From the crack of the bat to the cheers of the crowd, there’s just something about baseball that spells out fun. While growing up in the Ogden area meant missing out on major league action locally, my father made it a point to inspire in me a love for the game. If you are a baseball fan, or just looking for a good time, here’s a list of five reasons to become a fan of the Ogden Raptors, the closest thing we have to professional baseball.

1. Tickets are reasonably priced

OK, reasonably priced is a bit of an understatement. I’m talking $5 general admission tickets, which is simply fantastic for anyone who lives on a budget. If you show up after the seventh inning, you can get in for free. Plus, at the price you pay, you can really get close to the action and really get into the game.

2. Local food vendors reign supreme

Many sports arenas and ball parks normally offer the same fare: hot dogs, peanuts and cracker jacks. I grew up with the idea that you can’t beat a good brat and a bag full of peanuts while you root for the home team. The prices for the standard fare are really good, and it can’t be beat.

Lindquist Field makes a strong effort to reach out and find local vendors who provide great quality concessions. Lucky Slice, famous for its pizza, is a huge supporter of the Raptors. The prices range from $4 to $5 a slice. You can’t beat a good slice of pie and a ball game, unless you like garlic fries and beer more, because they have that too.

3. Sandlot ball

The Raptors are in the Pioneer League, which is considered a rookie league or a farm team. Most recruits going into the major leagues pass through a small team such as the Raptors before moving on to the big leagues. So each player gives their all to impress the scouts and move up to the major leagues. As a fan, the benefit for you becomes high-scoring games with constant action to keep you entertained.

4. The players hear your jeers

When watching any sport, the thing that brings me the most joy is trying to throw the opposing side off their game with my taunts. At the Raptors game, they hear every word you shout.

Once, the second baseman was having a horrible night and could not catch a grounder to save his life.  To help encourage said player, we verbally reminded him about the local high school team that could ground a ball better than him.

It worked, and he felt like crap. Now, the point of it is not to go too far, but to give a good reminder of what they need to do to get better. Go too far, and they will kick you out.

5. The fans

I love to people-watch and see how far they go. From the bizarre outfits to the excessive alcohol consumption, the people at the games really make it worth the admission. It’s almost a game within the game, and when the actual game gets slow, it’s a really good way to pass the time.