7 interesting things from two-stadium double dip
After recently moving back to Southern California, I made it a goal to check out the closest Minor League teams. Lo and behold, there were two teams that were not only close to me, but each other: the Single-A Inland Empire 66ers and Rancho Cucamonga Quakes. And better yet, there
After recently moving back to Southern California, I made it a goal to check out the closest Minor League teams. Lo and behold, there were two teams that were not only close to me, but each other: the Single-A Inland Empire 66ers and Rancho Cucamonga Quakes. And better yet, there was a date in which they both played home games at different times. Instantly I thought, wouldn't it be cool to go to a game at both parks in the same day? On Wednesday, I did just that -- exploring San Manuel Stadium and LoanMart Field as Inland Empire hosted Visalia and Rancho Cucamonga welcomed Lake Elsinore -- as well as discovering the 19-mile expanse between the two parks.
For more on the California League stadiums, and the entire Minor League landscape, check out the the Ballpark Guides series presented by Wyndham.
Here are my takeaways from a unique day of baseball!
Ever go to two games at two different stadiums in one day?
— Minor League Baseball (@MiLB) June 21, 2023
Follow along as our @Kelsie_Heneghan creates her own Cal League "doubleheader" and explores the Inland Empire with @66ersBaseball and the @RCQuakes. pic.twitter.com/nEXY2QA93T
It could be anyone’s first game
One of the first people I met that day was a 9-year-old boy attending his first baseball game. His mom -- who said they normally live in China -- explained a ball vs. a strike and answered his questions about why the batter was jogging to first base after not swinging the bat. He seemed enraptured with what was unfolding on the field. This reminded me of how Derek Jeter used to say he always wanted to give each game his all because you never know who was seeing him for the first time. So much of baseball is wonderful on a daily basis, but for one kid or even one adult, it could be their first hot dog, their first time seeing a batter in the on-deck circle, their first interaction with a mascot. Any game could become a core memory for someone.
It's like day and night
It’s difficult to fully compare the two games because the schedule made them inherently different. Like many Minor League weekday matinees, first game was camp day. School buses brought loads of kids in matching T-shirts. There were no hecklers, just “You can do it” chants, and, of course, a Spongebob Squarepants sing-along and fans doing the “Cha Cha Slide.” For the adults, there was an energy of playing hooky. In the nightcap, dogs took over half the stadium for Bark in the Park. There were families, but also date nights with micheladas and margaritas. There was a vocal heckler and boos for the opposing team. And also, the “Cha Cha Slide.” Two versions of what summer at the ballpark can mean.
Built different. But also the same.
When I first walked through the LoanMart Field gates, it felt completely different than San Manuel Stadium. Fans enter what looks like a large building and remain inside in the concourse until walking up the steps to the seating bowl. At Inland Empire, the structure just leads to an open-air concourse. The hallway to get to the press box and suites are outside for the 66ers, but inside for the Quakes. However, the more I thought about it, the more I realized just how similar the parks were, concourse roof aside. To get to seating, you walk out onto a middle level with seats both above and below. They also both have arches and palm trees framing the entrance and no outfield seating between the foul poles, though the 66ers have a small berm in left. San Manuel Stadium was built in 1987 and LoanMart Field followed six years later, and perhaps the two are perfect representations of a certain style of Minor League park that just gets small adjustments every few years.
Variety in fan apparel
At a Major League game, it’s not uncommon to see the cap of a Minor League affiliate, but for the most part, fans are supporting one of the two teams playing that day. In the Minors, you get more of a mix, especially depending on the region. Because the 66ers and Quakes are near the Angels and Dodgers respectively, it makes sense one is a fan of both the affiliate and the parent club. What I found interesting is that the Lake Elsinore game had a large percentage of 66ers hats, with a variety of types, both variations on the primary design and Copa de la Diversión caps. At Rancho Cucamonga, I saw more Dodgers and classic Quakes caps. There are many clubs that find benefits to having the same color scheme as their parent club like Rancho does, and one is that fans can use their apparel basically interchangeably.
Take Me Out to The Ballgame
I have swayed to and sang “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” more times that I can count. I have shouted my favorite team at my dad, who was shouting his team back following the line, “root, root, root for the...” But it wasn’t until hearing it twice in one day that I stopped and thought about how cool it is. Yes, you might hear “Seven Nation Army” or “HandsClap” at most sporting events these days, but there aren’t many sports that no matter the level or region, you will hear the same song at the same time besides the national anthem. (One caveat being that is played earlier during seven-inning games.)
It’s about the journey and the destination
The distance between San Manuel Stadium and LoanMart Field is only 19 miles. And the coolest part of this drive is being able to follow Route 66. Although my maps app kept wanting me to bypass it for the freeways (which I think is a plot point in the movie “Cars”), I chose the historic street. Now known as Foothill Boulevard, the road is still lined with mechanics and motels, but also has some modern grocery stores and fast food chains, with pockets of Spanish signage. After leaving the 66ers game, I stopped by the nearby Mitla Café, a favorite of activist Cesar Chavez. Then I swung by the original McDonald’s location, which is now a free museum full of memorabilia and Happy Meal toys. As I got closer to the Quakes’ home, I drove past the Auto Club Speedway, a massive structure that hosts NASCAR events. I’ve called Southern California home for parts of 23 years, but I have never been to any of these places before. While baseball was the focus of the day, it was cool to explore the other parts that make San Bernardino County special.
I took the historic Route 66 from San Bernardino to Rancho (and got my kicks by making 'get your kicks' jokes to myself.)
— Kelsie Heneghan (@Kelsie_Heneghan) June 22, 2023
First stop was Mitla Cafe, which was a favorite of activist Cesar Chavez. It is also said to be the inspiration for Taco Bell. pic.twitter.com/F4eef2c6DQ
You can do this across the country
While San Manuel and LoanMart are the closest Minor League stadiums to each other outside of the Tampa Bay area, fans across the country can create their own doubleheaders. I did two teams in the same league, but you can expand to different leagues, levels. Pretend you’re a Blue Jays prospect and go international with Buffalo and Toronto. Experience two of the 10 North Carolina ballparks. You could even try it with two sports (Royals and Chiefs in Kansas City would save on parking and gas!) A world of possibilities awaits!
Kelsie Heneghan is a writer for MiLB.com. Follow her on Twitter @Kelsie_Heneghan.
How clubs across Minor League Baseball are celebrating PLAY BALL Weekend
PLAY BALL Weekend is almost here, and Minor League clubs have put together an exciting calendar of events to celebrate MLB’s youth engagement initiative. Some clubs are hosting youth clinics or other events in their home ballparks while others are bringing the joy of baseball and softball into the local
Here are the weirdest plays and stats from MiLB in May
Benjamin Hill travels the nation collecting stories about what makes Minor League Baseball unique. This excerpt from the Baseball Traveler newsletter, presented by Circle K, is a mere taste of the smorgasbord of delights he offers every week. Read the full newsletter here, and subscribe to his newsletter here.
Podcast features first-base promotions for Caglianone, Eldridge
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
Cubs' Rojas, Mets' Tong headline May's Minor League Players of the Month
Minor League Baseball announced the Player and Pitcher of the Month Award winners for May in Major League Baseball’s player development system.
Minor League Baseball, Joe Torre Safe At Home partnership enters ninth year
For the ninth year, Minor League Baseball and Joe Torre Safe At Home have teamed up to raise awareness about violence and abuse and to inspire fans of all ages to join them in SAH’s critical work. This year, 63 MiLB teams will participate in an in-ballpark initiative from May
MiLB podcast discusses Anthony, Caglianone at Triple-A
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
These are the greatest Minor League promos happening in June
Benjamin Hill travels the nation collecting stories about what makes Minor League Baseball unique. This excerpt from the Baseball Traveler newsletter, presented by Circle K, is a mere taste of the smorgasbord of delights he offers every week. Read the full newsletter here, and subscribe to his newsletter here.
New playoff format coming to 2025 Dominican Summer League
Minor League Baseball announced the 2025 Dominican Summer League (DSL) season will begin June 2 with Opening Day festivities taking place at the Boston Red Sox Academy in Guerra. The 2025 campaign will also see the introduction of the DSL Cup, a new playoff format that will see 16 DSL
Debating best Minor League home caps on podcast
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
The Omaha Storm Chasers' 'Take Meow-t' cat night included a Litter Box Sundae
Benjamin Hill travels the nation collecting stories about what makes Minor League Baseball unique. This excerpt from the Baseball Traveler newsletter, presented by Circle K, is a mere taste of the smorgasbord of delights he offers every week. Read the full newsletter here, and subscribe to his newsletter here.
Boston's Triple-A affiliate throws birthday bash for Roman Anthony
With all the hype that has surrounded Roman Anthony over the past two seasons, it’s easy to forget how young he really is. MLB's No. 1 prospect played 70 games at the highest level of the Minors before he could order a beer. But he can now. Roman Anthony turned
Friendly foes, 2024 first-rounders Moore and Caglianone trade first Triple-A homers
For years, Christian Moore and Jac Caglianone laced up their cleats against one another in the SEC. A rivalry that spanned Florida, Tennessee and other landmarks across the South moved to Salt Lake City this week as the Royals and Angels' top prospects got simultaneous Triple-A promotions. So it was
Phillies' Moore, Fausnaught join MiLB podcast
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
Red Sox prospect rips double THROUGH Fenway-esque scoreboard
Red Sox No. 4 prospect Franklin Arias, an infielder for High-A Greenville, REALLY didn’t want to let visiting Asheville score any runs in the top of the eighth inning on Friday night. With runners on first and second base in the bottom of the fourth, Arias showed he apparently held
April's hottest hitting prospects -- one for each organization
The Minor League season is a month old and several of the game's best hitting prospects are off to fast starts. Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony is tearing up Triple-A (just like he did at the end of last year), Padres shortstop Leo De Vries is leading the High-A Midwest
Check out the best -- and wackiest -- Minor League promos happening in May
Benjamin Hill travels the nation collecting stories about what makes Minor League Baseball unique. This excerpt from the Baseball Traveler newsletter, presented by Circle K, is a mere taste of the smorgasbord of delights he offers every week. Read the full newsletter here, and subscribe to his newsletter here.
Orioles' Honeycutt joins The Show Before the Show
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
MiLB podcast coming LIVE to a Somerset this June
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
New ballparks highlight 2025 MiLB road trip stops
Benjamin Hill travels the nation collecting stories about what makes Minor League Baseball unique. This excerpt from the Baseball Traveler newsletter, presented by Circle K, is a mere taste of the smorgasbord of delights he offers every week. Read the full newsletter here, and subscribe to his newsletter here.
Minor League Baseball partners with TruGreen
FRANKLIN, Tenn. -- TruGreen, the nation's leading lawn care treatment provider, is proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Minor League Baseball that includes activations across all 120 clubs, a makeover of the home dugout in each market, sponsorship of select MiLB team grounds crews, and a new initiative called
Podcast explains why the Syracuse Mets are looking for Jim Morrison
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
Dash im-prom-tu promo and Mets' Suero joins the podcast
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
Minor League Baseball partners with Circle K
Minor League Baseball announced a new national partnership with Circle K, which will see the convenience store giant become the “Official Convenience Store of Minor League Baseball.” During the 2025 season, the Circle K brand will be integrated into the MiLB in-stadium experience through in-game video board assets at most
These 15 moments led to season No. 15 of Minor League road trips
Benjamin Hill travels the nation collecting stories about what makes Minor League Baseball unique. This excerpt from his newsletter is a mere taste of the smorgasbord of delights he offers every week. Read the full newsletter here, and subscribe to his newsletter here.
MiLB podcast crew makes Opening Day predictions
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other