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Weighing in on Harrison Square - Part 3
By Chad Gramling | January 12, 2007
Note: This is the third in a series of my thoughts on the Harrison Square project. They are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of any other individual or entity.
I have heard it said that the Wizards are little more than a “glorified little league team†and that most people in the area would rather drive to Chicago or Detroit or Cleveland for baseball. Perhaps we should remember that the higher the level of play, the higher the price of tickets. I have been to 8 big league parks and one Triple-A park. Tickets are substantially more – plus I have to drive two hours minimum. Dollar-for-dollar, minor league baseball is one of the best family entertainment values you will ever be able to find.
Additionally, if you call the likes of Torii Hunter, Jake Peavy, Josh Barfield, LaTroy Hawkins, Michael Cuddyer, Matt Lawton, AJ Pierzynski and Matt Lecroy little leaguers, you obviously don’t watch baseball. The Wizards have produced over 50 players who have prospered into Major League Baseball players. Countless others have come through town as opponents.
And let’s not forget the coaches. This summer, we’ll welcome former big leaguers, Doug Dascenzo and Wally Whitehurst to the Summit City. I’ve gotten to see other former big leaguers, like Jody Davis, Andy Van Slyke and Mike Harkey . . . looking forward to seeing one of my all-time favorites – Ryne Sandberg – this summer.
Finally, this summer, the Midwest League All-Star game will be proudly hosted by the Kane County Cougars and be played in Geneva, IL. Is there any reason why it shouldn’t be played in Fort Wayne? While the current Memorial Stadium could probably be “adequate†to host such an event, I doubt the site would ever be selected because there are other, more attractive parks that are MORE than adequate. The Cougars have a wonderful tour of their stadium on their website. I encourage you to check it out.
I will be in Geneva this summer for the game . . . though would love to not have to travel. What a boon it would be for the city and its proprietors if we were to host such an event!!!
[tags]Harrison Square, baseball, Fort Wayne, minor leagues, ball parks, Kane County Cougars, Torii Hunter, Jake Peavy, Josh Barfield, LaTroy Hawkins, Michael Cuddyer, Matt Lawton, AJ Pierzynski, Matt Lecroy, Ryne Sandberg, Jody Davis, Andy Van Slyke, Mike Harkey[/tags]
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