Sailing the Ship

Posts Tagged ‘MiLB’

Tomorrow morning, 10/21, Clippers single game tickets will go on sale for the entire season. Tickets will not go on sale until 10 AM. We will have limited Box seats available, along with Reserved, Bleacher, and Lawn. Tickets will be available by phone (614) 462-2757, ticketmaster.com, and in the Center Field Ticket Booth. Prices remain the same as last year.

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Even though the Clippers as an unit could not hit the ball anywhere, Jordan Brown was still able to win the International League Batting Title. Though Brown was just short of the Franchise record, he finished with an amazing .336. I expect him to be moved up to the Bigs either this season or next.

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Even with the team in the pits and having the worst season ever, Clippers’ faithful came to every gameand represented the city well. With the last game drawing 10,600+ fans, the total attendance for 2009 was 657,800. This means that the Clippers, even with a tiny stadium, led the Minor League Teams in attendance this year.

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So, the 2009 season for the Columbus Clippers has ended, and we have very little left to show for it. After injuries and most of the players being bumped up, our Home team was left with pretty much nothing, and it was really, really sad.

Anyways, that brings about some updates. I should have one or two more posts up this season, and then I will not be posting until spring (short of anything major happening) practice. I will also be redoing the look of the site.

Hope to see you all here again next year.

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The Game –Tonight, the Columbus Clippers are facing the Toledo Mud Hens at 5:05 on Huntington Field.

The Stats – Tonight’s game is the second game in a 3-game series between Columbus and Toledo. Toledo is currently leading the series 0-1. This is the second-to-last home game for the Clippers, and tomorrow’s night is the final game of the season for Columbus.

Columbus is 56-84, putting them at last (of 4) in the International League West. Toledo is 72-69, putting them in second (of 4) in the International League West.

Starting Pitchers – Tonight, the Clippers will be sending RHP Yohan Pino (3-2) to the mound. The Mud Hens will be answering with RHP Brooks Brown (3-12). In two showings, one of which was a start, Brown is 1-0 against the Clippers.

Notes –Columbus is just 28-11 after Andy Marte was bumped up to Cleveland. At least he is helping out up there.

Jordan Brown is currently leading the IL in batting at .333.

Michael Brantley is currently tied in the lead for the IL base stealing title, he has 46.

The 2009 Clippers are now the worse team in franchise history.

Columbus is the first team to be eliminated from the playoffs this season.

Promotions – There are four promotions for tonight. Come check them out!

Good Luck Boys!

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With America in a tough economic situation, and the Rust Belt states faring even worse, citizens of this country are spending less and less each day. Among the things that they are cutting back on are sports. There is no pressing need for tickets to hockey, soccer, or even football games when you need to worry about car and house payments. Yet, somehow, in all of this, attendance at baseball parks has soared. Even the Columbus Clippers at Huntington Park, who were the first team eliminated from the playoffs, are still selling out. It can not be because the games are more compelling (they are not) or because there are better stories – it must be for some other reason.

Normally, I get into Columbus Clippers games for free, as I am a member of the press. I pay for parking, but then get a free seat with a good view, free food, and free drinks. Except when I was writing my article about Huntington Park, I never really thought about the cost of going to a game. Last night, however, my father and I headed out for a night on the town, and I realized exactly how great Minor League Baseball really is.

My dad and I pulled up to the park, and paid to leave our car on some pavement – $3. We then got some decent seats in the reserved sections – $12. Next, we grabbed a hot dog each – $6. Finally, as my dad doesn’t drink, I grabbed an icy-cold beer to quench my thirst – $6.50. All together, we spent $27.50 for the night. That’s right, in a large city, a father and son can have a great time out for less than $30.

Then it hit me: this is why people come to the ballpark, even with the economy in the dumps. While tickets cost a lot more at bigger parks, the small parks around this country are easily affordable, and they offer great entertainment. Where else can you got for just $9 (assuming you bring in your own food) and watch some amazing plays and games? The parks are one of the best values for your dollar in today’s America.

Not only do you get this slice of American culture for relatively little money, you also get a slice of the local culture. Every ballpark has its own history, story, and aura. Here in Columbus, we ring cow bells to celebrate our team. In Cleveland, some guy beats on bass drums. All over the country, each and every ballpark has traditions that are native and unique to them. Going to those fields lets you experience a little bit of Americana.

Now, some people might complain about the pricing of food, the location of parking, and a whole slew of other things, but they really are missing the larger picture. Baseball is America’s game, and it is something that our culture is in love with. While prices might be more expensive on the inside than the out (I agree, cotton candy should never be $4.50), the overall trip to the park is well within the family budget.

I really think that Minor League Baseball is one of the great activities for the American people. It allows us to go out as families, friends, and couples, and cheaply enjoy a fun and exciting game. Furthermore, most stadiums offer special deals and discounts, helping to eliminate the costs and strains to your wallet. Finally, almost all Minor League Parks let you bring in your own food and (non-alcoholic) drinks, which means that you can attend a game for next to nothing. So, grab your kids, your coworkers, or that special someone and head to your neighborhood ballpark today!

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