I look at some of the vast expanses of property along 466 between CVS and Walmart, off 44 near the proposed Brownwood town center and wish that the influential developers would cut a deal and bring in a minor league baseball team stadium affiliated with an MLB team. There is more than enough room for a decent stadium and convenient parking.
There are small stadiums across the country that have become extremely popular venues for baseball fans. In New Jersey, the Trenton Thunder and the Lakewood Blue CLaws are great ballparks that we have enjoyed with our entire family.
http://webcache.googleusercontent.co...&ct=clnk&gl=us
http://www.carabs.com/photos/v1/loca...all-team.html#
http://www.littleballparks.com/Stadi...d/Lakewood.htm
New Jersey is not known for its baseball weather, yet two major league franchises, the Boston Red Sox and the Philadelphia Phillies have hugely successful affiliates in the Trenton Thunder and the Lakewood BlueClaws that draw record crowds season after season. There are also several Atlantic League team throughout the state including the Newark Bears and the Somerset Patriots. In spite of the weather there is no dearth of fan support for these teams.
A litany of special events keep the stadiums busy during off times. They include, circus performances, an interesting assortment of festivals and expos, the terminal point for several popular running events, and community gatherings.
Given the weather in the Villages, I have to believe such an enterprise would be a largely positive addition to the greatest hometown. Food vendors, concessions, ballpark employees and groundskeepers offer interesting part time opportunities for anyone whoever wanted to sell Cracker Jacks at the ballpark.
Any other hometown ballpark experiences out there?
"Build it and they will come."