Nothing Minor About It

Since we were in the area for the MAJOR, it seemed a little yin-yang thing might be in order, so we made the short trip north from Oshkosh to Fox Cities Stadium - hope of the Milwaukee Brewers Class A team, the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers.

A severe storm rumbled through the area a little more than an hour before the game, but the forecast for the rest of the evening looked clear, so we made our way through a driving rain (not that it was good to drive in) to the cozy stadium on Appleton's northwest corner.

Many other folks had the same idea as the parking lot was filling up when we arrived.  It was family night and the families responded with a big turn out.

Just $9 for a ticket behind home plate?  Which is perhaps the first thing you notice about minor league baseball - it's inexpensive to attend compared to the big league team further south.

It's easier to bring the family out when a second mortgage isn't necessary to buy some souvenirs and food for the group inside the ballpark.

Lefty Nate Kirby was on the mound for the Timber Rattlers.  A high pick in this year's draft, Kirby helped lead the University of Virginia to a title in the College World Series.  While it's difficult to predict the fortunes of draft picks, the Brewers are certainly glad to have another power throwing left-hander in their system.

You can do a lot of things while watching the game; waiting for it to start; or instead of watching it.  Behind the right-field fence is a large beach for the enjoyment of all who might prefer to building sand castles to a good 6 to 4 to 3 twin killing.

Team mascot Fang (top left) is everywhere.  He is dancing.  Or participating in a contest between innings.  When your team is built on players who are frequently moving to other teams; it makes sense to build around the identity of the team's symbol.

On this night, Fang had company from a dozen or so other mascots who stopped by the stadium to celebrate family night.  Before the game, I wasn't aware Home Depot had a mascot.  He is an older gentleman/handyman who could be a distant cousin of Elmer Fudd.

I enjoy minor league baseball.  It feels fresh and there is an energy supplied by the enthusiasm and dreams of the players.  For most of them, even a cup of coffee in the bigs is beyond their reach.   It doesn't extinguish the dream, though, as guys leg out a hit for an extra base or dive to make a fantastic catch.

Minor league doesn't mean bush league.  This is high-quality entertainment on a smaller scale.  The stadium has a first-class gift shop.  The concession stands have a wide variety of food and a signature gut-busting sandwich.


The Big Mother Funnel Burger is a one pound patty with mozarella cheese and bacon.  Not impressed yet?  I forgot to mention instead of conventional hamburger buns it rests between two funnel cakes!

Oh yes, let's eat two!  Eat one for me please, and hurry, their season ends in a couple of weeks.