The Sporting Life: The Minor Leagues Are Back With Major Antics

摘要

For many reasons, your Field Correspondent is elated by the return of minor league baseball games in 2021. After all, we spent many a pleasant evening writing about them during a career that included all-expense-paid trips to glamour spots like Shreveport, La., and Midland, Texas. Of course, in the typical minor league experience, the game itself ranks a distant third. First comes the besides-the-game experiences, usually referred to as promotions. Then comes the food, in enormous quantities, with no nutritional value at all (well, except maybe for those vegetables included in the hot dogs).Minor league baseball has become famous for its promotions and special events, thanks in part to the ubiquitous nature of major league baseball on TV. Few people go to the minor leagues to see up-and-coming or never-quite-were big leaguers play. Aside from the opportunity for an extended summer, there really isn't that much interest in whether your local nine wins, loses, or draws. But, oh my, the things that can happen before, during, and sometimes after games. San Antonio, where we spent many a night in the press box (or the grandstands or the bleachers, depending on the weather) was known for things like used-car giveaways between innings and math days. It was the place to be, even if you didn't know the difference between a two-seam and four-seam fastball (hint: it's how you grab the ball).