| Trenton, NJ - Mercer County Waterfront Park |
| The Park Mercer County Waterfront Park opened in 1994, and year after year, the fans turn out in droves. In 2001, the Trenton Thunder became the fastest team in Double A history to reach 3 million in attendance. It�s easy to see why. Like Campbell�s Field in Camden, this park sits on the banks of the Delaware River. A wide concourse, open except for a portion behind home, permits fans to buy food and stretch their legs without missing the action. The picnic area in the left field corner offers adequate views of the action. The obligatory moonwalk for children is outside the stadium, on the wide entrance plaza. The Trenton Thunder is the Eastern League affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. (In 1994, the team was in the Detroit Tigers� system.) Aside from the New Jersey Cardinals, a short season team way up in the Northwest corner of the state, this was the only professional baseball team in New Jersey until the independent Atlantic League came along in 1998. That may be part of the reason for their success. I think its because they are very fan friendly and family-oriented. |
| The Games 1-2) We (my wife, 3 kids and I) saw the Thunder on April 19, 1998 and April 23, 1999. On each occasion, we were there with a group of my son�s friends to celebrate his birthday. My son got to go on the roof of the dugout with the mascot, Boomer, and had his name and age flashed on the scoreboard. With so many children to keep an eye on, I didn�t bother to try to keep score in either game. 3) I did keep score on April 5, 2002, when we (my son, his friend, my older daughter and I) saw Trenton play the New Haven Ravens, the Cardinals� Double A franchise, on the 2nd day of the minor league season. Well, actually, night. Cold night. New Haven took a 2-0 lead in the 1st on back-to-back doubles and a single, and added another run in the 2nd. Trenton scored on a wild pitch in the 5th. The Ravens added a run in the 7th on a home run by Jim Chamblee. The Thunder came to life in their half of the frame, scoring on a homer by Drew Larned, a double by Aaron Capista , a single by Tonayne Brown and a groundout by Tom Sergio. They added another run in the 8th to tie the score at 4-4, on back-to-back doubles. Capista lead off the home 9th with a single. New Haven�s Scotty Layfield, who entered in the 9th, threw 2 wild pitches, sending Capista to third. With two out, Freddy Sanchez took a swinging bunt, sending the ball down the third base line. 3B John Gall fielded the ball, but Sanchez beat the throw. Capista scored, and Trenton completed their dramatic 5-4 comeback win. |
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| Copyright 2002 Chris Trapani All photographs and text on this website and webpage are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without the written consent of the holder of the copyrights, Chris Trapani. Direct all e-mail inquiries to [email protected]. |
| Above, Delaware River just past the right field wall. |
| Left, entrance plaza. Right, close up of sculpture. |
| Notice the retired #5 of Nomar Garciaparra. |