There’s no better way to create memorable family fun than a Lake County Captains game at Classic Park
By Patricia Nugent
As our beloved boys of summer—the Lake County Captains—take to the mound and fly past home, there’s never been a better season to catch all the white-knuckle action at Classic Park.
In addition to a slew of entertaining events, best-ever fare, and family-friendly activities, you also just might catch a future legend in the making, as the Caps are the Class A affiliate to the Cleveland Indians.
Viva Las Capitanos!
This year, the Captains are joining the MLB initiative Copa de la Diversion, or “Fun Cup” program and rebranding as “Picantes de Lake County” for five games: On Sunday, May 5; Sunday, June 2; Sunday, July 7; Monday, August 12; and Saturday, August 31.
“Our players will take the field in special jerseys and hats with a spicy red pepper and the Picante logo,” says Promotions Manager Rachel Wallbrown.
“And we are transforming the stadium to honor the rich and diverse Latin communities in Northeast Ohio. Leaders and groups from these communities will be honored and highlighted at each game.”
An integral part of the theme is providing special menu items to fit the culture of each community.
One of the most popular menu introductions is the Picantes Elote, a super spicy south-of-the-border jalapeno cheddar hot dog.
“On May 5, which was Cinco de Mayo, we rolled out the program and the fans loved it,” she says. “And maybe the identity was a good luck charm, as we won the game in a 4-0 shutout against the Cougars of Kane County.”
Scouting Report: You Won’t Believe These Guys
We’re currently one game out of first place, a couple games over 500, in the Midwest League Eastern Division, and several of our players are fast becoming crowd favorites with their standout skills,” says Media Relations Manager Tim O’Brien.
Here’s his scouting report:
- Tyler Freeman — He’s currently batting .295 and already has 28 hits on the season in just 25 games. This player really gets it out there, with nine doubles, a few home runs and 11 RBIs. He makes the clutch grabs at shortstop.
- Will Benson — On one enchanted evening, he knocked out four home runs in a single game and has six total on the year. This 20-year-old was the Indians’ first round pick in 2016. He also has seven doubles and 22 hits.
- Luis Oviedo — This 19-year-old starting pitcher has already produced three wins and struck out 17 batters in 23 innings.
- Raymond Vurgos — He’s a leftie pitcher with an ERA of 2.86 and over the course of 28-1/3 innings has struck out 30 batters and only walked nine. He’s a big swing-and-miss guy, a real strength thrower who can pound the strike zone relentlessly.
“With all this talent, I have a good feeling you’ll be following our Captains through to the post-season,” says Tim.
Making a Place for Kids to Enjoy
Providing a family-friendly experience for all ages is the order of the day and the Captains plan a plethora of events each year geared toward kids.
For an up-close-and-personal baseball experience, at the Captains Youth Summer Camp, kids receive instruction from players and coaches, plus get to play down on the field. They also get tickets to a game, lunch each day and a t-shirt. It takes place Monday through Thursday, June 10-13.
“One of our biggest weekends of the year will be July 19-21,” says Rachel.
“On Friday, the 19th, we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Moon Landing with a Skipper bobblehead giveaway. Then on Saturday the 20th, we reminisce about Cleveland Sports History, and have a Jobu bobblehead giveaway. This is also the Girls Scouts campout night, where they camp out on the field. Then we cap things off on Sunday the 21st with Paw Patrol Night. Our players will be sporting Paw Patrol jerseys, and there’s a Marshall bobblehead giveaway.”
Classic Park is located at 35300 Vine Street in Eastlake. For tickets, call 440-954-WINS (9467), or visit CaptainsBaseball.com for more information. Individual game tickets, affordable ticket packages and group outings are available for purchase now.