If you catch any of the excitement surrounding the Major League Baseball All-Star Game over the next few days, you’ll see the top players at the sport’s highest level in action. But that’s not to say that the 243 Minor League squads around the U.S., Canada, Central and South America don’t offer their share of good times, too. In fact, we scouted out three places in the States where the great action on the field is only matched by all the fun in the stands. In addition to merely naming optimum stadium experiences though, we’ve also listed nearby hotels that hit it out of the park with their unbelievable hospitality.
Where To Shout
About the only thing hotter than the Major Leagues’ Boston Red Sox right now is their Triple-A affiliate, the Pawtucket Red Sox. But in addition to all of the offensive fireworks (Outfielder Bryce Brentz has 16 home runs) and flame-throwing pitching (Steven Wright has 70 strikeouts) on the field, fans routinely pack 10,000-seat McCoy Stadium because the Pawsox’s overall experience is just so rich. Avoiding fussy in-game entertainment or goofy mascots, PawSox games have a bit of polish to them, almost as if you’re at an MLB contest. Whatever the case may be, it’s working — Pawtucket won the International League championship in 2012.
Where To Stay
Though the city of Pawtucket has its share of boutique hotels and inns, your best bet for a luxurious stay during your baseball getaway is at the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Ocean House. Sitting just an hour from McCoy Stadium in Watch Hill, Rhode Island, the 13-acre beachfront beauty has 49 Victorian-styled rooms, a Four-Star restaurant, Seasons, and the Five-Star OH! Spa. And if you get the urge to swing something after watching all the baseball action, you’re in luck — Ocean House also has a tournament-quality croquet lawn you can enjoy.
Where To Shout
How welcoming is this city’s baseball team to outsiders? So much that they named themselves the Tourists. Even beyond the inviting moniker, the day-of-game experience for the Colorado Rockies’ Class-A club is something to behold. Though you’ll occasionally catch the “Frozen T-Shirt” game on the field between innings, the focus at McCormick Field is primarily on the action. (That makes sense, seeing as how stars Rosell Herrera and Tom Murphy have combined for 31 dingers so far this season.) Still, the view around the park is pretty spectacular, too. McCormick’s brick exterior gives the 4,000-seat facility a vintage feel, and the fact that the venue actually sits on the side of a hill makes the sight almost surreal. Couple the dynamic vista with one of the Tourists’ deep-fried MoonPies and you may find yourself never wanting to leave.
Where To Stay
It’s hard to imagine a trip to the North Carolina mountains that doesn’t include some sort of outdoors activity — beyond eating Cracker Jack at the stadium, of course. That said, at Four-Star Inn on Biltmore Estate, they’re offering the Cast & Blast Outdoor Sporting Package for adventurous guests. Included in the deal are two nights’ accommodations, daily breakfast in The Dining Room, Biltmore House admission plus two hours of clay shooting, and a half-day of fly-fishing.
Where To Shout
There’s a lot to like about the idea of enjoying a baseball game so close to Beale Street. Well, besides the fact that the Memphis Redbirds’ AutoZone Park sits right in downtown (just a few blocks over from FedEx Forum, the NBA Grizzlies’ home) and sports an old-school, industrial façade that blends right in with the surrounding buildings, the place is a winner because the team knows how to put on a good show. Just two games out of the Pacific Coast League’s American Northern division lead at press time, the St. Louis Cardinals’ Triple-A organization plays games that mean something in front of spirited crowds (AutoZone Park seats 14,384). You won’t help but get in on all the enthusiasm.
Where To Stay
With location being such a strong draw for a Redbirds outing, it should come as no surprise that a spectacular hotel would be so close to the stadium. Almost directly across the street from AutoZone Park is The Peabody Memphis, a Four-Star landmark that makes its splash with classically decorated rooms, world-class dining at Four-Star Chez Philippe and a few famous residents: the Peabody Ducks. The property’s Mirimichi Memphis Golf Getaway is an ideal way for sports fans determined to break a sweat. The package includes one night’s deluxe accommodations, a round of golf at beloved Mirimichi golf course, a 30-minute club fitting with a course pro and two sleeves of Peabody-logoed golf balls.
Photos Courtesy of Tony Farlow, Allison Rhoades and the Pawtucket Red Sox
