Worth the trip to Erie
UMPC Park, home of the Erie SeaWolves of the AA Eastern League. Photo by: RYAN POTRECZ
It wouldn’t be summer vacation without a trip or two to the ballpark.
Had the opportunity to take in a SeaWolves game in Erie, Pa., last week and certainly did not come away disappointed.
Those with long memories will remember the SeaWolves franchise as the former Welland Pirates. The Pirates operated as a New York-Penn League franchise in the Rose City from 1989-1994 before relocating to a brand new $8 million-park in Erie and rebranded the SeaWolves.
I vividly recall covering the St. Catharines Stompers at the new field, dubbed Jerry Uht Park, and wondering how long the Stompers would be able to compete as new parks began sprouting up all over the league.
The SeaWolves were an immediate hit in their new park, regularly drawing crowds of 4,000-5,000. Things were going so well talk of the SeaWolves moving to the AA Eastern League quickly began making the rounds. In fact, the park was constructed with a move up the baseball ladder in mind.
Sure enough, in 1999 Erie joined the Eastern League, leaving their NYP roots behind.
The SeaWolves became an affiliate of the then Anaheim Angels after moving to the AA level before switching to the Detroit Tigers in 2001, with whom they continue to be affiliated.
I had occasion to visit the park about 12 years ago with my good buddy, former Brock coach Ron Zimmerman, when we made the trek to see local product Dave Davidson, who was in town with the Altoona Curve.
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect this time around— a lot can change in a dozen years — but Jerry Uht Park, now known as UMPC Park, is still a gem.
In fact, the park has undergone a few updates and looks and feels as fresh as ever.
A brand, new scoreboard has a been added in right field while another board has been added to the side of the Erie Insurance Arena, home of the Ontario Hockey League’s Erie Otters, and just a long home run over the left-field fence.
In fact, a homer was hit off the facade of the arena the night we were there, but still a far cry from the longest home run I have ever seen in person at the minor league level. That honour belongs to former Stomper Damon Johnson, who cranked a moon shot off the roof of the arena. It was Johnson’s lone long ball of the season.
Of course, no trip to the park is complete without sampling the various items available on the menu. Never one to leave a stone unturned, my son Ryan and I combined to sample hot dogs, sausage on a bun, burgers, popcorn and chips. Toss in free refillable soda in a souvenir cup and the menu gets a thumbs up.
The SeaWolves also offer the usual variety of souvenirs with a couple of notable additions. In addition to game used equipment — some of it fairly price, some of it outrageous ($100 for used spikes) —the club also had Erie Piñata caps and jerseys for sale.
I had never heard of the Erie Piñatas until I was brought up to speed after reading the program. The club plays as the Pinatas a handful of times per season to celebrate Hispanic Heritage.
As a collector of pro caps, my son simply couldn’t resit a blue, white and pink Pinatas cap, compete with a multi-coloured bull as the logo.
Even the game lived up to expectations. The SeaWolves rallied to defeat the Reading Fightin Fils in extra innings. It was also our first experience with the minor league rule of starting a runner on second in extra innings with none out. I did not hate it as much as I thought, although, there is no way I would want to see that rule at the major league level.
The SeaWolves drew more than 3,000 fans the night we were there, right on pace with their average of 3,200 per game, the lowest in the league. By comparison, Reading and Hartford average more than 6,000 fans per game.
The SeaWolves plan to continue to upgrade the park with several improvements in the works such as a climate-controlled Stadium Club, upgrades to restrooms and concessions, and picnic area and party deck upgrades.
Can’t wait for next season to make a return trip and see how the park looks.
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