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A day at the ballpark

Nick Conklin,
Grand Central Magazine

Despite the cold temperatures and blustery winds, fans turned out for the Chippewas' early season home games. Here the Chippewas faced the University of Michigan, winning 7-3. Photograph by Nick Conklin
(Click here for more images.)

The scene at Theunissen Stadium for the Central Michigan University Chippewa baseball team’s season opener was surprisingly un-baseball: cloudy skies, numbing wind and the occasional falling of snow. Not the picturesque view one might associate with an afternoon at the ballpark.

Unfortunately that is the scenario many baseball fans in Michigan have to deal with while attending games in early spring. Gloves, mittens and a warm cup of coffee replace peanuts, scorebooks and shorts as the season opened up with temperatures near 20 degrees.

Many brave fans piled into the stands and took their places in the cold stands to cheer on their Chippewas. Despite it being far from the ideal weather for a baseball game, fan’s enthusiasm was clear.

“We rarely miss a home game,” said Betsy Banta of Mount Pleasant. Banta and her husband Bob have been attending home games since 1979, when games were played at the “old” Theunissen field.

Baseball has always been a major part of the Bantas’ life and they always enjoy a day out at the park.

“We come out to the support the young men playing. We love it,” Bob Banta said.

The Bantas have been such great fans that they have both been named “Fan of the Year.” Betsy was given the honor in 1987, while Bob received it in 2003. They both have many great memories of attending the games and the afternoons spent in the park, but their greatest enjoyment comes from the players.

“We like to watch the players’ progress and eventually get drafted,” Bob said. “When those players move on it is nice to see the young guys step up and fill in.”

The atmosphere of the games is one reason why the Bantas keep coming back.

Theunissen Stadium features plenty of great seating as well as top of the line press box and convenient concession services. It also offers many fan-friendly events such as kids’ day, where kids can come out and get autographs from players.

“I think that it is a top of the line stadium, it’s the best, if not the best in the (Mid American Conference) and the NCAA,” Bob said.

The aspect of the “college rivalry” is also a big draw for many people to come and enjoy a game. Western and Eastern Michigan Universities are CMU’s big rivals in baseball and many fans enjoy the tough competition that those teams bring.

The Chippewas' early season games are usually chilly affairs, which often prevents many fans from coming out. But those who do are considered tried-and-true Chippewa baseball fans. Photograph by Nick Conklin
(Click here for more images.)

“I look forward to the last two weekends against Eastern and Western, those are always big series,” Bob said.

The games not only provide a level of entertainment but also provide a learning opportunity to younger baseball players.

“My (junior varsity) baseball team was coming out to the game and I decided to tag along,” said Evan Willmen, a sophomore at Breckenridge High School in Breckenridge, Mich. “I like to experience the game and maybe pick up on a few things.” Willmen was attending the game with a few of his teammates.

There are many different aspects of baseball that attract people to the games. And even for those who have never been to a CMU game, the experience is still a memorable one.

“We were just driving by and saw the game,” said Tosha Kiss, a CMU sophomore. Kiss was at the game with her friend, sophomore Elizabeth Abshire, and they were attending their first Chippewa baseball game. Although it was their first game, they both had a great time.

“I just love baseball,” Abshire said.

With the recent scandals surrounding major league baseball today with steroids, and court hearings, a negative light has been cast upon the game.

But to many fans, negative press has had no effect on them. The bleachers still fill up with the many dedicated baseball lovers. And while they come for different reasons, they all seem to share in the fun of going to the ballpark and watching a game.