Traditions hit a home run
Nation’s ballparks offer fun and quirks for every baseball fan’s tastes
As baseball fans know, the game is much more than a sporting event. Each team has its own quirks and traditions, from home-run rituals to wacky fan attractions, says Josh Pahigian, author of The Amazing Base
ball Adventure (Lyons, $19.95). “Atmosphere is so much part of the ballpark,” which is why baseball and road trips go so well together. With Opening Day on Monday, he shares some favorite ballpark oddities with Larry Bleiberg for USA TODAY.
SAUSAGE RACERS, MILLER PARK MILWAUKEE
Nothing says baseball like a race of costumed cased meats. During the sixth inning, an8-foot hot dog, brat, chorizo, Italian sausage and Polish sausage take to the field for a foot race. The snack showdown, which began as an animated scoreboard contest, has since inspired a pierogi race in Pittsburgh and a Presidents’ race in Washington. “It’s become a signature of the Brewers experience,” Pahigian says. brewers.com
CHOCTAW LAZY RIVER, DR PEPPER BALLPARK FRISCO, TEXAS
Not only does the on-field action ebb and flow at this Dallas-area ballpark, but so does the current on this outfield water ride. The 68,000-gallon river is usually reserved for private groups, but on Thursdays and Sundays, regular fans can purchase a river pass to enjoy a game, a float and all-you-can-eat snacks. Although reminiscent of the Phoenix Chase Field outfield swimming pool, the Texas ride is larger. “This is a minor-league team that has oneupped the majors,” Pahigian says. ridersbaseball.com
PETCO PARK BEACH SAN DIEGO
Stadium playgrounds are now plentiful, but this one is inspired by the Pacific coast city’s enviable oceanfront strands. “They provide beach toys, and there are some bleacher seats behind it where parents can see that their kids are safe and really watch the game,” Pahigian says. padres.com
CRAZY HOT DOG VENDOR, FIRSTENERGY STADIUM READING, PA.
While the minor leagues are rich in zany mascots, there may be no weirder then Matt Jackson. A graphic designer by day, he transforms himself into an ostrichriding hot dog vendor running around the field at Fightin Phils home games, although the clever costume doesn’t involve a real ostrich. “It sounds so ridiculous, but for some reason, the fans ate it up and it became a thing,” Pahigian says. fightins.com
DISAPPEARING LIGHTHOUSE, HADLOCK FIELD PORTLAND, MAINE
Whenever the Sea Dogs hit a home run or a win a game, all eyes turn to center field. A foghorn drones and a 16-foot retractable lighthouse emerges from behind the fence, amid a spray of Roman candles. “My kids love seeing it,” says Pahigian, who lives in the area. “It’s just a fleeting experience, probably only about 10 seconds.” seadogs.com
DRUMMING FAN, PROGRESSIVE FIELD CLEVELAND
Since 1973, the Indians have passed their seasons to a steady drumbeat pounded out by fan John Adams. The tradition started on a Friday evening when he began pounding on a drum to encourage his team, and he hasn’t let up since. “He has banged his drum for 3,500 games,” Pahigian says. His pay? “He gets a season ticket for himself, and for his drum.” indians.com
BALLPARK BISCUITS MONTGOMERY (ALA.) RIVERWALK STADIUM
Not only are biscuits a Southern dining staple, they’re also the name of a minor league team, and a scrumptious between-inning snack. The carbo-treats come with a variety of toppings, including regional favorite, Alaga cane syrup. Or fans can simply wait in the stands and try to catch one shot from the team’s biscuit cannon. biscuitsbaseball.com
OUTFIELD FIRE PITS, DOW DIAMOND MIDLAND, MICH.
Baseball may be a summer sport, but it can get chilly at times. The Great Lakes Loons have an answer: outfield fire pits, offering a cozy place to ward off winds. “A lot of people can stand elbow to elbow and warm their hands while watching the game,” Pahigian says. loons.com
CABLE CAR, AT&T PARK SAN FRANCISCO
With a San Francisco Bay setting, the Giants’ stadium is renowned for its views. But fans can find another only-in-San Francisco experience, stepping aboard a vintage cable car on the right field concourse. The car, which once ran the city’s Powell-Mason Line, is labeled No. 44 in homage to Willie McCovey who wore that number for 19 seasons. sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com