Chicago-area minor league baseball: Just take me out to the ballgame!

Make no mistake (and yes, it may sound like a cliché to say), but there is still something special about going to “the old ballgame.” Here in Chicago and our surrounding area, there are plenty of options, and that doesn’t mean it has to be just the Cubs and White Sox.

Minor league professional baseball games are a wonderful way to spend a weekend or weekday afternoon or evening.Fans can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and  the ability to stretch out and not be all crowded. The seats are much closer to the field than in the major league parks, and thanks to the size of the stadiums, it’s easy to see and hear all the sights and sounds of the game—up close and personal. 

Not to mention the smells…oh yes, especially the smells! Almost all minor league parks have a multitude of unique and delicious food offerings, and they are usually readily available, without the long lines and waiting of big league ballparks. Prices are a little easier on the pocketbook as well!

The players are playing (depending on the version of minor league baseball you are watching)either forpure love of the game, or for that shot to move up the ladder and get that much closer to the major leagues.  Either way, it makes for maximum hustle and effort by players at all times.

Overall, it is just a pleasant and relaxing way to enjoy the great game of baseball. 

Note:  Fortunately for us here in Chicago, thereis no lack of options for baseball fans to check out this more affordable and enjoyable way to experience our national pastime.

Listed below are some of our local area teams:

Schaumburg Boomers:  Opened play on May 8. Located in Schaumburg.  Mascot: Coop The Boomer. They play in the Frontier League.

Kane County Cougars: Opened play on May 8. Located in Geneva.  Mascot: Ozzie T Cougar. They play in the Midwest league.

The Chicago Dogs:  Opened play on May 3. They play out of Rosemont.  Mascot: Squeeze and Ketchup. They play in the AmericanAssociation of Professional Baseball.

Joliet Slammers: Opened play May 7. They play out of (hold the suspense) …Joliet!  Mascot: Spikes and J.L. Bird. They play in the Frontier League

Windy City Thunderbolts: Opened play May 8. Their home field is in Crestwood.  Mascot:  Boomer. They alsoplay in the Frontier League

As a complete aside: Minor league teams are often known for their creative team names. Here are some examples from teams across the country: 

The Augusta Greenjackets, the Toledo Mud Hens, the Vermont Lake Monsters, the Montgomery Biscuits, the Fort Wayne TinCaps, the Savannah Sand Gnats, the Richmond Flying Squirrels, the Chattanooga Look Outs, or my personal favorite, the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs.

If you get a chance this summer, get out to a ballgame and check it out.  You will find what many have: Minor league baseball is the best!