Austin Jackson. That's the man I'm watching in the AFL. Phil Hughes too, Jackson's Peoria Javelinas teammate, but we've already seen Mr Hughes in the Bronx. We're ready for some new blood. And I don't mean that in the Vampire this is a food site way. Speaking of, I have not forgotten the Gourmet part of SG. Hang in. I'm trying. TFMJ says any new content is good but I'm not so sure.
I just went down to grab coffee from the breakfast in the Quality/Comfort/Days Inn, wherever we slept last night. Down there I noticed a bunch of kids carrying/hugging stuffed anumals. When we checked in last night about 10pm there was a family of Lions fans bringing in their luggage. It's so fun to see kids on the road, even when they're crying and slamming doors.
When I was a kid we road-tripped in a camper. True gas was less expensive but let's start facing the fact that gas had been uinderpriced for years. Once we accept that we can all hit the road to see our favorite teams.
Have you seen MiLB's Geographical 'List' of Teams? Throw a dart or check out what's near your intended path. With the exception of Mets Triple-A, which is in New Orleans, you probably don't live too far from some level of your favorite team.
Small ballparks are super fun for kids. And they're super affordable. And usually they have food specials. What a great way to get kids interested in what we once referred to as the national pastime. More later.
Where did You go this summer? And where do You plan to go?
As told to me by the Sea Dogs staff...the Sea Dogs Monthly Luncheon is a very casual event in which a picnic style meal is served, usually consisting of burgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, and Sea Dogs biscuits. The luncheons are open to the public. Tickets cost $8.00 and are available at the door, however, they do ask you to reserve a seat (207-874-9300 or ccameron@seadogs.com) if you plan on attending.
Following lunch, there is a brief program in which a speaker from the baseball industry provides insight into the game. Past speakers have included players, coaches, front office executives, umpires, retired players, official scorers, and many others. Luncheons run from 12p to 1p.
This month's luncheon is Wednesday, June 18th. Guest speaker: Mike Brady from the University of Southern Maine. Brady will talk about his class at USM; "Baseball and American Society: A Journey"
Weekly Specials at Pringles Park, home of the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx (double-A Mariners):
MONDAY Budweiser Bucket Night - $12.00 Bucket of four (4) 16-oz Buds.
TUESDAY $Two for Tuesday - Buy one (1), Get one (1) FREE specials on regular hot dogs, bags of popcorn, and tickets.
THURSDAY Thirsty Thursday - Buy one (1) 24-oz. Coke product or one (1) 16-oz. Draft Beer, Get one (1) at no extra cost.
SATURDAY $2.00 Draft Beers - 16-oz. draft beer for just $2.00.
SUNDAY Church Bulletin Special / Cool Off Sunday - Bring your Church Bulletin to the Diamond Jaxx Box Office to receive one (1) FREE General Admission ticket. And, ice cream cones are just $1.00
FRIDAY-SUNDAY - All Home Games (excluding July 4th) - Family Four Pack Four: (4) General Admission tickets (2 adult and 2 children), Four (4) Hot Dogs, Four (4) Coke drinks, and Four (4) Clubhouse Magazines for just $28.00
Southern League rules prohibit any food and drink from being brought into Pringles Park.
Anyone been to Don Pancho Mexican Restaurant Buffet? I'd love to hear about it
Wow does that name not roll off the tongue smoothly. And how about the playing field: Arvest Ballpark. Hard to believe this is a new team, meaning some people sat around recently to come up with these names.
Anyway, the Northwest Arkansas Naturals are double-A Royals. It's their inaugural season. Next Thursday (5/22) is their next Thirsty Thursday / Nestle Drumstick Family Night - that's Free ice cream and some 10oz domestic draft beers and all 12oz Pepsi products for $1.
Friday May 23 is also a Nestle Drumstick Family Night, and Wed June 4, Fri June 6...wow. That's a pretty consistent promo. Better check here for more dates.
I'm not sure why or how the SFGiants Double-A team is in Connecticut. I am sure that Dodd Stadium, home of the Connecticut Defenders, is a fun, nicely-run park.
We were there for one of many pint glass giveaway nights (next one 5/24, then 5/31, 6/14, 6/21). And we hear that June 26th is the Gallo Wine Sampling night.
I have more to say and more pictures to add but needed to get this one up asap: what happens when my mom and buy three beers (Sam Adams though Saturdays are 2-for-$5 Bud days) and share the third? Well, the third becomes a peanut shell receptacle. Thankfully the glass was so full we could easily fish out the shells and enjoy the beer.
No Anchor Steam at Dodd Stadium (SF classic) but they do have Sierra Nevada.
On Saturday May 24, the Huntsville Stars (double-A Brewers) will host the first ever Meatloaf Night at Joe Davis Stadium prior to the team's game against the Birmingham Barons at 2:05p.
Men and women with a can't miss family meatloaf recipe are invited to contact the Stars office and register for a position to participate. The meatloaf should be cooked prior to arrival at the ballpark.
Once the gates are opened, fans will taste the various loaves and vote for their favorite.
The person with the winning meatloaf recipe will take home a Stars prize pack that will include a pair of 2009 Stars season tickets and of course a blue ribbon.
For questions regarding or to register for Meatloaf Night contact Matt Price in the Stars' front office at 256- 882-2562 or at matt@huntsvillestars.com.
**The Stars also have Thirsty Thursdays: $1 soft drinks and beer through the 7th Inning
I can't figure out why the RoughRiders are the most blah team in Double-A Baseball (they're Texas Rangers affiliates, btw). Maybe it's just their website but they have no fun promotions or events, right? What gives?
Here are some rules: fans are not permitted to enter Dr Pepper Ballpark with outside food or beverage of any kind. Containers such as picnic baskets, coolers or ice chests are not permitted. You are allowed to bring a clear, empty plastic water bottle. Dr Pepper Ballpark security reserves the right to inspect any package or container coming into the ballpark.
And here's one promo I can find, courtesy of You Shopping at Kroger:
Flash your Kroger Plus Card and get $7 general admission lawn tickets to Sunday through Thursday RoughRiders games plus a RoughRiders hat and a Free hot dog. And guess where you have to be to get this little deal? Kroger.
I certainly hope there's a RoughRiders fan out there who can write in and tell us something fun about the team, the ballpark, anything
Here's a head start - what's the deal with the 10-person Covered Wagons (pictured)? Is that fun? I see you can get a food deal - 10 burgers, 10 dogs, 10 bags of chips, cookies, watermelon, 6-pack Dr Pepper, 6-pack Diet Dr Pepper, 6-pack Bud, 6-pack Bud Light, 6-pack Coors Light, and 10 waters. $495 includes some programs and other little things. Call 972-731-9200 to reserve.
But what if I'm not 10 people? Then what?
