When I was growing up, I remember going to Clipper’s baseball games at Cooper’s stadium right outside of downtown and it was a treat to watch a live game. But going to a baseball game right downtown in a beautiful stadium is an even bigger event. I usually like to take the kids to a baseball game at least once during the summer. The tickets are inexpensive–we usually sit on the bleachers on the grassy side. We always load up on popcorn and cracker jacks and enjoy the game.
During the game, this year, the kids enjoyed watching the game a bit. Then they would go walk around and buy some kind of snack. Then they would come back and watch the game a bit more and then my younger two, with Joey’s buddy, went off to play in the fountain that is located on the side of the stadium for the younger kids to enjoy. They came back soaked and Isaac and his buddy decided to go walk around a bit. Down and up, exploring and watching the game is what it’s all about during a local baseball game. This year, we stayed for the fireworks at the end of the game, which is a great way to end a fun night. Since we were up high in the stands, this time, we were closer to the display and it was just a good time for all of us.
I was fortunate enough to be able to talk and meet the Clipper’s historian, Joe Santry, and he gave me a few fun facts about the stadium. He also gave me, Joey and Josie a tour of the stadium one weekday morning , which was so fun. He pointed out pictures of the original Columbus stadiums and showed us some of the special booths for company events and where the announcer sits during the game. He told so many stories. I was so impressed with what he knew about the history of The Columbus Clippers. I also found out that he graduated from the same high school as me 25 years before me. Pretty fun!
Did you know that our beloved Huntington Stadium was voted best ballpark in America 10 times? Out of all of the ball parks in America, ours was chosen! He says the seats are close, which is a plus. People love all of the thousands of pictures of anyone who ever played for The Clippers displayed all over the stadium in fresh, interesting ways. There are computer images painted right on the walls of our old Clippers stadiums and large black and white photographs of baseball players from the early days. Many have displays with historic baseball gloves, shoes and uniforms in clear cases for guests to take a look at while they pass to buy a hotdog and drink to enjoy.
He also told me that the original Copper’s stadium was built in 1933 and it was the first stadium ever built with lights for baseball! At the time, the Bottems, which is where the stadium was built didn’t have electricity, so the opening night was sold out because everyone wanted to experience electricity. It was such an exciting game that two women gave birth at the stadium!
Joe also told me that the baseball field before that was at Neil Park on Neil Ave across from Ft. Hayes and was built in 1926. The builders didn’t realize that when everyone sat down at once, after standing for the National Anthem, that the stadium would collapse, and that’s what it did.
I asked about the players and he told me that the Major League is paying the players. The well known All-American players from big colleges are paid more. Also some of the players are from over 15 different countries.
Joe told me that there are lots of special events for families during the week. On Tuesday, it’s dime a dog night. On Friday it’s pizza and pop night. On Saturday, they have a party at the park and Sunday is family and senior day with special entrance prices. I highly recommend going to a Columbus Clippers game on a Summer night. It’s a fun way to spend time with your loved ones.
