This week, I am back in the Indiana, Illinois area for work (ABF Freight). And I am looking forward to more baseball experiences here in the Midwestern part of the United States.  Yesterday (Wednesday, July 23rd), I was searching the area for some cool baseball places and came upon Joliet, Illinois, and the Joliet Slammers.  I had seen a TV spot on the Slammers just the night before, a promotional hot dog event that featured long time baseball promotor and team owners Mike Veeck, his son Night Train, and as well as legendary actor and co-owner, Bill Murray.  What a combination of Americana, if I do say so myself.  So, I decided to research the Slammers a bit further and found out they were having a day game and hopped in my rental car for the 30 or so miles west to Joliet.

The Joliet Slammers are an independent professional baseball team that plays in the Frontier League.   Frontier League players are former collegiate stars. Some have even played Minor League and Major League Baseball, so the play on the field is legit.  The Slammers play at Joliet Slammers Stadium, across the street from a fire station with a sign on its front facing that reads “560 feet.”  I took the very easy drive west on Lincoln Highway, aka Route 30, for about 30 miles from my hotel in Schererville, IN through miles of farms and corn fields, through Chicago Heights to the city of Joliet, Illinois.  I arrived a bit late to the game (6th inning), but not so late that I couldn’t get a ticket for entrance and a chance to see the Slammers in action.

After taking a few photos outside the ticket booth, I made my way up the stairs of the main gate area to the glorious viewing spot on the concession stand level behind home plate.  And there I ran into none other than Joliet Slammers owner Mike Veeck.  I told Veeck I recognized his face from 1000s of photos and documentaries, and he smiled.  I told him about my passion for baseball and baseball fields all over the USA, and he smiled.  It was an awesome moment just being in his presence.  This man’s family is personally responsible for every gag, trick, gimmick, promotion, and entertainment piece at every ballpark in every town in the US.  His family’s focus on making fans want to come back again and again, not just for the game on the field but for the family entertainment in the stands, is absolutely legendary.  Mike Veeck is a baseball legend, and I met him yesterday.  Met his son, Night Train, as well.  Night Train helped me find the POW/MIA seat at Slammers Stadium.  What a cool way to start my Joliet Slammers experience.

Fresh off of Night Train’s instructions, I walked over to and photographed the seat of honor at Slammers Stadium.  As with all seats of honor, I took a moment to praise our brave men and women who have sacrificed for the better of our country.  I love that these seats are everywhere and will always seek them out no matter where I visit.

From there, I pretty much nomadically walked around the entire perimeter of Slammers Stadium. It was Day Camp Day at the Slammers game, so there were hundreds of kids running around with their day camp group peers and team leaders.  Yesterday was a scorching hot day, so I sought shade as much as I could find.  Slammers Stadium has a generous set of bleacher seats, two grassy areas for kids and families just sit picnic style, and an outfield perimeter walking area where you can see the game from all fields.  I especially liked the view areas in right field.  There was a countertop area just past the right field fence with bar stools.  And a raised deck area just into the right field foul area for a cool, elevated view of the field.  I love baseball parks that are continuous for fans to walk around the entire park without barriers.  And with the general admission ticket, you can sit, stand, and picnic anywhere you heart desires at Slammers Stadium.

As it was in the low 90s yesterday, I took a breather after a full lap around Slammers and took in an inning or two behind home plate.  I looked for Veeck and Night Train to thank them for all they did for baseball, but they were nowhere to be found.  No worries, I plopped down about 20 rows up behind home plate and caught some live action in the shade.  

With the game heading into the bottom of the 9th inning, I made my way to the exits and headed back to my rental and back to my hotel.  I had gone pretty much, 99%, 30West getting to Joliet, so I simply hopped on 30East and sat back and took in the scenic ride and views.  Meeting Mike Veeck and Night Train Veeck was so freaking cool. They were just so hospitable and friendly.  I got to tour the entire Slammer Stadium, with runs continuously around the ballpark with excellent views and cool places to stop and see a game.  The ballpark is friendly, clean, and easy to access all areas of the stadium.  I got to watch a few innings of action. Unfortunately, the home team Slammers dropped a tough one to the Gateway Grizzlies 7-2.  It was Day Camp Day at the ballpark, so there were hundreds of young baseball fans running around, having a blast, and enjoying a fun day out.  Overall, it was an amazing Joliet baseball experience at Joliet Slammers Stadium, featuring the Veeck owned Joliet Slammers.