Not your father's minor league ball park

By Jeff Orvis

The other night, I did something that I hadn't done for at least 20 years – I went to a minor league baseball game. I realize that those of you who know me may find this hard to believe. Much of my professional life, as well as free time, has been centered around sports. But with numerous high school teams to cover and my rabid interest in the Chicago Cubs, I just hadn't found time to make the effort to go to a minor league game.

On this night, the pastor of my mom's church was scheduled to throw out the first pitch at a Quad-City River Bandits game. 

The team was hosting a church night promotion and she was able to get tickets at a discounted price. Before the start of the game, the pastor even arranged for a short Bible study. He got the club to allow him to use one of the luxury suites for a few minutes. I thought maybe he was going to suggest that Abner Doubleday had been at the Last Supper, but instead he found an interesting Biblical reference to Bandits.

The River Bandits play in the Lower A Midwest League. Their park, Modern Woodmen Park, sits on the banks of the mighty Mississippi and has often been cited as one of the most picturesque parks in minor league baseball. The area has hosted a pro team since 1901, when the River Rats began play. Over the years, the name has changed, as has the major league affiliation. Some of the more colorful names for the local team have included the Riversides, Knickerbockers, Prodigals, Blue Sox, Quads and DavSox, as well as the names of several major league teams. The team has been affiliated with 10 big league teams over the years, starting with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1936. Their current affiliation is with the St. Louis Cardinals.

When I was much younger, I attended some games and other events at the old ball park. When the California Angels were the major league affiliation, our town was the first stop for one of the first “bonus babies,” a big, strapping outfielder who was signed for a $200,000 bonus. As I recall, he went on to play in the majors for a few years, but never quite made the Hall of Fame. I remember being one of the members of a capacity crowd who saw the California Angels big league club play our local Class A team in an exhibition. We also were there for a pro wrestling program and I was in the stands when the late, great Johnny Cash performed a free concert, at the invitation of a local clergyman.

When we attended games as kids, we would wait for somebody to foul off a pitch, then scramble to the top of the stands and look out through huge openings in the wall to see if the ball hit any cars. The stadium featured a great view, but the benches were uncomfortable and the stadium could be drafty.

My first thought when I stepped inside the stadium on my most recent trip was, “This certainly isn't your father's baseball stadium!” Over the years, it has undergone several renovations and the most recent is truly awesome! I already mentioned the luxury suites. For those with limited mobility, they were easily accessed via an elevator. When the elevator doors open, you are not met by the river breezes, but you step into a climate-controlled, carpeted lobby. Walk down a hall and you see doors to 20 suites on your right. To your left, is a large dining area, complete with linen tableclothes and silver. This area is available all year for special events. Each of the suites include comfortable seating inside, a TV and a kitchenette.

Back downstairs, where the common folk mingle, the old wooden benches have been replaced by individual seats. There's a stadium club behind the seats for those who would like to take a break from the action for some refreshment. There's a wide variety of concessions with plenty of attentive and helpful personnel ready to see to your every need. There's a huge TV screen in left field which offers replays, etc.

If you go to a minor league game expecting to see the next major league superstar, you may or may not succeed. The oldest kid on the River Bandits' team is 24. Many of them make no more than $1,200 per month. But the hopes, dreams and potential on that field is beyond measure.

At one time, baseball was thought to be America's game. Lately, stock car racing and football have shared that designation in the minds of many fans. But it's not difficult to see the argument put forth by baseball fans. The Davenport team is one of 16 teams in its league. There are 14 other teams in the other “Low A” class. Add to that 30 teams in three leagues in High A, 30 teams in three leagues in Class AA, 46 teams in three leagues in Class AAA, as well as 22 other teams in Short Season A Basll in two leagues, 18 teams in two leagues in Advanced Rookie ball, 69 teams in four leagues in Rookie ball and six more teams in one league in Fall ball. That's more than 250 minor league baseball teams playing in four countries. That's a lot of young men who undoubtedly all harbor the dream of being the next multi-million dollar star of a World Series champion.

Modern Woodmen Park may not be Wrigley Field. But it's a chance to wander in, grab a dog and a beer and be entertained for two or three hours without having to take out a second mortgage on your house for the privilege. The chance to see a future superstar is not guaranteed, but is offered as a bonus at no additional charge.