Sizzle and Silly at Triple A ball.

My brother and I from time to time take a summer road trip visiting minor league ball parks.  Obviously the pandemic made that impossible last year.  And even in the rapidly improving conditions of 2021 there are challenges.  One of our favorite stops, Clinton Iowa, got booted from the system as the Lords of Baseball decided to reduce the number of lower level ball teams.  This makes no sense whatsoever.

But at least one stop is easier.  The Saint Paul Saints, formerly a scrappy Indie team, are now the official Triple A club of the Minnesota Twins.  Just across the river from the big club and one step away for the players.  Of course steps can be either forward or backward, and in a year when injuries and incompetence have plagued the Twins there is a regular shuttle going back and forth.

Some pictures and thoughts from a perfect Wednesday evening.

The Saints have a new ballpark on the edge of down town.  I got there early to have a look around.

I always plan on dinner at the ball park.  Consulting the older stadium staff I got a recommendation for a stand called Von Hanson's.  Interestingly they don't take cash, just plastic.  But behold, a Superior brat smothered with fried onions and peppers.

The Saints used to be an independent team and always aimed for a bit of fun.  So there are lots of odd things to see.  Here the grounds crew is dragging the infield.  In pink dresses, so literally in drag...

And a couple of innings later.....in Halloween dragon costumes.

Of course I had to have a picture taken with the mascot.  The Saints have a pig mascot.  There is an actual pig named Muddonna.  And also a human mascot.

A fun evening.  The Saints had just gone from 40% capacity games on up to full capacity.  That plus the weather had everyone in a good mood.  I did pay attention to the game.  After all, this is one step away from the Majors, and with the Twins having a horrendous season it would be reasonable to expect some of these players to get a promotion soon.  Pitching in particular has been a problem this season.  I was chatting with one of the ushers asking if any Saints pitchers would might be helping the Big Club soon.   Shaking his head he looked across the aisle at a fellow usher who had his arm in a sling.  "That guy would be an upgrade".