Home Run Summer!

Batter up for Our Best Season Yet

By Al Parker | May 29, 2021

Northern Michigan baseball fans will finally get a chance to see live games when the Traverse City Pit Spitters throw out the first pitch on May 31.

It's been well over a year since the Pit Spitters took the field before a live audience, and the squad returns as reigning champions of the Northwoods League after winning the 2019 title.

Whether you're an avid fan or just want to spend a fun evening at the ballpark, here are 10 outstanding reasons to visit Turtle Creek Stadium this summer:

Familiar Faces
The 2021 Pit Spitters roster includes several returning faces, led by manager Josh Rebandt. Players coming back include pitchers Evan Gates and Cade Heil, outfielders Evan Maday and Crews Taylor, along with infielders Jake Arnold and Christian Faust. Of course, team mascot Monty will be at every game bringing fun to fans. “We're eager to have the team hit the field and welcome the northern Michigan community to Turtle Creek Stadium this summer,” says Pit Spitters General Manager, Mickey Graham.

New Award-winning Eats
In the annual Fan Food Contest, two winners were named because the vote was so close. The top entries: the Cubano Dog, submitted by Matt Vail of Grand Rapids, and the Chicken and Waffle Cone, suggested by Eric Schoolmaster of Traverse City. The Cubano Dog starts with a ballpark staple, the hot dog. It's teamed with sliced ham, creamy swiss cheese, a crunchy dill pickle, and a swath of mustard. The other winner begins with a crunchy waffle cone that’s filled with boneless wings and drizzled with tasty maple syrup.

Trophy Time!
OK, it's not the Stanley Cup, but on June 1, fans can take a picture with the Northwoods League Championship Trophy. The bling will be available for about three hours from when the gates open at 5:30pm for the game. The Pit Spitters will take on the Kokomo Jackrabbits. Can’t make it June 1? No worries; the trophy will also be available on June 2 and other select dates during the season.

Even More New Foods
A staple of county fairs, festivals, and kids who like to eat like cavemen, giant turkey legs will make their ballpark debut this year. Tip: Only a select few will be made available at every game, so when these hearty treats appear, don’t dither on deciding; just grab one. If you miss your shot, meander down to the third-base-side grill, where you’ll find for the first time BBQ pork sandwiches on a brioche bun. More meat and heat is available this season by way of Monty's Spit Fire Burgers’ debut — three burger choices, each increasing in spiciness. For a tasty dessert, you don’t have to wait til the National Cherry Festival comes around to get a Pit Spitters’ version of an elephant ear, coated with Nutella or, of course, cherry topping.

Drink Like a Local
The Pit Spitters are teaming up with Traverse City Whiskey and some new specialty cocktails will be featured this season, including the “Todd Marga-Reid-A” named after coach Todd Reid. Pit Spitters Cherry Tea, a TC Mule and Three Strikes Old Fashioned are all tasty options too. Craft beer choices will include Short's Soft Parade Shandy, Bell's Oberon, Founder's All Day VaCay, Earthen Ales A2, and more. Pepsi products are also available. 

A Bonus Fourth of July (& Fireworks Show!)
The annual Fourth of July celebration and military appreciation night will be held July 3, when the Pit Spitters host the Kenosha Kingfish. Half-price tickets for all active and retired military, plus all fans will receive a Pit Spitters bucket hat, courtesy of 4Front Credit Union. After the game, stick around for an outstanding fireworks display seen from the comfort of your ballpark seat.

Spartans vs. Wolverines Rivalry Night
On July 14, it's an in-state collegiate confrontation. The first 500 fans will receive a Pit Spitters Beach Towel, courtesy of Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. Show your allegiance and wear your team gear while watching the Pit Spitters take on the Battle Creek Bombers.

Superhero Night
Always a fun night for children who dress as their favorite superhero — and get to walk (or fly?) in an on-field parade, Superhero Night at Turtle Creek Stadium happens July 24 this year. Captain America and Spider-Man will be on hand taking photos, spinning webs, and saving planet Earth. The fun is not for kiddos alone; fans age 50 and up get in for half price.

Red Hot Deals!
The final regular-season home game is on Aug. 12, and fans are urged to wear red to support the Pit Spitters as they take on the Kalamazoo Growlers. Crowds will enjoy a special presentation by PA announcer Roy Harvey and super Thirsty Thursday specials: $2 domestic beers, $2 hot dogs, and $2 16-ounce Pepsi products. Dinner, as they say, is served.

One Super Stadium
Built in 2006 as Wuerfel Park, the original home of the Traverse City Beach Bums, Turtle Creek Stadium has often been listed among the nation's finest minor league facilities. Its clean, modern design offers outstanding sightlines for fans, roomy clubhouses for players, and (in a welcome departure from so many pro stadiums these days) a fun, food-and-entertainment-filled afternoon or evening at the ballpark that the average family can actually afford.

Tickets for all home games can be purchased at www.PitSpitters.com. The stadium box office is also open for in-person transactions 10am–6pm Monday through Friday.