fun trying to find the South Atlantic from this suburb of Cleveland.
77. Lake Elsinore Storm: Want to see the future of the Padres, just a hop, skip and a jump away from PETCO? Head to Lake Elsinore, where you may catch glimpses of Matt Antonelli, Will Venable, Nick Hundley, Chase Headley, David Freese, Wade LeBlanc and former No. 1 overall pick Matt Bush. Tie it all together by grabbing tickets to the Padres/Storm doubleheader at PETCO Park on June 9.
Audio: Catch up with Will Venable
78. Lakeland Flying Tigers: With the new team nickname comes a new motto ("Every Game Is A Mission") and a new uniform. The name refers to Tigertown's roots as a World War II training site for American and British pilots. The team's manager, former Tigers player Kevin Bradshaw, will wear a cap designating his status as "commander" and the club's pitchers will have a star added to their cap for each win they collect.
79. Lakewood BlueClaws: While questions about his character forced him to slide in the first round, Kyle Drabek was the consensus pick for top high school arm in last year's draft. His drop could be the Phillies' -- and BlueClaws fans' -- gain as they get to watch the electric right-hander in 2007.
80. Lancaster JetHawks: Friday Night Lights isn't just about Texas high school football. Stay after JetHawks games on Friday nights to catch a free movie. Fans will be allowed on the outfield grass to enjoy a family-friendly film on the video board.
Kevin Czerwinski, Benjamin Hill, Jonathan Mayo and Lisa Winston contributed to this story.