Major League feel found in Moosic

MOOSIC — Take a close look at any player for the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons today.

The fans at Lackawanna County Stadium know that almost any player for the AAA affiliate of the parent club is only one call-up away from the major leagues.

"It sure is big-league action at a minor-league price," said Mike Cummings, the Red Barons director of public relations. "If you just take a look at our current roster, you will see 17 of the 23 players have major-league experience. At any moment, any one of our players could be playing in Philadelphia."

While the Red Barons play in the International League of the minor leagues, there's nothing really minor league about Lackawanna County Stadium.

The large television screen in center field is certainly "major league" with its instant replays. The scoreboard in left is also of major-league size and includes in-game statistics. (A third scoreboard in right field gives minor-league and major-league scoring updates.)

The mascot, Grump, is big-league, too — even riding a four-wheeler across the turf like his Philly counterpart The Phanatic.

Finally, the stadium club, which overlooks the field, provides a big-city, big-league feel.

Of course, this raises the level of play as the Red Barons fight to make that final huge step to the majors, either for a first time or a return trip.

And yet, a ticket for the best seat in the house is $8, compared to $40 for the best (non-box-seat) spot at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. In fact, the cheapest seat to see the Phillies is $15.

"It's a relaxed, wholesome atmosphere," Cummings said. "Couple this with the low cost and it's the perfect place to bring a family. You can come to one of our games and still have money left over to do something else."

The Red Barons played their first game at Lackawanna County Stadium — just off Interstate 81, south of Scranton, adjacent to the popular Montage ski and concert resort — in 1989.

Ever since, the stadium has become a summer favorite.

One big difference between the stadium and a major league ballpark is the openness of the outfield.

There are no outfield seats, just a hillside of trees and rocks — and yet it's a nice view.

The stadium seats just under 10,000 on two levels. There's also not an "obstructed" view in the house, unlike some major-league parks.

From the top of the 300-level seats to the field-level spots, fans can see down the baselines to the bullpens, and all the way out to the center field scoreboard.

The concourse runs on top of the first level of seats and goes the length of the seating area.

The food selection includes the typical hot dogs, sausage, burgers and other fare, but also funnel cakes and blooming onions.

The Red Barons store is right inside the main gate, offering jerseys, hats, stickers and plenty of other trinkets for the faithful.

The Stadium Club, though, is the real attention-getter.

You don't even need a ticket for the ballgame to get in the restaurant, and yet you can view the game from the first-base line through the large open windows.

With everything it offers in sport, value and entertainment, the folks at the stadium still work hard to create a fan-friendly atmosphere.

"We have something different every night," Cummings said.

For example, on Mondays (Family Night), the entire family can eat, drink and see the game for just $25. Fridays are fireworks; Saturdays are giveaways.

"It's just a nice place to visit with lots to do," Cummings summed up.

The $25 admission on Mondays include four general tickets, four hot dogs, four sodas and a program for the price.

Tuesdays feature 50-cent hot dogs.

The Saturday giveaways feature anything from bobblehead dolls to bats.

"Where else can you get two to three hours of family, fun-filled entertainment at these prices" asked Red Barons general manager Tom Van Schaack. "I think it is (a great deal), especially when you consider ticket, concession and souvenir pricing compared to the major leagues."

In addition to Grump, fans can also try out the speed-pitch machine.

Contests between innings include rolling a huge die from the top of the stadium, trivia games, a putting contest and others.

All those highlights are fine, but this is baseball, and the lure again is who is on the field.

Being a Triple A affiliate means that there is no shortage of well-known players on the roster.

"We are the first place they come when a player is hurt or not performing in the big leagues," Cummings said.

This year, Marlon Byrd began the season as the Phillies starting centerfielder. After struggling, he found himself with the Red Barons after a poor May, but is now back in Philadelphia.

As for rehab visitors, big-league Phils Vicente Padilla and Placido Polanco have played for the Red Barons a few times this season.

The often-changing roster can cause confusion for Red Barons fans, but it's exciting, too.

Now, the Red Barons have slugger Ryan Howard and pitching phenom Gavin Floyd on their team.

Of course, top players from other major-league clubs who are spending time at the AAA level make appearances in games here, too.

"When superstar-caliber players like Curt Schilling and Darryl Strawberry visit (which has happened), there is a definite boost in attendance a and buzz in the air," Cummings said.

This season, New York Yankee Orlando Hernandez pitched for Columbus against the Red Barons during the first week of July.

No matter who the star or player, Red Barons fans are strong supporters of their team.

"They are passionate for their home team and supportive through wins and losses," Van Schaack said. "There is a great base of hardcore fans who will come out to 60 to 65 games a year no matter what"

And the players make sure they're accessible.

Even the players with major-league experience will sign autographs along the stands without a second thought.

Young fans can come away with signatures of five to 10 players in one game — signatures that might some day be something to really brag about.

A visit here is certainly less stressful than going to Philadelphia. It's only a one-to-two-hour drive from anywhere local, and the stadium is easy to access right off the interstate.

"It's a fun, affordable night out for the family," Van Schaack said.

It appears that big-league baseball at a minor-league price has found a home in northeast Pennsylvania.