Minor League Baseball is back

Major league what? Who needs to go to a major league game when the minors has all you could ever want?

That's right I said it. Minor league baseball has it all. It's arguably better than the show itself.

Sure, you're not going to get the views at the stadiums in the heart of the city, you're not going to see the studs play every day, you won't see 450 foot bombs or potential no-hitters, but you're going to get a great environment with great food and less crowds.

Be honest, who wants to sit in a crowded ballpark anyways? Not me.

There's nothing like strolling up to the stadium five minutes before first pitch, buying your ticket, grabbing a hot dog and sitting down before the game starts.

Here are my three main rests that the minors are arguably better than the majors:

1. The team names

Earlier in the year, you might remember that I ranked all the minor league team names based on affiliates. C'mon, you know that you'd love to go see a Yard Goats Vs. Flying Squirrels game am I right? (Yes, that is an actual matchup that happens in the AA Eastern League) Like I said before, you can have just straight up awesome names like the Tortugas, Lake Monsters, Threshers, Jethawks etc or you can also have a team where the name is symbolic to the town they play in. Look no further than the Flying Tigers, Fireflies, Tourists etc. You'll never see a team name like that ever in the Majors. Minor League baseball gets you excited by just the names.

2. The Ballpark

I just love visiting different ballparks. Mostly around Florida and in the Florida State League in particular, but i've been to many. I don't think there's anything like walking into a creaky old, over 100 year-old stadium and catching a game. The billboard signs spread all over the outfield walls, you didn't have to pay for parking, the fans are friendly and they're happy to be there. The food is most likely fantastic and cheap. There's nothing like it.

3. Promotions

Belly-buster Monday's and Thirsty Thursday's are just the beginning. Who want's to pay upwards of $10 for a beer at a Major League game when you can have multiple beers for just $1 a piece at a minor league game? Or how about one ticket at $12 gets you all you can eat food? Can your kids run the base paths after the game every time at a major league park? Probably not. There's almost always fireworks after every weekend home game. Fans have the chance to win handouts in between innings. It's just great stuff. There's nothing like Minor League Baseball there really isn't.

If that isn't convincing enough, just look up your local team and check out their promotions and head to the ballpark this weekend. Baseball season is back, take back America's Pastime today!