On the Road 2018, #1: Three Weekends in the Northeast
I will be embarking on five Minor League road trips in 2018, marking my ninth season of ballpark travel. By the time the season ends, I will have made a professional visit to all 159 active Minor League stadiums. #BenEverywhere
Are you ready for some itineraries?! My first trip of 2018 is, in actuality, three miniature trips spread out over the course of three consecutive weekends.
Three Weekends in the Northeast
Part I
5/4: Delmarva Shorebirds (vs. Augusta GreenJackets, 7:05 p.m.)
Promotion: Star Wars Night with Storm Trooper Manny Machado bobblehead giveaway
Previous visit: 2011
5/5: Bowie Baysox (vs. Akron RubberDucks, 6:35 p.m.)
Promotion: Tribute to the Negro Leagues AND the Baysox are playing as the Cangrejos Fantasmas as part of Minor League Baseball’s “Copa de la Diversion” initiative.
Previous visit: 2011
Part II
5/10: Harrisburg Senators (vs. New Hampshire Fisher Cats, 7:00 p.m.)
Promotion: 1K Beer Run
Previous visit: 2010
5/11: Lakewood BlueClaws (vs. Charleston RiverDogs, 7:05 p.m.)
Promotion: Jurassic Ballpark
Previous visit: 2010
5/12: Lehigh Valley IronPigs (vs. Buffalo Bisons, 6:35 p.m.)
Promotion: Star Wars Night
Previous visit: 2012 (in “fan mode”)
Part III
5/18: Trenton Thunder (vs. Bowie Baysox, 7:00 p.m.)
Promotion: Pork Roll Celebration Night
Previous visit: 2012
The Rationale
I decided not to travel in April this season. It’s cold (in most regions), the kids are still in school (in all regions) and, as a result, it’s not a very energetic time of the year Minor League Baseball-wise.
When it came to May, I chose the northeast. Despite living in New York City, and having family in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, I haven’t visited any of the above six teams since at least 2012. I’m overdue.
Initially, I put together a week-long Northeast itinerary. But the more I looked at it, the more I realized something: There was no need to do it at once, all the while enduring the usual passive-aggressive remarks from team execs who wish I hadn’t visited them on a Monday (or Tuesday, or Wednesday, or maybe any day). Since these teams are all “local” to where I live, I’d visit on the weekends! Bigger crowds! Better promos! More energy!
And as an added bonus, I will be joined on select dates by my MiLB.com colleague Sam Dykstra. I’ll do my thing, he’ll do his. (His thing is prospects.)
What About It?
What would you like to see from my coverage of these teams? What should I know going in? I try to remain amenable to new angles and different ways of doing things, so whether you’re fan or front office please get in touch if you’ve got something to suggest.
Designated Eater?
For the fifth consecutive season, I’ll recruit Designated Eaters at most locations that I visit. Their job, of course, is to consume the ballpark cuisine that my gluten-free diet prohibits. Stay tuned next week for a post about how to become a Designated Eater at one of my 2018 ballpark stops.
benjamin.hill@mlb.com
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