Minor League Baseball

Inside April 22, 2003's Issue

-Sports-

Basketball Championship

Golf Scramble

Rome Braves Get F irst Win

Minor League baseball is affordable, family-friendly and now in full swing

Sports Commentary:
By Bobby Moore
Staff writer

After months of anticipation, it is finally time to play ball. After attending the Rome Braves’ inaugural home game, I am convinced that minor league baseball is the most family-friendly of the major sports.

While major league baseball is full of wealthy, self-centered superstars, minor league players are very accessible. They are only trying to work hard and learn so they can make some cash at a higher level. That sounds a lot like college students!

Baseball is something we can all relate to because most of us have played either baseball or softball at some point in our lives.

State Mutual Stadium is a great place for a family to spend an evening without spending a lot of money. Sure, there may be a lot of alcohol consumption, but you are likely to observe worse behavior and hear worse language in the Wal-Mart parking lot.

You can enjoy this wholesome entertainment locally. There is no longer any need to drive to Chattanooga or Atlanta to see a baseball game.

In recent years, we have been told that NASCAR is the foremost family-friendly sport. Although the drivers do a great job embracing their fans, I have trouble seeing left turns and car crashes being the paragon of family entertainment.

According to the Charlotte Observer’s Nov. 17, 2001 issue, between 1990 and 2001, 29 spectators died at car races, five of which were children. Last Dec. 12, USA Today ran an article in which they seemed astounded that no driver was killed during the 2002 NASCAR season. Throughout the long history of baseball, there have only been five reported deaths that took place during games.

I once attended a Busch Series race with a Boy Scout troop. Before the race, I witnessed three intoxicated men put a drum inside a tent and build a fire, a feat worthy of a Darwin Award nomination. Luckily, no one was injured. The only thing that was hurt was my perception of racing fans.

I am not trying to condemn racing. I just feel that minor league baseball is a lot safer for not only the players, but the fans as well.

Baseball can also teach a child lessons about teamwork. I doubt these lessons can be learned while watching a pit stop.

Minor league baseball is the most affordable and fan-friendly sport, and now it is finally in our backyard.