10 Promos to Get You Out to NYC's Minor League Ballparks This Summer

5/26/15 - By Jody Mercier

Soaring temperatures send some people to the beach. For my family, a night at the ballpark is the ultimate summer outing. While big league tickets are pricey (someday I may have the extra cash lying around to purchase season tickets, but not this year), catching a minor league game is a much more affordable option.

Both the Yankees and Mets have farm teams in New York City. The Brooklyn Cyclones play their home games at MCU Park on the Coney Island Boardwalk, while the "Baby Bombers," aka the Staten Island Yankees, use Richmond County Ballpark as their home base. Both teams play short-season Class A ball from June to September. While you can expect to see decent ball, since the product on the field doesn't match Major League play, neither do the prices. Tickets range from $9 to $18! Once you're in the door, not only will you see a ballgame, but you'll also be privy to some silly entertainment, zany giveaways and crazy stunts. Often, baseball is just an afterthought. Here are 10 promotions planned to get fans of all ages through the minor league gates.

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Brooklyn Cyclones

Salute to Saved By The Bell
Wednesday, June 24
This promotion coincides with the kickoff of the Cyclones' season-long "Way Back Wednesdays," when every seat in the house is just $10. In addition to cheap tickets, you can celebrate the end of the school year and the iconic '90s sitcom by partaking in a "sprain" dancing competition, or finding out if you own the "oldest cell phone in the ballpark."

Salute to Seinfeld Night II
Sunday, July 5
For one special night, head to "Vandelay Industries Park" to see a Cyclones' game and participate in Seinfeld-inspired fun like playing Trivial Pursuit against a "bubble boy," participating in an Elaine Dancing Competition or an Ovaltine drink relay. Adults are likely to get more out of the Seinfeld fun than kids, but the first 5,000 fans snag a "Little Jerry" bobblehead.

Star Wars Night
Saturday, July 11
For $25 per person, fans begin their evening with a Star Wars character meet and greet, see some ball and then enjoy a sleepover on the field post-game. Participants receive a Star Wars T-shirt or light saber.

'90s Nickelodeon Night
Wednesday, August 12
Get in touch with your inner child by celebrating all things Nickelodeon. Last year's event included a taping of Double Dare (sliming not optional), meet and greets with characters from The Rugrats and a place to play POGS, naturally.

Kids Backpack Giveaway and More
Sunday, August 16
If your kids tire of you channeling your past with Seinfeld and Nickelodeon nights, head to the ballpark to get a free kids backpack. The Cyclones will also celebrate sandlot baseball players, superheroes and selfies. Following the game, kids can make like minor leaguers and run the bases.

Staten Island Yankees

Beat Brooklyn Night
Friday, July 17
Just like their big league counterparts have a Subway Series rivalry, the Staten Island Yankees get into the competitive spirit on this special Beat Brooklyn night. Staten Islanders will find it especially appealing as they come out and show their borough pride, pick up a "#beatBKLYN" hat, and watch the two borough presidents duel for bragging rights and charity funds during on-field contests.

Dellin Betances Bobblehead & FDNY Appreciation
Saturday, July 18
Betances bobbleheads will be handed out this evening as the Baby Bombers pay homage to one of their own who's gone on to big league stardom. You can also celebrate the 150th anniversary of the FDNY. Special attention will be paid to the firefighters at Engine 161/Ladder 81, who are marking their own 100th anniversary.

Game of Thrones Night
Saturday, August 8
If you are a GoT fan, you can meet series author George R.R. Martin and get his autograph as the team morphs into the Staten Island Direwolves for the evening. A live wolf mascot will also make an appearance, and the team's special jerseys will be auctioned off post-game to raise money for the Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary.

Dog Days of Summer
Wednesday, August 12
America's favorite pastime gets even better when you're able to share it with your best friend—even if that friend has four legs! On this night, your dog can take a seat with you at the ballpark. To arrange tickets for your furry friend, please call 718-313-1335.

Staten Island Star Search
Saturday, August 15
The Staten Island Yankees search for a "diamond in the rough" during this promo. Talented fans endured a rigorous audition process before being invited to take the stage on the field and compete for the title, so the contest (hopefully) shouldn't resemble one of those early episodes of American Idol.

Can't make it on any of these promo nights? Each minor league team has plenty of stunts at any given game. As added incentive, kids can run the bases following every game at Richmond County Ballpark and on Sundays at MCU Park. Even better, channel your inner ballplayer when everyone runs the bases following Monday and Tuesday Cyclones games. Fireworks also fly on Friday and Saturday nights at both fields.

For more seasonal fun, check out our Summer Guide.

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