These 15 moments led to season No. 15 of Minor League road trips
Benjamin Hill travels the nation collecting stories about what makes Minor League Baseball unique. This excerpt from his newsletter is a mere taste of the smorgasbord of delights he offers every week. Read the full newsletter here, and subscribe to his newsletter here.
Benjamin Hill travels the nation collecting stories about what makes Minor League Baseball unique. This excerpt from his newsletter is a mere taste of the smorgasbord of delights he offers every week. Read the full newsletter here, and subscribe to his newsletter here.
Happy Minor League Baseball Opening Day.
Teams in the International and Pacific Coast Leagues begin their season Friday, which, for those keeping score at home, is the earliest start to a Triple-A season since 1951. The PCL kicked off on March 27 that year, a factoid that, if nothing else, proves how easy it is for me to get sidetracked while writing about Minor League Baseball.
So, it’s Opening Day. Next week the denizens of Single-A, High-A and Double-A will join their Triple-A brethren and then we’re really cooking with gas. Among those utilizing the high heat will be me, Ben Hill -- a.k.a. Ben’s Biz, your friendly neighborhood Minor League ballpark road tripper.
2025 will be my 15th season “Exploring America Through Minor League Baseball,” continuing a saga that officially began in 2010. I’ve now visited 186 Minor League ballparks, and 2025’s slate of new facilities will bring that total to 190.
📩 SUBSCRIBE TO THE BASEBALL TRAVELER NEWSLETTER
In honor of my 15th season on the road, here are 15 memorable moments from my Minor League ballpark travels. I hope that, cumulatively, these vignettes give you a better idea of who I am and what I do as we head into the season.
It all began in 2010. The first stop of my first ever trip was Hank Aaron Stadium, home of the Mobile BayBears. Aaron’s childhood home was moved to the ballpark and converted into a museum; somehow, I was the only national writer in attendance at the star-studded opening ceremony. The below photo features Bob Feller, Ozzie Smith, Bruce Sutter, Reggie Jackson, Aaron, and Rickey Henderson. Not pictured, but also in attendance: Aaron’s fellow Alabaman, Willie Mays.
It’s good to have a plan while visiting a ballpark, but part of that plan is to embrace the unexpected. When I visited the Inland Empire 66ers in 2011, for example, I was invited to attend a pregame bat burning ceremony as the players attempted to exorcise their offensive demons.
In 2012, I was unexpectedly diagnosed with celiac disease, forcing me to adopt a gluten-free diet. This led to the creation of the Designated Eater -- an individual recruited at each ballpark I visit, whose “job” is to sample the ballpark cuisine that I cannot. The first Designated Eater was Jeff Vervlied, who I documented eating a pork roll sandwich at a Trenton Thunder game. Over 200 hungry individuals have since followed in his footsteps.
For me, visiting a ballpark means saying “yes” to just about everything. Over the years, I’ve said yes to many ridiculous things, a not inconsiderable amount of which ended in humiliation. Some were a triumph, such as my toilet paper first pitch while visiting the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers in 2013. (This was later immortalized on a Topps card, as part of the first “Ben’s Biz” insert set within their Pro Debut series).
Writing stories about local ballpark icons is a huge part of what I do. One of my favorites of 2014 was Rod “The Toastman” Blackstone, West Virginia Power super fan. You’re toast!
Ballpark icons come in all shapes and forms. In 2015, I visited the Portland Sea Dogs and came face to face with the glorious Trash Monster.
In 2016, I visited the entirety of the Appalachian League in a 10-day span. Among the players on the Bluefield Blue Jays that season was 17-year-old Vlad Guerrero Jr. (Pictured here alongside Jesus Severino)
In 2017, within the span of two days in the state of South Carolina, I witnessed a ballgame with a built-in eclipse delay…
…and interviewed Bill Murray. Bill (we’re on a first-name basis) personally endorsed me on Twitter.
I ended the 2018 season with a visit to Suplizio Field, home of the Grand Junction Rockies, and with that I had finally done it. I had made it to every active ballpark. It was an emotional night. 159 of 159. #BenEverywhere
The journey continued in 2019. There were new ballparks to visit in Amarillo, Las Vegas and Fayetteville, and plenty of return trips to old favorites. Josh Jackson, a man who usually interrupts this newsletter, joined me in Vegas. That guy loves onion rings.
In 2020, there was no Minor League Baseball and February 2021 my son Harry was born. In the midst of that, the MiLB landscape was reconfigured. When I finally got back on the road, to Chattanooga, Wanda the Program Lady was there to greet me with a smile.
And now for something completely different: In 2022, colleagues Kelsie Heneghan and Sam Dykstra and I drove from New York City to Dyersville, Iowa, to see the MiLB Field of Dreams Game.
There have been thousands of MiLB team alternate identities over the past decade. My favorite was the Exploding Whales, so in 2023 I went to Eugene to learn more.
I’m now in middle age, but when I’m at the ballpark I feel like a younger man. Last season in Memphis, I proved that I can chicken dance with the best of them.
A 45-year-old traveling Minor League Baseball writer is asked to compete against local youth in a @memphisredbirds Chicken Dance competition.
— Benjamin Hill (@bensbiz) July 8, 2024
What happens next will shock you: pic.twitter.com/FU271Zw6zm
What will the 2025 season hold? Stay tuned. Ben’s Biz season 15 starts now.
Benjamin Hill is a reporter for MiLB.com and writes Ben's Biz Blog. Follow Ben on Twitter @bensbiz.
Ghost Ratchet, Mason Miller bobbleheads headline 2025 Promo Calendar
LANSING, Mich. – Five bobbleheads, three special jersey giveaways, and 15 LAFCU Fireworks Spectaculars highlight the Lansing Lugnuts’ 2025 Promotional Calendar, the Lugnuts announced Friday. Single game tickets are on sale now to the Lugnuts’ 29th season, available for purchase online, via telephone (517) 485-4500 and in person at Jackson®
Green and White lead 2025 Break Camp Roster
LANSING, Mich. – The Lansing Lugnuts’ 2025 Opening Day roster will have local fans shouting the Michigan State rallying cry of “Go Green! Go White!” for a different reason: The Lugnuts’ offense will be led by top Athletics hitting prospects Rodney Green and Tommy White, topping a roster with five
Michigan Baseball Hall of Fame announces Class of 2025: Kaat, Deak, Bergman and Bocian
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Baseball Hall of Fame proudly announces its Class of 2025, Jim Kaat, Frank Deak, Dave Bergman and Terry Bocian. They will be inducted at Jackson® Field™ on Friday, August 15, prior to the Lansing Lugnuts’ 7:05 p.m. game with the Dayton Dragons. Originally founded on
2025 Single Game Tickets are now on sale!
LANSING, Mich. – It’s time to get Nuts for Lansing! With pitchers and catchers reporting to Spring Training this week, Lansing Lugnuts 2025 single game tickets are now on sale at the Jackson® Field™ box office – the earliest that the tickets have ever been released to the public! Purchase
19 Lugnuts take part in MLB Spring Breakout 2025
LANSING, Mich. – 19 former Lansing Lugnuts were named as part of Major League Baseball’s Spring Breakout 2025 rosters, showcasing MLB’s top up-and-coming talent in a series of 16 exhibition games. 17 former Lugnuts were named as part of the Athletics’ Spring Breakout roster: pitchers Tyler Baum, James González, Gunnar
The best prospects coming to Lansing this summer
There are important caveats here. When Minor League players report to Spring Training, they do not have complete certainty where they will be assigned; they compete in the spring for the best assignment possible. There are also injuries that pop up, sidelining players in the early season and presenting opportunities
14 Nuts who could make their MLB debut in 2025
Nine former Lansing Lugnuts made their Major League Baseball debuts in 2024, bringing the all-time total to 193 players to work their way up from Lansing to MLB. Who will the 194th be? Who will the 200th be? The answer requires good health, production... and an opportunity. So how about:
Kennedy centers Lugnuts' 2025 coaching staff
LANSING, Mich. – Darryl Kennedy will be the 19th manager in Lansing Lugnuts franchise history, heading up the Athletics’ High-A coaching staff for the Nuts’ 29th season in Michigan’s state capital. Kennedy’s staff comprises former Major Leaguer Dave Burba as pitching coach, the returning Rubén Escalera and newcomer Cooper Goldby
2025 Crosstown Showdown tickets available now!
LANSING, Mich. – The ideal gift for a Mid Michigan baseball fan is available now: Tickets to the 2025 Crosstown Showdown presented by Delta Dental, pitting the Lansing Lugnuts against the Michigan State Spartans! It is the earliest that tickets have ever gone on sale for the Crosstown Showdown, allowing
Three Lugnuts named Minor League High-A All-Stars
LANSING, Mich. – Lansing Lugnuts first baseman Will Simpson and outfielders Henry Bolte and Brayan Buelvas were named to the Midwest League 2024 High-A All-Star Team, Minor League Baseball announced Thursday. The trio join a group of 26 previous Lugnuts to be named post-season All-Stars in franchise history, beginning with
Double-Feature Movie Night Saturday at Jackson® Field™
LANSING, Mich. – For the first time since 2020, the Lansing Lugnuts are hosting a full Movie Night at the Ballpark: a Saturday double-feature of “Inside Out 2” and “Barbie”! Admission is $12, available for purchase online at milb.com/lansing as well as the Jackson® Field™ stadium box office. Gates open
Nuts to host Mini Golf at the Ballpark September 19-22
LANSING, Mich. – Each night during the summer, Jackson® Field™ hosts nine innings of baseball. Next week, grab your putter and play 18 holes of miniature golf on the field instead! Click here for more info! Miniature Golf at the Ballpark, presented by Leading Edge Golf and Zap Zone XL,
Schofield-Sam drives Nuts to season-ending victory
COMSTOCK PARK, Mich. – T.J. Schofield-Sam slugged a go-ahead three-run homer, and the Lansing Lugnuts (27-39, 59-72) closed out 2024 with a 4-2 triumph over the West Michigan Whitecaps (37-28, 68-63) on Sunday afternoon at LMCU Ballpark. DH Schofield-Sam drove in all four runs in helping the Nuts halt an
Liranzo homer ruins Morris gem in 2-1 loss
COMSTOCK PARK, Mich. – Trade deadline acquisition Kade Morris twirled seven scoreless innings in his seventh start in the A’s organization, but a Thayron Liranzo eighth-inning two-run homer launched the West Michigan Whitecaps (37-27, 68-62) to a 2-1 victory over the Lansing Lugnuts (26-39, 58-72) on Saturday night at LMCU
Whitecaps overtake Lugnuts, 6-5
COMSTOCK PARK, Mich. – Thayron Liranzo lined a go-ahead two-run single in the seventh inning, and the West Michigan Whitecaps (36-27, 67-62) sent the Lansing Lugnuts (26-38, 58-71) to a seventh straight loss, 6-5, on Friday night at LMCU Ballpark. The Whitecaps have won the first four games of the
Whitecaps top Nuts, touchdown to a field goal
COMSTOCK PARK, Mich. – On the first night of the NFL’s season, the West Michigan Whitecaps (35-27, 66-62) withstood the rain to beat the Lansing Lugnuts (26-37, 58-70) by a football score, 7-3, on Thursday night at LMCU Ballpark. The game featured rain showers at two different times during the
Peck single lifts 'Caps in pitcher's duel, 1-0
COMSTOCK PARK, Mich. – A Johnny Peck one-out RBI single in the bottom of the sixth inning supplied the only run in a West Michigan Whitecaps (34-27, 65-62) 1-0 win over Lansing Lugnuts (26-36, 58-69) on Wednesday night at LMCU Ballpark. The game was wrapped up in a scant one
Johnston dominates, but Whitecaps walk off Nuts in 11
COMSTOCK PARK, Mich. – Reigning Midwest League Pitcher of the Week Will Johnston set a career high with six strong innings, but the West Michigan Whitecaps (33-27, 64-62) rallied for three runs in the bottom of the ninth before walking off the Lansing Lugnuts (26-35, 58-68) in 11 innings, 5-4,
Lugs' Johnston named MWL Pitcher of the Week
LANSING, Mich. – Lansing Lugnuts southpaw Will Johnston was honored as the Midwest League Pitcher of the Week for the week of August 25-September 1, Minor League Baseball announced Monday. Johnston, the A’s 13th-round selection in 2023 from Texas A&M, turned in his latest eye-opening performance in Game 2 of
Lugnuts wrap up 2024 home schedule, fall to Fort Wayne
LANSING, Mich. – In front of 4,512 in the 2024 home finale, Luke Mann’s second straight game with a home run could not prevent a Lansing Lugnuts (26-34, 58-67) 8-4 loss to the Fort Wayne TinCaps (23-37, 51-75) on Sunday afternoon at Jackson® Field™. The Nuts now head out to
TinCaps escape Oat Milkers, 3-2
LANSING, Mich. – In the final Saturday night home game of 2024, the Lansing Lugnuts (26-33, 58-66) – playing as the Malmö Oat Milkers – put the game-tying run at third base in the bottom of the ninth before falling to the Fort Wayne TinCaps (22-37, 50-75), 3-2, in front
TinCaps collect 19 hits, top Nuts 10-6
LANSING, Mich. – The Fort Wayne TinCaps (21-37, 49-75) tallied a quick six – failing to convert on the extra point – and bested the Lansing Lugnuts (26-32, 58-65), 10-2, on Friday night at Jackson® Field™. Kai Murphy, Devin Ortiz and Tyler Robertson each collected four of Fort Wayne’s season
Lugnuts double their way to 6-2 victory
LANSING, Mich. – On Golf Night with actor Christopher McDonald in attendance, the Lansing Lugnuts (26-31, 58-64) beat the Fort Wayne TinCaps (20-37, 48-75) by three strokes – run-scoring doubles from T.J. Schofield-Sam, Danny Bautista, Jr., and CJ Rodriguez in a five-run sixth inning – en route to a 6-2
Rodriguez walkoff clinches twinbill split
LANSING, Mich. – CJ Rodriguez singled home Josh Kuroda-Grauer in the bottom of the seventh inning, and the Lansing Lugnuts (25-31, 57-64) walked off to halve a doubleheader with the Fort Wayne TinCaps (20-36, 48-74), winning 2-1 after losing 9-5 in the opener on Wednesday night at Jackson® Field™. In
Lugnuts/TinCaps opener postponed, doubleheader Wednesday
LANSING, Mich. – The scheduled Tuesday night game between the Lansing Lugnuts (24-30, 56-63) and Fort Wayne TinCaps (19-35, 47-73) was postponed due to field conditions and will be made up as part of a 5:05 p.m. doubleheader on Wednesday afternoon at Jackson® Field™. Gates will open at 4 p.m