Comedian Jack Benny turned 39 in 1933, upon which he decided that he’d aged enough. He went on to celebrate his 39th birthday for each of the next 41 years, a running gag that culminated with him dying in 1974 at age 39. Don’t expect any Jack Benny-esque shenanigans from me, as this is the first and only 39th edition of the Ben’s Biz Beat Newsletter. Enjoy it while you can. Let’s talk about Minor League Baseball. |
Last week’s newsletter was in large part dedicated to answering the following question: What’s your favorite seat or view that you’ve had at a Minor League park? The response to this query was so overwhelmingly enthusiastic that now it’s time for the sequel, which, as we all know, is always better than the original.
The above picture showcases my favorite vantage point from the 2022 season: The press box at the MiLB at Field of Dreams game in Dyersville, Iowa. But enough from me. Now it’s time to hear from email respondents:
"We are very partial to our local Triple-A stadium: Truist Field in Charlotte, N.C., home of the Charlotte Knights." -- Mary Rivkin
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"The inaugural game at Peoria’s O'Brien Field (now Dozer Park) on May 24, 2002. I had grown up watching the Chiefs and I still remember how strange it seemed to be watching a baseball game (and the Chiefs) in downtown Peoria. ... I can still picture where I was sitting for that game (and still have the ticket stub to prove it)." -- Josh Ebberts |
"Sitting in a swivel chair on top of the Green Monster at the Greenville Drive’s Fluor Field. Such a unique place to watch a game and a perfect fit for their affiliation with the Red Sox." -- Alex Ward (2014 Hickory Crawdads Designated Eater) |
"The Clearwater Threshers (where I have season tickets) used to have two Barcaloungers behind home plate that were given to lucky fans in seat upgrade drawings at each game. The ballpark, currently called Baycare Ballpark, also hosts the annual American Athletic Conference college tournament. One year at the tournament, after numerous weather delays, the last game of the day started at 1:00 in the morning. With only a few fans still in attendance, the Barcaloungers were empty so I helped myself to one. It seemed only a few minutes later, an usher woke me up and told me it was time to go home. I had slept thru the entire game." -- Jeff Haven
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"Surely you have to include the view from the historic grandstands at [Daytona Beach’s] Jackie Robinson Ballpark!" – Bob Fregolle, Daytona Tortugas co-owner |
"My favorite view is from the lawn seats (there actually aren't seats to sit in so bring a blanket to sit in the grass) in right field at Day Air Ballpark, home of the High-A Dayton Dragons. ... Look for smoke coming from the dragon out in left-center field after a Dragons home run." -- Rob Brock |
"Des Moines with state capitol in center." – Mike Bodkin, referring to Principal Park, home of the Iowa Cubs.
Note from Ben: Due to the recent addition of a batter’s eye, the capitol building is now only visible from the 10th row of seating and above.
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"We will always appreciate the views from the very top row of section 214 [at Richmond’s The Diamond, home of the Flying Squirrels]. It offers shade, a cool breeze, shelter from rain, foul balls aplenty off of lefty bats, extra space to stretch out and an amazing panoramic view of downtown Richmond." -- Eric Murto |
"My favorite vantage point is one that I occupied quite often [at Isotopes Park] during the years I lived in Albuquerque. It is the single seat in the front row of a triangular section just before the left-field foul line meets the home run fence. At one game, a little bird became the only living thing ever to sit between me (in that seat) and the field." -- Bruce Hawkins |
"My friend @count.Basie.the.bulldog says any seat at ONEOK Field is great! Of course it’s better on the nights when the dogs can go cheer on the Tulsa Drillers." – Marcus Messimore |
In last week’s newsletter I (Ben) highlighted the view of the Wasatch Mountains from Salt Lake City’s Smith’s Field. That’s not the only Utah ballpark enlivened by Wasatchian splendor, however, as the Ogden Raptors’ home of Lindquist Field is similarly spectacular. (The Raptors play in the Pioneer League, a formerly affiliated circuit that is now independent.)
Reader Rob Hammock sent along the following picture, taken during a visit to see the Raptors in the summer of 2021.
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I have more that I want to share, but the limitations of time and space will not allow it. Thanks to everyone who responded to this most vibrant of baseball topics, and to Ken (@baseballtravelr) for suggesting it in the first place. To peruse more ballpark views, cherished seats and the combination thereof, check out this corresponding Twitter thread.
Next week’s question (submitted by Rick F.): What’s the most ridiculous promotion you have enjoyed at a Minor League ballpark?
As always, send your responses (and suggested future questions) to benjamin.hill@mlb.com.
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HOPELESSLY OBSCURE MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL TRIVIA! |
From 1990-95, the Rookie-level Appalachian League was home to a team from Huntington, W.V. From 1990-94, that team was known as the Huntington Cubs.
What was the name of Huntington’s Appy League squad in 1995?
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Who is the worst baseball player of all time? If you ask Google, the answer is John Gochnaur, a shortstop who appeared in 264 Major League games from 1901-03. If you want to know precisely why Gochnaur was the worst of all time, I defer to my colleague Matt Monagan’s MLB.com story. What matters in the context of this scintillating newsletter item is that Gochnaur was born (and died) in Altoona, Penn., now the home of the Curve (Double-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates).
On Sept. 10, the Curve are staging “A salute to the worst MLB player of all time.” Specially produced John Gochnaur baseball cards will be given away, so that Altoonians can better acquaint themselves with the exploits of this local non-legend. Some might think this all to be a little weird, but I expect nothing less from the team that originated “Awful Night.”
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We’re already in Altoona; let’s stay there. The Curve’s signature concession item is an understated classic: The Curve Burger, freshly grilled and served with a side of locally produced potato chips. How’s that for elegance? |
HOPELESSLY OBSCURE MINOR LEAGUE TRIVIA ANSWER! |
In 1995, Huntington's Appy League team was known as the River City Rumblers. The Rumblers were a co-op team, comprised of players from the other nine organizations who had teams in the league. Managed by current El Paso Chihuahuas skipper Phil Wellman, the Rumblers went 22-45 and did not return to the fold in 1996.
To submit a trivia question for possible inclusion in a future newsletter, email benjamin.hill@mlb.com.
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