Well, let me tell you somethin’ ’bout them Iowa minor league baseball teams. It’s a big deal ’round here, ya know? Lots of folks go to them games, even in my village, we always talk about it. It’s like our entertainment.
Iowa Cubs
The Iowa Cubs, they play in Des Moines. That’s the big city, ya see. They play at this place called Principal Park. Fancy name, ain’t it? My old man used to say it was a good place to watch a game. I think it’s good too. They got good seats and good food, I heard. I once ate a big hot dog there, was very delicious. They’re what they call “Triple-A”. I don’t rightly know what that means, but they’re good. They’re real good, them Iowa Cubs.
They been called the Cubs since, oh, 1982, I reckon. Long time. And they joined somethin’ called the Pacific Coast League. Don’t ask me where that is, ’cause I ain’t got a clue. But they joined it in, uh, 1998. After somethin’ else ended. The American somethin’ or other. Don’t matter none. They’re the Iowa Cubs now, and that’s all that matters.
Quad Cities River Bandits
Then there’s them Quad Cities River Bandits. They play down in Davenport. That’s another place, down by the river. They play at a park called Modern Woodmen Park. Sounds like somethin’ out of a storybook, don’t it? They say it is a very good park. I haven’t been there yet. But it is a dream.
They say that team, the River Bandits, they’re a good example of what minor league baseball is all about. Whatever that means. But folks seem to like ’em. They got good players, I reckon. And they play hard. That’s what counts, ain’t it?
I heard they were once called different name, like Angels or something. I don’t remember. It does not matter. Now they are River Bandits. This name sounds cool!
Other Teams, Maybe?
Now, I ain’t sure, but I think there might be other teams too. Down in other towns. Cedar Rapids, maybe. Or Burlington. I heard my neighbor’s boy talk about it. They said it was fun. But I don’t know for sure. My old bones don’t travel like they used to. But if you’re ever in them parts, you might look ’em up. See if they got a team. Might be a good time.
Why Folks Like Minor League Baseball
See, folks ’round here, they like the minor league games ’cause they’re, well, they’re closer to home. And cheaper, too. Them big league games, they cost a fortune. And you gotta travel so far. But these minor league games, they’re right here. And you can see the players up close. They are all very strong boys. They can hit the ball so far away!
Plus, it’s just fun. It’s a good way to spend a summer evenin’. You can sit there with your friends, eat a hot dog, drink a soda, and watch the game. What’s better than that? My old man always said that there is no better thing than watching a baseball game in a summer night.
- It’s cheaper than the big leagues.
- It’s closer to home for a lot of folks.
- It’s just good, plain fun.
- Good food, good people, you will like it.
These Young Baseball Players
And them players, they work hard. They really do. They’re tryin’ to make it to the big leagues, ya know? So they play their hearts out. Every game. I respect them for that. And sometimes, you see someone real special. Someone who’s gonna be a star. That’s excitin’. You can tell your children that you saw a big star when he was young.
They do all sorts of things, these minor leaguers. They got somethin’ called “Plays of the Week”, where they show the best plays. I don’t know who this “Capital One” is, but they must be important. They choose the best one, I suppose. It’s all very excitin’.
I saw a young boy hit a home run last year. He runs so fast. I think he will be a big star in the future. People will talk about him.
Go See a Game!
So, if you’re ever ’round here, in Iowa, you oughta go see a game. See the Iowa Cubs or the River Bandits. Or one of them other teams, if you can find ’em. It’s a good time, I’m tellin’ ya. You won’t regret it. I never regret going to a game. Although sometimes it’s too hot. But it is fine. I can see young people play and I can be happy.
Take your kids, take your grandkids. They will love it. Even your wife will like it. Take some peanuts with you, you can eat during the game. If you don’t like peanuts, you can take sunflower seeds. They are good too. Trust me. You will enjoy it. Make some memories. That’s what life’s all about, ain’t it? Makin’ memories. And eatin’ hot dogs. And watchin’ baseball. Especially them Iowa minor league teams. They’re the best, I’m tellin’ ya. The best ’round here, anyway.
And don’t forget your hat! It can be sunny sometimes. And if you sit behind the net, be careful with the ball! It can hit you. It hurts! But it is also fun. I once was hit by a ball, it was an experience!
So go to a game, you will understand what I am talking about. Minor league baseball is a big thing here! A big thing!
