Jaunted

The Best Minor League Ballparks

Best Minor League Ballparks: Fifth Third Field

April 4, 2007 at 12:05 PM | 0 Comments

What's not to love about Minor League Baseball? It's got easier parking, cheaper food, wackier traditions, contests and great deals on last-minute seats. Seats that are close enough to the action that the visiting team can hear your heckling loud and clear. This week, we'll be guiding you around the country to play ball with the stars of tomorrow and the washed up heroes of yesterday on a Bull Durham-style road trip. We've even got the whole thing all mapped out for you.

Best Minor League Ballparks ::: Map

Toledo Mud Hens
We wouldn't be doing the Minors any justice if we didn't talk about the Toledo Mud Hens. Last September, the Detroit Tigers affiliate put an exclamation point on the season, beating the Rochester Red Wings 10-1 to win the Governors' Cup for the second straight year. (Hey, at least the Triple A team can win championships.)

Fifth Third Field is ground zero for Mud Hens fans. (Before you ask: It's named after a local bank.) The team is one of the oldest in the Minors, with history going back to 1883. It was also a fave of Max Klinger, if you're old enough to know who that is. The Mud Hens kick things off this year on the road, but the home opener is Friday the 13th. Good luck on that playoff run!

Getting There:
Fifth Third Field is another downtown park, surrounded by plenty of parking. You'll probably drop a couple singles unless you find a space on the street. Our map has the satellite view, or check out this JPG from the Mud Hens to get a better idea of the situation.

Insider's Tip:
You might be tempted to try the Fowl Balls at the park's Triple Play Grill, until you realize you don't like chicken that comes in ball form. (At least it's not mud hen meat.) Also, the Mud Hens stick it to Belle, with their own diva: Muddonna. After the jump, don't miss the Hang on Sloopy sing-along: The track is Ohio's state song!