Lake County Fielders: Diamond in the rough
Four years ago the idea of bringing a minor league baseball team to Lake County, Illinois was merely a dream. Building the field in north suburban Zion, nothing short of a miracle.
Yet in its first month of operation, the Northern League's Lake County Fielders have beaten the odds and won more than baseball games. Owned by actor Kevin Costner, known for blockbuster baseball films "Bull Durham" and "Field of Dreams," the team struggled to get its stadium built. Original blueprints called for a $20 million park but funding, as Illinois faces severe budget woes, faded. Instead, the stadium site was moved and scaled down, offering bleacher seating. During a visit in late July to turn on the lights for night ball, Costner said he believes the park is more true to the spirit of baseball.
Endeared to its simplicity, fans love the park, proof perhaps, that baseball's old model may be the new. While still literally a diamond in the rough, Fielders games are only $5, offering a community dotted with landfills, a nuclear energy plant and plagued with high unemployment, something to call their own.
Next season, concerts and movies as well as other events will be held at the stadium when the team is away. Suspect one or two of the films may have a baseball theme? Minor league baseball is theater all of its own. And there are a million reasons why you should add a game or two to your Chicago White Sox and Cubs schedule. Riddled with colorful names such as the Gary (Indiana) Railcats, or Iron Pigs, minor league baseball offers the opportunity to see strong players vie for a shot at the major leagues at a fraction of the price.
As the stadium evolves and the team strengthens, the retro-uniformed Lake County Fielders give fans a chance to see baseball from a different perspective. It's easy on the wallet, friendly, full of action and any seat brings you close to the field. Minor league baseball is gaining popularity across the country, especially during a tough economy.
What's more, it is worth the trip just to see Zion. Founded by a religious zealot, each street sign carries a Biblical name. Farms dot the landscape and residents still dress up on Sunday.
When Costner chose Zion as the location for his team the residents believed it would bring needed jobs as well as excitement to the community. Zion is located very close to Illinois Beach State Park offering beautiful views of the lakefront.
HelloMetro Tip: More cafes and restaurants have opened in town, so if you plan to attend a game, why not go early and explore the area? Costner, who has always dreamed of owning a minor league team, vows to be back with his family. And you may just see him on the field.
Posted by Lori Rotenberk
