Wisconsin Baseball: September Update

2009 was a tough season for Wisconsin teams (yes, I know the Brewers still have 13 games left but I’ve decided to focus on 2010 now)…

Milwaukee Brewers
Currently 12.5 games behind the Central Division leaders St. Louis Cardinals, the Brewers split their series against the Cubs at Wrigley last week before sweeping the Astros over the weekend .  This week, the Cubs head north to take on the Brewers at Miller Park – care to join us for a little WI/ IL rivalry?  We currently have tickets available in our group for Wednesday’s game: Great rates for great seats!  Drop me an email if you’re interested…

Wisconsin Timber Rattlers
Although they finished with a 58-81 record, more than 20 games behind the 1st place Peoria Chiefs, the Rattlers set a new attendance record this season with more than 250,000 fans heading through their gates in 09.

Beloit Snappers
With a record of 57-83, the Beloit Snappers finished in last place in the MID Western division, just 1.5 games behind the Rattlers.

Northwoods League Ball:
Final standings for Wisconsin’s Northwoods teams in the South Division:
1st Place: La Crosse Loggers
2nd Place: Madison Mallards
4th Place: Eau Claire Express
5th Place: Green Bay Bullfrogs
6th Place: Wisconsin Woodchucks

A look ahead to 2010
The Brewers have already announced their 2010 schedule including three 3-game series against the Cubs at home (April, June & September).  For Opening Day fans, be sure to mark your calendar for Monday, April 5th when the Brewers will host the Colorado Rockies.  New for 2010: game times have all been pushed back to 10 minutes past the hour (1:10 start for most day & Sunday games, 7:10 for weeknights & 6:10 for Saturday nights).

The Timber Rattlers have also released their 2010 schedule and ticket packages are now on sale as well. 

Wisconsin Baseball: July Update

With the break for the MLB All-Star Game this week, now’s a good time as any to check in on Wisconsin’s baseball teams…

Milwaukee Brewers
Having won only 3 of their last 10 games, the Brewers are still hanging on to the number 2 spot, just 2.5 games behind the St. Louis Cardinals.  Great ticket deals are still available including the State Fair/ Brewers Doubleheader: 2 Terrace Reserved tickets to a Brewers game and 2 WI State Fair tickets for $24.  Interesting trivia: Did you know a scene from the movie Major League, filmed at the old Milwaukee County Stadium, was actually the impetus for relief pitcher Trevor Hoffman’s “Hell’s Bells” musical intro?

Wisconsin Timber Rattlers
The Timber Rattlers are also currently in second place, just 1.5 games behind the Cedar Rapids Kernals.  Click on over to their site and check out ticket packages such as their “Fang-tastic” Brewers/Rattlers package for $15.  Also, Brewers hall of famer, Paul Molitor will be in attendance signing autographs prior to the Rattlers game on Tuesday, August 4th.  Just in case you were wondering as to the team’s level of talent, five MLB All-Star players this year have formerly played for the Rattlers.

Beloit Snappers
Currently in last place in the MidWestern division, the Snappers have only won 6 of their 17 games to date.  But, as the Class A affiliate for the MN Twins, should we feel too badly for them?  There are lots of fun promotions still on the Snappers calendar including this interesting one… “Salute to the Mustache Night” complete with Fireworks!

Northwoods League Ball
Overall standings for Wisconsin’s Northwoods League teams in the South Division:
1st Place, 29-15: La Crosse Loggers
3rd Place, 25-19: Madison Mallards
4th Place, 23-18: Eau Claire Express
5th Place, 18-25: Green Bay Bullfrogs
7th Place, 14-30: Wisconsin Woodchucks

Lots of fun and affordable promotions are still on the calendar this summer including “Youth Baseball Night” for the Eau Claire Express and Simpson’s 20th Anniversary Night – anyone named Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa or Maggie receives free admission for the Madison Mallards game on July 30th!

Vintage Base Ball
Nope, that’s not a typo – Base Ball was originally two words!  Load up the family and head out to Old World Wisconsin to see the Eagle Diamonds take on either the Milwaukee Grays (July 18th) or the Greenbush Dead Citys (August 15th).  Teams recreate “the styles, speech, rules and terminology of the 1860s game” playing without gloves and in replica baggy uniforms.

As always, click on over to WisconsinLodging.info and begin planning your next Wisconsin baseball getaway!

Northwoods League Amateur Baseball

Okay, you’ve made your plans to catch the Brewers, booked your stay in Beloit to catch the Snappers, and have Rattlers tickets & reservations in the Fox Cities… Still need more baseball?  Check out these Wisconsin Northwoods League teams:

• Eau Claire Express
• Green Bay Bullfrogs
• La Crosse Loggers
• Madison Mallards
• Wisconsin Woodchucks (Wausau)

Started 1994, the Northwoods League has grown from just 5 teams in WI, MN & IA to its current 2 divisions with 7 teams each from WI, IA, MN, MI and Ontario.  Teams are comprised of top college players, playing for free to retain their NCAA eligibility (some of whom will go on to play in the majors).  This is your opportunity to see exciting baseball at wallet-friendly prices: tickets start around $5-$6 per person!  The League season kicks off May 28th and wraps up with the playoffs in mid-August.

Whether you’re heading out for short getaways all summer long or focusing your full summer vacation around Wisconsin baseball, start your trip planning at WisconsinLodging.info – with nearly 1,000 hotels, motels, resorts & more to choose from, you’ll be sure to find your perfect spot in every city!