On the Road 2018, #2: Ohio, Indiana and All-Stars
I will be embarking on five Minor League road trips in 2018, my ninth season of professional ballpark travel. By the time the season ends, I will have visited all 159 active Minor League stadiums. #BenEverywhere
My first trip of 2018, detailed HERE, is an intermittently paced jaunt featuring locales in Maryland, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
For trip number two, I’ll venture a little further west.
Ohio, Indiana and All-Stars
6/14: Lake County Captains (vs. Lansing Lugnuts, 7:00 p.m.)
Promo: Thirsty Thursday
Previous visit: 2011
6/15: Mahoning Valley Scrappers (vs. West Virginia Black Bears, 7:05 p.m.)
Promo: TBD; New York-Penn League Opening Night
Previous visit: 2011 (also Opening Night)
6/16: Toledo Mud Hens (vs. Louisville Bats, 6:05 p.m.)
Promo: “You Will Do Better in Toledo Night” with specialty 419 jerseys; Toledo Baseball History Night
Previous visit: 2011
6/17: Fort Wayne TinCaps (vs. Great Lakes Loons, 1:05 p.m.)
Promo: Autograph Day
Previous visit: 2011
6/19: Midwest League All-Star Game, hosted by Lansing Lugnuts
Previous visit: 2013
The Rationale
In the world of affiliated Minor League Baseball, I’ve been almost everywhere already. My number one priority this season is visiting the four ballparks to which I’ve never been, but number two is to go to places I haven’t been since 2012 or before. I operated differently in those early days; it was the Ben’s Biz embryonic era.
Lo and behold, the first four teams on this itinerary are places I haven’t been since 2011. I did travel to Lansing comparatively recently, in 2013, but my June 19th stop in Lansing this season will be totally unique: The Lugnuts are hosting the Midwest League All-Star Game. I hope that the Midwest League teams that were neglected on this itinerary will take at least some solace in the fact that the All-Star Game will include representatives from your organization. It’s the least that I can do.
What About It?
What would you like to see from my coverage of these teams? What should I know going in? I 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 sixth 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.
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