Stadiums offer minor league fun close to home
America’s pastime sure looks different this summer.
With Chicago’s two major league baseball teams playing a shortened season without fans in the stands, where does that leave leagues in the suburbs?
The six suburban baseball teams have long advertised themselves as affordable alternatives to big-city baseball. But those teams — the Chicago Dogs, Gary RailCats, Joliet Slammers, Kane County Cougars, Schaumburg Boomers and Windy City Thunderbolts — have had to pivot as well this summer.
But even if fans can’t see their beloved Sox or Cubbies play in person, they can see some baseball in the suburbs — along with a lot of other activities, too.
The Chicago Dogs, Rosemont
This 3-year-old team, part of the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball league, was able to play ball when Illinois shifted to phase four.
“We were excited and prepared,” said team co-owner Shawn Hunter. “It took close to two months but we were watching where stadiums opened in other states and used their best practices.” State or local restrictions allowed six of the 12 league teams to play.
“It’s still been great,” Hunter said. “Obviously it’s different from a normal summer, with social distancing for the players, fans and staff. But the spirit of fun and wanting to escape is still there — and this is the summer to escape.”
Upon entering the park, fans’ temperatures are checked. Masks must be worn when fans are not in their seats, similar to an indoor dining experience at a restaurant, Hunter said, with “extensive, frequent cleanings” before, during and after games. Hand sanitizer stations can be found throughout Impact Field.
Seats are social distanced, with three seats on either side of every group of tickets purchased left empty, along with seats in front and behind. “It’s a nice bubble around,” Hunter said.
The Chicago Dogs play six days a week and also host promotional nights like the recent mascot giveaway. “We have Squeeze, who is a fluffy, squeezable bottle of mustard. Our most recent giveaway was the villainous Ketchup — we know you’re not supposed to put ketchup on a hot dog.” receive a text telling them where to pick up their food.
“This is to avoid unnecessary lines and less hand-to-hand contact,” Altmann said.
In a normal season, the Slammers would host in-between innings promotions, but to keep players and fans safe, there won’t be any this summer. Four seats will blocked at the end of every aisle and all groups will be separated by four seats.
“The level of competition is high and we’re excited to have the games this year,” said Altmann, adding that the end of the season will bring a quest for the Cup.