Here are 11 great ways to beat the heat with Minor League Baseball
Welcome to the dog days of summer. The races for postseason spots are coming into focus in the Majors. In the Minors, top prospects are eyeballing September roster expansions. Whether you're holding on tight to the long days and balmy nights or patiently waiting for the leaves to fall and playoffs to start, we're here to help you make the most of the next couple weeks.
Here are 11 fantastic ways to beat -- or enjoy -- the heat with Minor League Baseball.
Rangers: Lazy River, Riders Field (Double-A Frisco RoughRiders)
This may be the best way to beat the heat not only in Minor League Baseball, but the best way to beat the heat period. The Lazy River out in right field has been a fan favorite at Riders Field since the summer of 2016, and it's not hard to see why. It's longer than an Olympic-sized swimming pool, and it has marvelous views of the field. You can reserve it for a party of 25-200 for some games, and any individual can buy a Lazy River ticket for others. Check details to make your plans. Ballpark Guide »
Guardians: Akron Screamer, Canal Park (Double-A Akron RubberDucks)
Do you scream for ice cream? No, but do you really scream ice cream? The RubberDucks have your fix. The Akron Screamer is a 5-pound sundae, which is probably all the information necessary to convince most fans to alight for Canal Park at once. Still, here's a little more about the monstrous dessert that debuted in 2011, courtesy of the team: "Served in a RubberDucks batting helmet ... 21 scoops of Smith’s Premium ice cream on top of a brownie base and finished off with chocolate syrup, bananas, whipped cream, sprinkles and maraschino cherries." Bring a friend. Or not. Ballpark Guide »
Astros: Kiddie Corral splash pad, Constellation Field (Triple-A Sugar Land Space Cowboys)
The Space Cowboys play at Constellation Field, located just 23 miles from the Astros’ home of Minute Maid Park. Unlike that facility, Constellation Field does not have a retractable roof. When the sun beats down, head to the outfield concourse. The Kiddie Corral play area includes a spacious splash pad among its many offerings for young fans. There is also a standalone pool, utilized as a group area. Ballpark Guide »
Athletics: Ballpark pool, Las Vegas Ballpark (Triple-A Las Vegas Aviators)
One of the most coveted group areas in Minor League Baseball is the Aviators’ Outfield Pool, which accommodates up to 50 people and includes 14 seats inside the pool itself. Getting a waterlogged home run ball is always a possibility. Another perk of Las Vegas Ballpark, applicable to all fans, is that all seats are made from breathable mesh. No scorching plastic to be found. Ballpark Guide »
Yankees: Mr. Softee, TD Bank Ballpark (Double-A Somerset Patriots)
Mr. Softee ice cream, with headquarters not two hours down I-295 from the Patriots' home park, is a multigenerational favorite in the Mid-Atlantic region. The Yankees' Double-A affiliate offers Mr. Softee soft serve in cups, waffle cones and helmets, as well as a Mr. Softee milkshake. You can get one of each without even having to listen to the jingle. Ballpark Guide »
Cardinals: Chill Zone, AutoZone Park (Triple-A Memphis Redbirds)
Situated on the upper level along the right-field line of AutoZone Park, the Redbirds’ Chill Zone is what its name implies: a climate-controlled indoor club designed as an escape from the Memphis heat. Available as a group area or via a single-game ticket purchase, the Chill Zone also includes a nightly buffet menu. The club’s iconic Rendezvous BBQ Nachos are always on the menu. Ballpark Guide »
Red Sox: Sea Dogs Biscuit, Hadlock Field (Double-A Portland Sea Dogs)
Praised by locals for the structural integrity that keeps the center from running even as the cookie exterior becomes slightly softer and more pliant, the Sea Dogs Biscuit is to the ice cream sandwich what Beethoven's Ninth is to the symphony. When it gets muggy in Maine, nothing compares. Ballpark Guide »
Cubs: Tito's Beach Party, Pelicans Ballpark (Single-A Myrtle Beach Pelicans)
Sometimes the best way to beat the heat is to bask in it. Pelicans Ballpark is about a mile from the shore, but you don't need to leave the stadium to sit on the sand and soak up some rays. Tito's Beach Party is a group seating area next to the visitors' bullpen down the left-field line, and it includes an all-you-can-eat buffet with fun-in-the-sun staples such as burgers, hot dogs, cole slaw, iced tea and lemonade. Ballpark Guide »
Dodgers: Churro Sundae, Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark (Triple-A Oklahoma City Baseball Club)
Hubba hubba. Out some 1,300 miles to the west at the home of the parent club -- Dodger Stadium -- the soft-serve churro sundae helmet has become one of baseball's most beloved sweet treats. Triple-A Oklahoma City has its own version, served with hand-scooped ice cream, whipped cream and -- of course -- a cherry on top. Ballpark Guide »
Mariners: Otey's Splash Pad, Dickey-Stephens Park (Double-A Arkansas Travelers)
Beautifully democratic, this in-stadium mini water park is open "to the young (and young-at-heart)." The Travs charge a mere five dollars for entry and also offer a discounted rate for a season pass. Otey's Splash Pad is named for the team's swamp possum mascot, who may or may not drop by for a little soak. Ballpark Guide »
Mets: Ocean breeze at Coney Island, Maimonides Park (High-A Brooklyn Cyclones)
When the heat hits New York City, the smart New Yorkers hit a Cyclones game. Maimonides Park is right on the beach, with the famous amusements (including the Cyclone roller coaster) just beyond the left-field wall and the ocean out past center and right field. Take in the sea air for all nine innings, and add pre- and postgame dips in the Atlantic for some extra cooling off. Ballpark Guide »