Another exciting season of Lake County Captains baseball is happening now at Classic Park
By Patricia Nugent
Of all the “returns” we’ve been looking forward to this summer, the roar of the crowd coming back to Classic Park is one of the best. Baseball is officially on again.
Our beloved Lake County Captains are just three games out of first place as of press time. Since the team is a High-A Affiliate of the Cleveland Indians, each year several Captains will get “the call” and be moved up on their way to “the bigs.”
Which Players are Hot this Season?
The team as a whole is playing red-hot, but several players have been making things very interesting and gaining lots of fan support.
Here’s the scouting report:
• George Valera – With a batting average of .313 this season, this outfielder is the team’s number one ranked prospect.
• Logan Allen — A pitcher with a lot of tools in his box who knows his way around a fastball and racks up the strike outs.
• Brayan Rocchio — He likes to make the big grabs at shortstop and has thrilled with home runs, too.
Of the 60-game season, there are many home games in July, August and September.
“While there is talk of playoffs or an extended season, we’re not sure of that yet. Top teams from the East and West Division will play in a playoff series the week of September 21,” says Jen. “The league needs to make the final decision, but it looks promising. As of now, the last game of the season will be Sunday, September 19.”
One of the highlights of the season was hosting the Jarvis Landry Celebrity Softball Game last month. Fellow Browns players like Baker Mayfield and Odell Beckham, Jr. took the capacity crowd by storm with their smashing hits.
The Best Seats in Town
Providing a family-friendly experience for all ages is the order of the day and the front office at Classic Park has planned a plethora of events geared toward families and kids.
Every Friday and Saturday night home game they are providing fireworks after the games.
“And families love Sunday FUNdays, where kids can play catch on the field before the game and run the bases after the game,” says Jen.
All of the concessions are open for business. They offer ordering through BlazeBite, so fans can simply purchase the food on the app and it will be delivered right to their seats.
On Being First Ladies
Jen and her assistant, Kate Roth, have an impressive first to their honor. They are the first ever female General Manager and Assistant General Manager team in Minor League Baseball.
“Since I was a kid, I would go to Indians baseball games and was fascinated by every aspect that made up the fan experience, including the hot dog race,” says Jen, who played softball for Lake Erie College, and spent her internship at Classic Park.
“This was my first job out of college and every year I moved up within the organization,” she says. “It’s a rarity within baseball for people to work in the same community they grew up in. I’m living my dream job, that’s for sure.”
Captains Charities Give Back
“Through an annual 5K, golf outing and other events during the year, Captains Charities raises money to support many local organizations,” says Jen. “We also hold auctions of players’ jerseys throughout the year. Our vision is to enhance the quality of life for children, the disabled, the elderly and retired residents in our communities. And we’re dedicated to youth baseball and softball programs in our region.”
Adjacent to Classic Park, the Miracle League Field and Playground is another initiative that reaches people in the community.
“Kids and young adults with special needs enjoy playing games here on Saturday mornings, as well as spending time on the specially designed playground that fits their needs,” she says.
Classic Park is located at 35300 Vine Street in Eastlake. Masks are not required. If you would like seating that is socially distanced, that’s available in a special section of the park. For tickets, call 440-954-WINS (9467), or visit MILB.com for a complete listing of upcoming promotions and game schedule for the 2021 season.