Baseball: Checking out the Minor Leagues
By Michele Blandino
For family fun, there's not much that beats a day at the ballpark. Unfortunately, for many families the price of tickets, food, drinks and perhaps a program or two make for a very expensive day.
Consider this: at New York's Shea Stadium, 4 reserved seats in the mezzanine - which, by the way, are far from the best seats in the house - cost a total of $92 during the 2003 season. Throw in 4 hot dogs, 4 sodas, some popcorn and a couple of game programs and the price tag will be nearly $150.
Go to Chicago, and the story is pretty much the same. At the Cubs' Wrigley Field, ticket prices range from $14 for upper deck reserved seats to $50 for an infield box seat. If you want to take in a game in Los Angeles, it will cost $23 per ticket to sit in an outfield box seat.
Fortunately, it is still possible for you and your family to enjoy a day at the park without going for broke by taking in a game at a minor league ballpark. Most major league teams have 6 minor league teams in their system - typically one AAA (one step below major league), one AA, and the remaining 4 split between A and rookie teams. With 30 major league teams, that makes 180 minor league teams to choose from.
Ticket prices for minor league teams, regardless of level of play, average between $7 - $10 each. While concessions can still be pricey, many minor league ballparks offer a discounted admission to a grassy area where families can bring their own picnic lunch.
While you won't see many of the big name player associated with minor league baseball, you will be treated to a competitive game and plenty of fun.