Take Me Out to the Ballgame

Today, Kate reports on the family friendly benefits of the minor league:

“My toddler daughter loves to sing Take Me Out to the Ballgame, a favorite at her daycare center, and a good choice – slowed down and with a bluesy tone – for bedtime. I wanted to give her the real experience this summer, but she’s too young and too active for the claustrophobic intensity of Fenway Park. So, we tested out two minor league parks instead – LeLacheur Park in Lowell, Massachusetts (home of the Spinners) and Hadlock Field in Portland, Maine (home of the Sea Dogs) – and found that they’re great for both adults and kids, even really young ones.
Both parks are small, tickets are inexpensive, and the mood is invariably relaxed and easy-going. No one complains if you stand up a lot, no one yells swears at the opposing team, and no one objects to a quick diaper-change in the stands. The innings are punctuated with sideshow entertainment – frisbee-catching dogs, raffles, go-kart races, mascots of all stripes, and even a dancing toothbrush – and kids are allowed to run the bases after Sunday games at LaLacheur Park (and unlike the players, kids aren’t required to touch all the bases).

LaLacheur has the added attraction of a miniature amusement park immediately next to the field, and my daughter spent several happy innings enjoying the moon bouncer there. Minor league baseball may not be the best choice if you want to see top-notch baseball, but it’s a great family way to spend a summer afternoon or evening, to introduce your child to America’s pastime, and to pick up some fun giveaways. Plus, fans get to sing Take Me Out to the Ballgame, just like in the majors.”