For
the week of :
September 9, 2002
Minor League Ramblings is produced by Bill Mitchell for Minor League Watch.
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"This
is Boise!"
"This is Boise" is a statement I've heard more than once on my annual visits to Boise, Idaho to see the hometown Hawks of the short season A Northwest League. The statement is always made, half apologetically but with an air of civic pride, in explaining why services common in larger metropolises, such as late night bus or cab service, aren't found in this capital city of 185,000 (400,000 in the general metropolitan area). The friendly nature of Boise's citizens and the enthusiasm with which they embrace their beloved Hawks have made my trips to Boise the highlight of the last two minor league seasons. Boise, the state capital of Idaho, sits on a plateau in the midst of the Rocky Mountains, 2,842 feet above sea level. The climate is relatively dry and the winters are moderate. With a number of mountain trails and rivers in close proximity to the metropolitan area, it's a haven for those who love the outdoors.
One doesn't even have to leave the city to experience nature at its finest, as the Boise River meanders through the heart of the city in what is called the Greenbelt, with 25 miles of river front parkway for walking and biking. My traveling companion and I arrived in Boise on a morning flight from Phoenix. We were joined on the flight by five members of the rookie level Cubs, who just one day earlier won the Arizona League championship and were joining the Hawks for the remainder of the Northwest League season. Located in downtown Boise is an historic district, with buildings dating back to the 19th century, called the "Basque Block." Settlers came to Boise from the Basque region of Spain near the end of the 19th century and worked mostly as sheepherders. Their culture and influence is still very much evident around Boise. Along this street is the Bardenay Restaurant and Distillery, the first such establishment of its kind in the United States. The Bardenay distills its own liquor for consumption on site, and is located in a former warehouse along Grove Street on the Basque Block. We joined the owner, Kevin Settles, for an excellent lunch from the mostly Mediterranean and Continental menu.
It was then time to head to the ballpark for that night's game against the visiting Spokane Indians (Kansas City Royals affiliate). Boise Memorial Stadium was built in 1989. Also called Hawks Stadium by the locals, it's a compact facility seating 3,344. The Rocky Mountains are in full view beyond the centerfield fence. Groundskeeper Boyd Mauer has often been named as the best of his trade in the Northwest League. It's plain to see that the honor is well deserved based on the condition of the field. The concessions at Boise Memorial Stadium are much better than would be expected for the size of the facility. Among the selections are an excellent chorizo sausage sandwich (a regional Basque specialty), served hot off the grill with onions and peppers. They also sell a good Chicago-style hot dog and have a couple of microbrews on tap.
But it's the atmosphere generated by the rabid fans that separates a game at Boise from other minor league experiences. My first trip to Boise was on a Friday night, and the enthusiasm of the sellout crowd that evening was reminiscent of a high school football game, with fans on both sides of the stadium trying to out shout each other. Hawks' first baseman/DH Kevin Collins concurred with the sentiment that playing ball in Boise is a unique experience. "It's been great here," said the Florida native, now in his third season with the Cubs' organization but his first in Boise. "The field here is great, the host families are outstanding ... this is just a great place to play ball. We're the main attraction here and everybody just loves to come out and watch us." Boise's host family program contributes to the warm atmosphere surrounding Hawks baseball. While other minor league teams at lower levels of professional baseball utilize a similar program to provide lodging for their players, the local fans go above and beyond the call of duty in making sure the Hawks' players feel right at home in Boise.
"Our main objective is to make their life in Boise very pleasant, memorable and a happy one," stated Fred Baker, president of the Hawks Booster Club and a participant in the host family program for five years. "That's our main objective." Host family coordinator Judy Pierce added, "I think it's a very important part of their development. A lot of times it's their first time away from home when they come right out of high school or even if they've gone to college in the same town." Pierce continued, "It's a great experience. They don't have to live alone or have five, six or seven people in bunk beds in an apartment, and they don't have to worry about any of the expenses." The players often become a vital part of their host's extended family. "I had to go to the hospital emergency room on a hot day here," said Baker. "After the game, one of the players came to see me. He told the other guys, 'I've got to go see my dad.' He came to see me in the emergency room." This close bond between the players and their host families is especially evident after each home game. The Booster Club provides a complimentary post-game dinner for the team in the Hawk's Nest, a picnic area along the leftfield line. The visiting team players are also invited to eat for only $5 per person, a better deal than they could get in a local restaurant. It's like a big family picnic at Boise Memorial Stadium, with players mingling with Booster Club members, host families and other fans for up to an hour after the end of the game. Many of the players leave the stadium with their host families, just like they were back home in high school. It's very easy to fall in love with the minor league experience at Boise, just like the city itself quickly grows on you. Without a doubt, I'll be back in Boise again next season. --- Bill Mitchell One week after my Labor Day weekend visit to Boise, the Hawks completed their season with a three-game sweep of rival Everett in the league playoffs. |
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