Rochester’s humble population of roughly 200,000 can’t justify Major League Baseball team. But we are privileged to have the AAA minor league farm team of the Washington Nationals, the Rochester Red Wings. During the summer, Rochester residents are able to take a short trip downtown to see future All-Stars, aspiring pros and big leaguers on injury rehab assignments as they take the field against traveling regional opponents. Nearby Buffalo and Syracuse have minor league teams too, all playing in the International League.
The best part is, you can buy a decent ticket for one of these games at the price of a beer you’d purchase at an MLB game. Nothing to do on a Tuesday evening? Watch a great brand of baseball under the lights while drinking a cold beverage and eating a garbage plate (it’s a Rochester thing, check it out).
Rochester’s Innovative Field (formally Frontier Field) is located just north of the city’s downtown, and utilizes the parking lot of the Historic Kodak headquarters. And while Wrigley Field, PNC Park, and Oracle Park provide pristine views, I’d like to think our little stadium is second to none. The old Kodak Building stands tall as a testament to Rochester’s history and formerly our largest employer. While Kodak is a shadow of its former self, one can’t help but feel nostalgic as the former film giant holds court over each and every game.
Minor League Baseball has done an amazing job of connecting with local culture featuring a sort of “I see what you did there” smirk. Occasionally the Red Wings will adorn their Rochester Plates attire. Recently, the team began to champion its Zweigles White Hots jerseys and hats, paying homage to the hot dog company based in the Flower City that is famous for their pop-open white hot dogs. The Syracuse Mets occasionally become the Salt Potatoes, referencing that city’s history.
Minor League Baseball reminds us all that even small-to-midsized cities can come together and rally around their community in celebration of our local team. In doing this, we pay homage to our local pride, loving the depth of our city’s heritage. There are very few places left that have the same effect in cities of this size, capturing our passion for good competition, local food, summer nights and great people.
