Minor League Fan Club John

In episode 008, I am joined by Eric from Earned Fun Average and Ed from The Dad Hat Chronicles to discuss our experiences and tips for traveling for minor league level baseball road trips. 
We talk about the joy of exploring different cities, the importance of researching and planning for road trips, and offer tips and strategies. We also share their favorite things about road trips, such as visiting different ballparks and exploring the surrounding areas. 
The conversation covers topics like trip length, what to bring to the ballpark, and how to make the most of rain delays. We discuss the importance of researching the ballparks, checking their policies on outside food and bags, and considering the location of the hotel. They also recommend bringing snacks, water, chargers, and entertainment for the car ride. Overall, the tips shared focus on maximizing the enjoyment of the road trip experience.

Takeaways from this episode
- Minor league baseball road trips allow you to explore smaller cities and markets that you may not typically visit.
- Research and planning are key to a successful road trip, including checking the weather and knowing what you can and cannot bring to the ballpark.
- Rain delays can be frustrating, but it's important to be flexible and have backup plans for activities in case the game is delayed or canceled.
- Bringing a glove to the ballpark is always a good idea. 
- Checking out the surrounding area and local attractions can enhance the road trip experience.
- Research the ballparks and check their policies on outside food and bags
- Consider the location of the hotel and proximity to the ballpark
- Pack snacks, water, chargers, and entertainment for the car ride
- Coordinate group meetups and create a group text for communication
- Take advantage of free breakfast at the hotel
- Explore the amenities and food options at the ballpark
- Bring blankets, pillows, and other comfort items for the car
- Stay hydrated and take breaks for bathroom stops
- Plan for downtime during the drive with podcasts, audiobooks, or music
- Enjoy the experience and make lasting memories
Follow Eric:
Instagram: @epro04
X: @epro04
Follow Earned Fun Average:
Instagram:@earnedfunavg
X: @earnedfunavg
Follow Ed:
Instagram: @thedadhat216
X: @thedadhat216
YouTube: The DAD HAT Chronicles
Follow Minor League Fan Club:
Instagram: @milbfanclub
TikTok: @minorleaguefanclub
Threads: @milbfanclub
X: @milbfanclub
YouTube: Minor League Fan Club
Website: www.minorleaguefanclub.com

In this week's episode we travel to Fort Wayne, Indiana to visit the Fort Wayne TinCaps of the Midwest League. The TinCaps are the High-A affiliates of the San Diego Padres. Parkview Field, the ballpark that the TinCaps play in, is regularly named one of the best if not the best ballpark on a regular basis.
Ballpark Guide
This week's Ballpark Guide is John Nolan, play-by-play announcer and media Relations Manager for the TinCaps. John started with the team as an intern in 2013 and became the lead voice in 2015.
We begin our interview by discussing how John decided to get into becoming an announcer. We talk about his childhood and his love for sports.
As we start talking about the ballpark, we begin with an actual park located inside the baseball stadium that is open daily. People can come into the stadium and hang out at the park everyday.
Then we learn about all the great seating options throughout the ballpark. This ballpark has more unique seating options than most.
John and I discuss the food offerings at the ballpark especially the specialty apple items as well as a Midwest delicacy in the pork tenderloin.
We then learn about Johnny TinCap the TinCaps mascot and his impact on the community.
Fan Guide
This week I get to chat with Logan Wiening of Old Fort Baseball Co., an apparel brand based in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
We begin by talking about how he got started with Old Fort Baseball Co. and future aspirations for the brand.
He then walks us throughout the ballpark sharing a fan perspective on ballpark seating, views, and food.
Logan also talks about the best apple dish offered as well as the team playing as the Hoosier State Pork Tenderloins.
As we continue the interview, Logan gives us insight on where to park if we don't park in the attached garage. Parking is free on nights and weekends on the street. There are also hotels that we can stay at that are right next to the stadium downtown.
When we make it into Fort Wayne, we learn about the new Riverfront area and murals throughout the city.
Logan gives us some suggestions to try for food. He says some popular places are Powers Hamburgers, Fort Wayne's Coney Island Dogs, The Landing, and J.K. O'Donnell's.
Kid Friendly activities include Science Central and the Fort Wayne Zoo.
An annual event to consider when making road trips is the Three Rivers Festival that happens in July. There's also the German Fest in June.
Business, Organization, or Event
This week's business is Fuller Plants with Jessica Fuller. Fuller Plants offers all types of houseplants as well as personal services. Some services offered is one-on-one consultations either in person, at your home, or via text.
Jessica also will revive your plant if they are dying if it is salvageable.
Jessica recommends different types of plants for beginners and more advanced planters.
Follow Fort Wayne TinCaps:
Instagram: @TinCaps
X: @TinCaps
Website: https://www.milb.com/fort-wayne
Follow John:
Instagram: @john_g_nolan
X: @john_g_nolan
TikTok: @john_g_nolan
Follow Logan & Old Fort Baseball Co.:
Instagram: @oldfortbaseballco
X: @oldfortbballco
Follow Fuller Plants:
Instagram: @fullerplants
TikTok: @fullerplants
Website: https://www.oldfortbaseballco.com/
Follow Minor League Fan Club:
Instagram: @milbfanclub
TikTok: @minorleaguefanclub
Threads: @milbfanclub
X: @milbfanclub
YouTube: Minor League Fan Club
Website: www.minorleaguefanclub.com

This is a short episode this week to update you on the goings-on for Minor League Fan Club going forward.
There is going to be a change in the schedule to be able to accommodate my weeks as well as sustainability.
There will also be more opportunity to do more with other aspects of Minor League Fan Club that I feel has fallen by the wayside.
Follow Minor League Fan Club:
Instagram: @milbfanclub
TikTok: @minorleaguefanclub
Threads: @milbfanclub
X: @milbfanclub
YouTube: Minor League Fan Club
Website: www.minorleaguefanclub.com

In this week's episode we travel to Bridgewater, NJ/Somerset County to visit the Somerset Patriots of the Eastern League. The Patriots are the AA affiliates of the New York Yankees.
Ballpark Guide
This week's Ballpark Guide is Dave Marek, VP of Marketing, for the Somerset Patriots. He has been with the team for 24 years working with the team when they were in the independent Atlantic League and now as a Minor League affiliate.
During the interview, Dave and I discuss his reignited passion of collecting baseball cards and building his baseball card collection room.
Then he discusses how it has been working for the Patriots and the great owners for the last two decades and how working for the team differentiates between being independent versus affiliated.
He then walks us around the ballpark and talks about the upgrades that have been made, what it's like traveling to the ballpark, weather in the area during the season, and the great amenities throughout the ballpark.
We of course talk about the food offerings and different promotions that occur during the season.
Fan Guide
Our Fan Guide this week is Matt Slattery who is a season ticket holder of the Patriots. Matt attends almost every single home game with his daughter.
Matt and I begin the interview discussing the team being Yankees affiliates which prompt him to become a season ticket holder.
Then we begin discussing who his daughters' favorite players are which leads us into talking about how great the players are with interacting with the kids.
Matt then takes us through the ballpark describing the amenities from a fan perspective and where there are good places to sit during the game. He shares about how just outside the stadium there is a ton of shopping, restaurants, and hotels that you can basically have all the conveniences right next to the ballpark if you were visiting.
When we begin talking about the town itself, Matt recommends visiting the website visitsomersetnj.org for all the things to do in town. But he does highly recommend going to Somerville where there is an area with everything you could want to do from shopping to eating to entertainment.
Business, Organization, or Event
The business that is on this week is a small business called Lulu's Nutrition. Lulu's Nutrition is located in Somerset and serves up health food, snacks, teas, and shakes.
Follow Somerset Patriots:
Instagram: @somersetpatriots
X: @SOMPatriots
Website: https://www.milb.com/somerset
Follow Dave:
X: @davemarek94
Follow Matt:
Instagram: @mattnj
Follow Lulu's Nutrition:
Facebook: Lulu's Nutrition
Instagram: @lulus.nutrition
More on Somerset, New Jersey
visitsomesetnj.com
Follow Minor League Fan Club:
Instagram: @milbfanclub
TikTok: @minorleaguefanclub
Threads: @milbfanclub
X: @milbfanclub
YouTube: Minor League Fan Club
Website: www.minorleaguefanclub.com

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Baseball Card Collection
07:56 Transition from Independent to Affiliated Baseball
16:19 Location and Parking
19:08 Ticket Prices and Weather
21:20 TD Bank Ballpark Features and Amenities
25:42 Food Offerings and Promotions
31:08 Activities for Kids
34:05 Social Media and Conclusion
35:17 Intermission MLFC.mp3
35:30 Introduction and Experience as a Season Ticket Holder
37:32 Unique Experience for Youth at TD Bank Ballpark
43:43 Favorite Features and Amenities at the Ballpark
46:24 Ballpark Food and Dining Options
49:14 Transportation to the Ballpark
50:41 Promotions and Events at the Ballpark
52:33 Exploring Bridgewater and Somerset County
54:55 Unique Landmarks and Photo Ops
58:39 Local Food Recommendations
59:19 Conclusion and Contact Information
59:58 Intermission MLFC.mp3
01:00:11 Introduction and Background
01:04:46 Customer Experience at Lulu's Nutrition
01:06:29 Introduction to the Somerset Patriots and TD Bank Ballpark
01:06:58 Call to Action: Leave Ratings, Subscribe, and Share on Social Media

004:
Chicago Dogs - Chicago, Illinois
In this episode, we travel to Chicago, Illinois to visit the Chicago Dogs of the American Association of Professional Baseball. The Dogs an independent league professional baseball team.
Highlights, Key points, and takeaways from this episode:
Ballpark Guide
Evan Gersonde is the Director of Sales and has been with the team for 6+ years. He has seen the team go from an unknown brand to a recognized identity.
Evan offers his experience from working at Impact Field to share with us the best that the ballpark has to offer.
He explains why the Chicago Dogs are geared toward affordable, fun family and fan entertainment where people can come multiple time a season to enjoy themselves.
He gives us his tips and where to park, where to stay when in town, and some of the best tickets to purchase that come with a great view and buffet.
We then learn about the promotional nights that the Dogs have and what some of the best giveaways in the past have been. The fans are very supportive of the team and come out in large numbers for promo and giveaway nights.
Then we discuss some of the kid activities that are available to attract the younger crowd whether they are into baseball or not.
Lastly, we get to talking about the food offerings at Impact Field. A popular hot dog restaurant, Weiner Circle, is located at the stadium. The Weiner Circle is known for it's raunchy way it treats their customers at the main location.

Fan Guide
The Fan Guides for this week are some of the Chicago Dogs biggest supporters. On this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Kelly, Christina, and Mike. All three of them are regulars at Impact Field and residents of Chicago.
Follow Chicago Dogs:
Instagram: @thechicagodogs
X: @TheChicagoDogs
Website: thechicagodogs.com
Phone: 224-781-1809
Contact Evan:
evang@thechicagodogs.com
Follow Mike:
Instagram: @chidogfool
X: @chidogfool
YouTube: Chicago Dog Fool Fan Cast
Follow Kelly:
X: @kelabration
Instagram: @minorleaguenerd
YouTube: Minor League Nerd History Series
Follow Kelly and Christina:
Instagram: kelstinavisits
X: kelstinavisits
Follow Klairmont Kollections:
Instagram: @klairmontkollections
TikTok: @klairmontkollections
YouTube: Klairmont Kollections Automotive Museum
Website: klairmontkollections.com
Follow Minor League Fan Club:
Instagram: @milbfanclub
TikTok: @minorleaguefanclub
Threads: @milbfanclub
X: @milbfanclub
YouTube: Minor League Fan Club
Website: www.minorleaguefanclub.com

003:
Tri-City Dust Devils - Tri-City, Washington
In this episode, we travel to Tri-Cities, Washington to visit the Tri-City Dust Devils of the Northwest League. The Dust Devils are the High-A affiliates of the Los Angeles Angels.
Highlights, Key points, and takeaways from this episode:
The Tri-Cities Dust Devils play their games at Gesa Stadium in the Tri-Cities area of Washington.The fan experience at Gesa Stadium is enhanced by unique features like a giant shade that provides relief from the sun and a beautiful view of the surrounding desert landscape.Visitors to the Tri-Cities should schedule their trips around special events like the annual hydroplane boat races and the Columbia River Rooster Tails game at Gesa Stadium.The Tri-Cities area is known for its wineries, and visitors can explore the local wine country while enjoying a baseball game at Gesa Stadium. The Tri-Cities Dust Devils baseball team is located in Pasco, Washington.The weather in Pasco is hot and dry during the summer months.The best seats at the stadium are along the first base side.Visitors to the Tri-Cities should check out local wineries and enjoy the Mexican food.There are many outdoor activities to do in the area, such as hiking, biking, and enjoying the views of the Columbia River.The ballpark offers unique food offerings, including grilled sausages, foot-long hot dogs, and teriyaki chicken bowls.Promotions and events at the ballpark include Dusty's Dash and Dollars in Your Dog Night.The team's mascot, Dusty the Dust Devil, is a fan favorite and interacts with fans during games.Hot Mess Burgers and Fries is a local business in the Tri-Cities area that offers delicious burgers made with locally sourced ingredients.
Ballpark Guide
Erik "The Peanut Guy" Mertens joins us as the Ballpark guide for this episode. Erik is the Manager of Fan Experience and Community Relations. He has been with the team for 24 years starting as a peanut vendor. He then became the teams' on-field emcee and recently was promoted to his current role.
Fan Guide
We are joined once again by Erik this time he is accompanied by his wife, Carina. They are going to give us some insight as fans at the ballpark and also show us around the Tri-Cities.
Business, Organization, or Event
I had to pleasure of feature Cara and Hot Mess Burgers & Fries from Kennewick, WA. Hot Mess Burgers & Fries is a food truck that serves the best smash burger and fries in the Tri-Cities.
Most of their food is made from scratch including their buns, American cheese, and sauces. The owners have over 40 years of combined experience.
The top burger at the restaurant is the Boring Mess, which is a basic patty, cheese, pickles, onions, tomatoes, and special sauce. Then they up it a notch and have the Big Mess which includes a grilled cheese sandwich inside the burger.
A lot of their food is limited meaning if you see it on the menu that week then it probably won't ever come back.
Follow the Tri-City Dust Devils:
Instagram: @tricitydustdevils
X: @TC_DustDevils
Follow Erik:
Instagram: @erikthepeanutguy
X: @Itserikmertens
Follow Carina:
Instagram: @con.carinaa
X: @carinosaleon
Follow Hot Mess Burgers and Fries:
Facebook: Hot Mess Burgers & Fries
Instagram: @hotmessburgersandfries
Follow Minor League Fan Club:
Instagram: @milbfanclub
TikTok: @minorleaguefanclub
Threads: @milbfanclub
X: @milbfanclub
YouTube: Minor League Fan Club
Website: www.minorleaguefanclub.com

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
04:33 Eric's Longevity with Tri-City Dust Devils
07:40 Eric's Love for Tri-Cities and Baseball
10:50 Getting to the Ballpark and Parking
11:26 The Giant Shade at the Stadium
13:22 Weather and Best Seats at the Stadium
16:48 Exploring the Stadium and Food Offerings
20:44 Dusty the Dust Devil and Mascot Activities
21:56 Erik's Peanut Patio
24:11 Eric's Role as Team Advocate
26:26 Promotions and Special Events
29:47 Unique Food Offerings at the Stadium
32:50 Exciting Promotions to Schedule
37:12 Where to Find the Team o