Enjoying The National Pastime With Minor League Baseball Teams In NC

By Kevin Stevens


Going to a sporting event these days can put you back hundreds of dollars. If you want to make it a family outing, you may have to finance the tickets instead of buying them outright. Back in the good old days, you could take in a game during the afternoon, buy some popcorn and drinks, and still have enough money left over for a cap. Those days can be recaptured however, and you can affordably enjoy America's national pastime with the minor league baseball teams in NC.

Not everyone thinks about going to these games however, and managers and owners are always trying to woo fans with the promise of improved ballparks and entry into popular promotions. At its core, sports is entertainment and showmanship. In order to pack the stands, management knows it has to create a feeling of enthusiasm and excitement. If you have never experienced minor league games before, you are in for a treat.

The pre-game warm up is a lot of fun to watch. If you get to the field early, you will have a chance to interact with players, take pictures, and get autographs. This is not like the big league games. Players don't make mega millions, and they aren't surrounded by officials keeping fans away from them. You can usually take your child down to the field for some little league pointers and suggestions.

Some of the owners and managers are shameless hustlers. They will do anything to get fans inside the stadium. That includes holding contests, offering giveaways, and promoting special events. It doesn't hurt to enter everything you can. If you are lucky, you might score some free tickets.

These games are great places to take kids. The atmosphere is relaxed and energetic at the same time. Children do get lost however, even at small venues. Pinning the ticket on their shirts will tell the usher where to return them. If you have small children and don't want to risk a stray ball hitting them, getting seats behind the home plate screen is a good idea.

Most adults love the team mascots, but they can frighten small children. Not all little one's are thrilled to shake the hand of a huge dog or tiger. If your kid is wary of the mascot, don't push it. There will be plenty of time to take pictures in a few years.

This might not be the major leagues, but you are going to see plenty of talent on the field. Whether you are in Charlotte, Asheville, Burlington, or Winston-Salem, the next Chipper Jones, Cal Ripken, or Derek Jeter, could come up to bat on the day you're watching. This is exactly where they started their careers.

A good baseball game can be like a trip back in time. Everything seems simpler sitting in the stands at a ballpark. Following the minor leagues is a great way to enjoy a sport that epitomizes America.




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