Minor League Baseball and The Baseball Scorecard

Going to the minor league baseball game is great entertainment and can also be the best form of baseball instruction. Minor league baseball is geared toward the family experience and your kids will be mesmerized by the atmosphere. This is the perfect setting to share the baseball experience and to teach them some baseball fundamentals.

Many minor league baseball ballparks provide promotions and fun skits especially designed for kids. They also have team mascots that interact with kids by walking through the grandstand. The mascots act out choreographed skits between innings and invite some lucky youngsters down on the field to participate. Most minor league parks provide moonwalks and inflatables for the kids to jump around in if they are bored.

Another great reason to attend minor league baseball game is that tickets are inexpensive, they are close to home, you don't have the traffic like the major league teams and they are usually close to home. Minor league provide real family entertainment.

Taking kids to a minor league game can be the best form of baseball instruction because you can introduce them to the baseball scorecard and baseball scorekeeping. If you understand how to score baseball in a baseball scorecard, it means you know the game well.

The minor league ballpark is the perfect setting to teach kids how to use a baseball scorecard. Sure the kids will want peanuts and cracker jacks - that's just fine - it adds to the fun and mystique of being part of the game. Grab a program for the kids while your at it - the baseball scorecard will be inside.

Pass the kid(s) a baseball scorecard and a pencil. Ask them to fill in the lineup. Make it a fun challenge. If you have more than one child, have them do it as a team. Give them some direction on how to enter the lineup, the players numbers and their defensive positions. Entice them with a surprise or bonus if they complete it (maybe buy them a hat, t-sheet, a pretzel or even ice-cream).

Once the baseball scorecard is complete you can explain how each position has a number (1 = pitcher, 2 = catcher, etc). Then walk your kids through a few at-bats. Don't force it on them, when they have had enough don't press it. Let them have fun with the baseball experience. Keep it simple.

One recommendation I have about attending minor league baseball games is to attend a night game when it isn't hot and humid. The last thing you want to do is to have your kids associate a baseball game with being uncomfortable. Attending night games can be magical - with the smells, sights and sounds of a baseball game. It's the best baseball instruction tool around!


source: teachkidsbaseball.com