The romance of major league baseball is gone, after its big money free agents and steroid era. However, this classic game can be seen, where it is played with full passion, and it won’t require you to buy a $8 hot dog. Most of us who’ve been to a major league game realize how expensive it is. The cheapest tickets are around $20, for nosebleed seats out in right field, where even the strongest binoculars won’t help you see much of the action. Getting in and out of a major league stadium is a royal pain, and the food costs make a movie theater’s concessions seem reasonable. Minor league baseball is as popular as it ever has been, and while some of this is due to the economy, a lot of it comes down to seeing this sport up close.
My favorite minor league team to watch are the Potomac Nationals, a single A franchise of the D.C. team. They play in Woodbridge, Virginia at Pfitzner Stadium, which is only about a forty five minute drive south of the Nation’s Capital. I’ve been to a lot of games here over the years, and its only in the past few years, that this has become a Washington Nationals affiliate. For a long time they were part of the Pittsburgh Pirates organization, and then after that they were a farm team for the New York Yankees and Cincinnati Reds. With my father I’ve witnessed everyone from Barry Bonds to Jordan Zimmerman play here, and its a family friendly venue that has appealed to many over the years. Along with a baseball game, you might have the opportunity to see some fireworks, and the best part is the pricing.
The most expensive ticket is $14. That’s so affordable, and that will give you seats right on the field. These are a bit limited, so it might make sense to go to their Internet address, to make reservations. Your best bet is the $12 box seats, that are right behind the first and third base lines. You can see all of the action here, and behind home plate it is fun to sit behind the protective screens. Those foul balls appear to come flying right back at you, before being safely captured by this barrier. The $10 upper bleachers are a good value as well, and while you are still close to the action, I prefer to go with the box seats. On some days, those make even more sense, as they have a lot of two for one price ticket deals on weekdays.
There are no obstructions from any seats, and often before and after a game the players will sign autographs. This is a wonderful opportunity for children, so make sure they bring a bat or baseball for the player of their choice. Usually kids are selected each night, to play a game on the field, and this organization is friendly towards a host of local charities. There’s a gift store where you can buy your son or daughter a t-shirt and hat for under $20, and some of my most cherished memories involve going to games with my folks here. Between innings, or prior to the game, you and the kids can try your hand at pitching. I was a bit embarrassed the last time, but for $1 you can see how fast you throw. You get three baseballs, and my average speed was a pathetic 55 mph. My shoulder and arm throbbed in pain the next day, and this game me even more appreciation what pitchers do every night on the mound.
You can’t beat the value of the tickets, and the amount of entertainment provided for your hard earned dollar. Since most of their games begin at 7 p.m., there’s a good opportunity you’ll want to get dinner or a snack here. Unlike the big league stadiums, you can get two hotdogs, a small fry, and a soda for $5. That’s hard to beat, and while the quality isn’t anything award winning, your wallet won’t wince in pain feeding your entire family. I fully recommend going to see the Potomac Nationals at Pfitzner Stadium. I usually go at least four to five times per summer, and as a bonus, a lot of big leaguers do their rehabilitation assignments with this affiliate due to its proximity to the big league club. There are plenty of seats, a lot of activities, and lots of fun baseball to see here.
