Missoula among best places to play

Prospects from around the country have voted Missoula, Montana as one of the top places to play in all of minor league baseball, and the best spot to play in Short-Season baseball.

According to a poll released by MiLB.com, Missoula ranked seventh overall among the 382 minor leaguers who participated in the survey. The Garden City was also the top destination among short-season clubs, edging out Staten Island and Brooklyn, among others, for the top spot.

"We are extremely proud that players think so highly or our operation, facility, and community here in Missoula," said Osprey Executive Vice President Matt Ellis. "To be #7 nationally and #1 in short season is amazing.

"This is a testament to our city, fans, community, facility, and staff. We will continue to work hard and make sure that positive reputation is earned and deserved."

Dayton, Ohio was named the top place to play in the survey. The Dragons have sold out Fifth Third Ballpark for every game the past 13 seasons. Five of the six places in front of Missoula have teams at the Class A level, either in the Midwest League (both Dayton and Fort Wayne, Indiana, who finished third), or the South Atlantic League (Greenville, SC; Greensboro, NC and Charleston, SC). Myrtle Beach, South Carolina also finished ahead of Missoula, from the Class A Advanced Carolina League.

The Osprey will come home for their final two games of the 2012 regular season against the Billings Mustangs on September 5-6. Tickets are available now at the MSO Hub Box Office, located at 140 North Higgins in Downtown Missoula, online at MissoulaOsprey.com and by phone (406) 543-3300.