In the world of minor league baseball there are team names that inspire: the Senators, Nationals and the Fighting Phils. Some herald the area they call home: the Tennessee Smokies, San Antonio Missions and the Tulsa Drillers. They come from the sea: Manatees, Stone Crabs and Hammerheads. They fly above us: Pelicans, Bees and Dragons. There are Nuts and Bolts, Quakes and Quackers, Lugnuts and Loons. But there is one name that goes with the crack of the bat like no other. the Thunder. And yes, they play right here in New Jersey. They are the Trenton Thunder and they’re playing ball y’all.
It’s no secret that the best bang for your baseball buck in New Jersey these days is the minor leagues. Stadiums and teams all over the state, from the Skyline Region to Atlantic County, are thrilling fans every day and summer night with fast balls, stolen bases and walk-off homers. And nowhere is this more true than in Trenton, where the Yankees Double A team makes its home. The Trenton Thunder feature the players that will be running the bases at the big ballpark in the Bronx someday in the near future. And to top off what promises to be a banner 4th of July weekend, the South is looking to rise again as Richmond’s powerhouse team is coming into town. You want fireworks? This rivalry of north verses south will light up the sky as well as the stands. Of course, it also helps to have a good laugh. Did I mention that this powerhouse team is named the Flying Squirrels? Uh huh. Reasonable prices, all kinds of give-aways and fun for the whole family, and a beautiful stadium, Arm and Hammer Park, located right on the picturesque Delaware River. Plenty of parking, food and drink await you with an ease that you just cannot get in the Bronx or South Philly. But the best part of all is the energy, the dedication and the flat-out hunger of the young players, some destined to be the next All Stars of tomorrow, some enjoying whatever playing time they have left in the game they grew up playing in sandlots and community parks from Vernon to Vineland. It is an honest representation of America’s pastime, and it’s right here within an hour or so from wherever you live in the state. I can’t think of a better way to say “Happy Birthday America.”
While you’re at it, check out our Sports section on the Home Page to see all of the New Jersey minor league teams.
