5 Reasons Minor League Baseball Is Better Than The Pros

While attending SOBCon08, I had a nice conversation with Jeff Sable from Chitika where we chatted about quite a few family activities, including the appeal of attending a minor league baseball game.

As summer is approaching, I am getting the itch to get the kids out to the ballpark to enjoy a baseball game. Given that our preference is to attend minor league baseball games, I thought I would share a few of the aspects that have led us in that direction.

Here are five reasons that minor league baseball is better than their professional counterparts:

1. Cost

It is possible for a family to attend a minor league baseball game without having to take out a second mortgage on the house. And you’ll even be able to get a hot dog or two and not feel like you are being taken to the cleaners.

Not only are the ticket prices cheaper for a minor league baseball game, but often times the parking is much cheaper and might even be free depending on the team.

If you have younger children, don’t be surprised if they say that they want to leave by about the 5th inning. It is much easier leaving early from a game that has not cost you a small fortune to attend.

2. Passion for the Game

While professional ballplayers certainly have a passion for the game, many of them are also being driven by the greed of a bigger contract. In the minor leagues, particularly the lower levels, you have an opportunity to watch young men that may have the dream of the big payday but have a real passion for playing the sport they love.

3. Close to the Action

Have you tried to get an autograph from a professional ballplayer recently? Even if you are able to get close enough to have a chance at an autograph, many players avoid coming anywhere near the fans near the dugout as they know they will be swamped. In the minor leagues, many of the players are very accommodating with autographs - as it is likely just as much a thrill for them as it is for your kids.

In addition to the players being more accessible, many minor league stadiums put you right on top of the action. However, this does require more care as you are also much closer to flying baseballs and possibly even bats.

4. Cool Team Names

Part of the appeal to the atmosphere surrounding a minor league baseball game is the team name. Minor league teams usually have very fun team names with interesting mascots that really appeal to the kids.

Here are just a few examples: Lakewood BlueClaws, Lehigh Valley IronPigs, Hickory Crawdads, Casper Ghosts

5. It’s Not Just a Game, It’s an Experience

The best part of a minor league baseball game is that it is truly more than a game, it is an experience. Minor league baseball teams are really brilliant at marketing and promotion as they do a great job to make the fans part of the game, which will leave a lasting impression on your kids moreso than sitting in the nose-bleed seats to see the local professional team.

From a handful of little kids racing the team mascot around the bases to promotional items being launched into the crowd, you will be entertained in between innings throughout the game.

And when is the last time you and the kids were allowed to run the bases after a major league game?

Take Your Kids To The Ballpark

If you’ve never attended a minor league baseball game, do a search to find the team closest to your area and get the kids out to the ballpark.

It will be a great experience for the whole family!

Photo credit: jslander