BY: April Miller
Suwanee comes alive in the spring. As we dust off those winter blues, our beautiful city begins to blossom all on it’s own. Town Center Park will fill with families throwing frisbees, children running through the fountain, food trucks, festivals, races for charity, and so much more! There is nothing quite like this time of year – and it’s my favorite season because it means: baseball is here! Our local parks echo with the sounds of bats cracking, gloves thumping and fans cheering on their favorite team.
The first official baseball game was played in 1846 and quickly became America’s favorite pastime. While there have been many changes to the game since then, it continues to fill stadiums and parks across the country. In the Spring of 2014, more than 16 million people played baseball or softball, making it one of the most popular team sports in the United States. And, we have many opportunities right here in our own backyard to enjoy the game.
Whether you’re grabbing a hotdog and catching the Friday night fireworks at a Gwinnett Braves game, or catching some rays at George Pierce Park while cheering for your little ones, we can all agree that baseball brings some amazing memories for true lovers of the game. Attending a Gwinnett Braves game is fun for the whole family. They host themed nights, including Star Wars Night where you will see lots of your favorite characters from “the dark side.” At Bark in the Park fans are invited to bring their dogs with them to a game. Every Tuesday home game you can grab a friend and enjoy two tickets for the price of one. Kids eat FREE every Wednesday home game this season too! Of course you won’t want to miss Superhero Night Saturday, May 30th.
With so many exciting events, it’s easy to grab the family and head to Coolray Field for some fun this summer. It’s also a great reminder to grab a bat and ball, get outdoors, get active and make some memories! Whether you’re tossing the ball to your kid in the backyard or participating in a competitive league, baseball is a wonderful way to get both vigorous and moderate exercise – offering many cardiovascular benefits as well. The game requires running, throwing, catching, swinging and helps to improve hand/eye coordination. It’s also a great way to connect with friends, learn how to be a team player and build sportsmanship. There are many leagues in the Suwanee area, for any age or skill level: from two years old through adult.
You’re never too old to bust out those cleats…just be careful sliding into home! So, lets do this Suwanee! Grab a bat, gather a few friends and join me for a friendly game of America’s favorite pastime!