“Who Let The Dogs In?”

Take me out to the ball game, take me out with the crowd, but when a new baseball team arrives, how do we find out about them? That is the problem. Rosemont has a brand spanking new minor league team, right in the middle of their Entertainment area, which is already bustling with activity. However, Fashion Mall shoppers may not attend baseball games, just as some of the nearby casino dwellers may not feel the excitement of watching young players show their stuff as they dream the dream of reaching their “impossible dream”.

As you can tell from some of the expressions I use, theater is my thing, but as a lover of baseball ( I have held season tickets for one of our stellar teams since 1984), I see how minor leagues is a perfect blend of the theatrical with the sport. Since minor leagues are names no one is familiar with, many who go , attend for the fun of it, along with the food and the entertainment value that goes with minor league baseball. Our new team is The Chicago Dogs, with colors are that of the city flag ( blue and white) and of course, the city is known for its infamous Chicago Hot Dog ( the one that relishes NO KETCHUP, unless you’re a little kid) just like the ones served at stands all over the Chicagoland area and in particular the Weiner’s Circle ( there is a stand on premises that grill dogs just like at the original).

If you have been to minor league parks in the area- Kane County, Schaumburg, Kenosha and others , you know that it is a full nine inning baseball game, played with umpires and following all the rules of MLB, but at a minor league game, the audience and fans are far more into the overall entertainment. We attended our first game at Impact Field last Saturday to end the month of June, and saw a tight game that was played rock solid just as we might see on the North Side or South Side of Chicago, but with ease of parking ( $3) just 100 yards from the main entrance to the park, family-priced tickets, a great array of baseball food and even some play areas for the kids who might get bored at a baseball game. Between innings there are fan games where prizes are awarded and this particular night it was Princess Night, where girls came in their Princess finery to do a parade from Center field and around the entire ball park. The Girl Scouts were also honored. This is part of what they do- get the fans into the action…. and it works.

The park itself is dynamite and very comfy. In fact, the seats are more comfortable than those in the big league parks and the bathrooms are closer and nicer as well. There are two more private restaurants The Leine Lodge ad The Rivers Stadium Club, which have a different menu. There are also Luxury Suites for those who prefer being separated from the crowd, but at the same time, close to the action. I plan on trying one of these next time out ( AND THERE WILL BE A NEXT TIME). I was also impressed by the picnic area in Left field, The Batters Eye ( for those of you who remember the old Comisky Park, this was one of their features. You see the action from left field, just as the fielder does, but while you are eating your hot dog ( with mustard, relish and onions) and having a cold one! A great experience for the entire family , and wait until you meet the mascot, Squeeze ( please note he is a MUSTARD squeezable, NOT Ketchup).

Whether it is Weiner Wednesday, Fan Friday, Mustard Monday or Fireworks Saturday ( great fireworks, by the way), you will find that your entire family will enjoy the ease of getting there, being there and the baseball experience, at a different level. Butch Hobson, the manager ( a former Major League manager), and his staff have put together a solid team including a familiar name ( Shawon Dunston Jr.) and you can count on Mayor Stephens to insure that attending Impact Field will always be an enjoyable experience. My granddaughter, Rebecca, truly got into it ( and she has been the Play Ball game starter at Wrigley) and was even doing the “wave” as fans were chanting “Who Let The Dogs Out” as our team exploded to take the lead ( and go on to victory). Stay tuned for more, but for your own experience, order tickets now at 847-260-2544 or www.chicagodogs.com/tickets

By the way, group outings and family picnics are also available with food by Levy Organization.