On the Road 2018, #5: Colorado at Last

I will be embarking on five Minor League road trips in 2018, 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

By the time this September hits, I will have visited every Minor League stadium. Except for two.

This trip is dedicated to those two ballparks. Colorado, here I come. It’s time to, yes, Finish the Job:

Colorado at Last:

9/2–3: Colorado Springs Sky Sox (vs. Oklahoma City Dodgers, 5 p.m.; 1 p.m.)
Promo: These are the last two (regular-season) Triple-A games in Colorado Springs history (The team will relocate to San Antonio in 2019, with Helena’s Pioneer League franchise then moving to Colorado Springs.)

9/4: Grand Junction Rockies (vs. Orem, 6:40 p.m.)
Promo: TBD

The Rationale

As I said before: By the time this trip occurs, these will be the only two ballparks I haven’t visited. It was my intent to visit both of them in 2017, as part of a trip that would have included the entirety of the Pioneer League as well as Salt Lake and Colorado Springs. I was unable to put together an itinerary including all 10 teams, however, and ended up omitting both Colorado Springs and Grand Junction. Hence, this Colorado-only trip.

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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