The Toys of Summer Sure, a day at the ballpark is an all-around good time, what with the crack of the bat, the roar of the crowd and the sweet-and-salty Cracker Jack that always tastes better when eaten within view of a baseball diamond.
But if you really want to see the face of a child (and more then a few adults) light up, walk through the gates of a stadium on a day that’s been given a theme. Or, when the team is giving away something free. Anything free. Inflatable pool toys or tie clips, it doesn’t really matter –– the unexpected gift suddenly makes it feel like Christmas day.
Ohio’s minor-league teams know that when it comes to making their fans happy, free hot dogs are just as appreciated as homeruns. Here are just a few of the special themed nights and giveaways being offered this season.
Dayton DragonsFifth Third Field, 220 N. Patterson Blvd., Dayton; 937/228-BATS,
www.daytondragons.comJuly 12 and Aug. 16: American Celebration Night –– an evening devoted to families of airmen, includes swearing-in of new recruits.
Akron Aeros
Canal Park, 300 S. Main St., Akron; 330/253-5151,
www.akronaeros.comJuly 13: Tropical Beach Night
Aug. 13: NASCAR night, with an appearance by racer Kurt Busch
Aug. 14: Pet Day
Lake County Captains
Classic Park, 35300 Vine St., Eastlake;
440/975-8085,
www.captainsbaseball.comJuly 13: Fausto Carmona bobblehead
Columbus Clippers
Cooper Stadium, 1155 W. Mound St, Columbus; 614/462-5250,
www.clippersbaseball.comMay 25: Columbus Negro League bobblehead
May 29, June 28: Jake “The Diamond Dog” appearance
June 11: First 1,000 kids eat free (hot dog, soft drink & snack)
June 29: 1970s Clippers Dale Berra bobblehead giveaway
July 13: 1980s Clippers Marshall Brant and Steve Balboni bobbleheads
July 20: 1990s Clippers Derek Jeter bobblehead
Aug. 17: 2000 Clippers Brandon Watson bobblehead
Toledo Mud Hens
Fifth Third Field, 406 Washington St., Toledo; 419/725-HENS,
www.mudhens.comMay 24: ’80s Night
June 7: Meet Rubber Boy
June 12: Hens and Hogs Night; Stitch-N-Pitch
June 14: Country-Western Night
June 15: Father’s Day – Mud Hen Tie Clip giveaway; dads & kids run the bases
June 17: Summer Recreation Day
June 27: Polish-American Night
June 29: Salute to Breakfast Night
July 26: Dental Night
Aug. 8: Ode to 8 Night
Aug. 11: Marvel’s Mud Hens Comic Book giveaway; meet Spiderman
Aug. 14: Dirty Laundry Night
Aug. 23: We’ve Gone Batty Night