Each year during the offseason, subscribers to Minor Trips receive a newsletter containing updates, travel tips, feedback, and more. Here are a few examples from the 1999 issue:
Change-ups
As usual, the new season will bring many changes throughout the minor leagues. Here are some of the hot rumors and cold facts.
- The Omaha Royals will be renamed the Golden Spikes, the Louisville Redbirds will become the River Rats, Danville 97's will be the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, the Williamsport Cubs will be the Crosscutters and the Midland Angels will be the Rockhounds.
- Two of the premier independent leagues, the Northern and Northeast, are planning a merger beginning in 1999.
- The Bridgeport Bluefish drew over 300,000 in the new independent Atlantic League.
- Next season's Eastern League team in Altoona, PA will be called the Altoona Curve.
- The Lethbridge Black Diamonds of the Pioneer League announced the team will move to Missoula, Montana in June of 1999.
Around the Horn
The Florida State League has some of the nicest stadiums, best weather, and good baseball but is dead last in attendance. Perhaps the beaches and theme parks keep the crowds down but the Florida State League is really a great place to see a game.
While seats are often plentiful in Florida, this is not the case throughout the minors. Several stadiums sell out on a regular basis. The newer stadiums like the home of the West Michigan Whitecaps and Hudson Valley Renegades can sometimes be a tough ticket. It is always a good idea to call ahead!
Touching Bases
Each season when you order MINOR TRIPS we ask for participation in the form of a survey question on your re-order form. In the past we have covered topics such as your favorite ballpark and nearby points of interest for fellow fans. Last year we asked you to complete this sentence: "I love minor league baseball because...". Some of the responses:
- "It represents baseball the way it was meant to be." - Diana W., Missoula, MT
"The beer is colder, the girls are prettier and the tickets are cheaper!" - David A., Wheaton, MD
"In life, I'm sort of a minor leaguer myself." - J.C., Baton Rouge, LA
"It's the game in it's purest, simplest form, when the dream is young and the players even younger." - Kristen F., Painesville, OH
"A minor league game relieves major league stress." - Floyd G., Shreveport, LA
"I can generally get a seat directly behind home plate where I can watch the pitching close up and talk baseball with the next day pitcher doing the charts." - Chad J., Alturas, CA
"You feel like you are actually part of the game." - Michele K., Warminster, PA
