Home of the Beloit Snappers

Few things are as charming as a simple minor league ballpark. Lacking the elaborate sound systems and high tech scoreboards, they rely on only the sights and sounds of the game to create a feeling of excitement and belonging. This is the case with Pohlman Field, home of the Beloit Snappers. The Snappers are a community owned team, which keeps them in this old-fashioned, slightly run down park. It was built in the early 1980's, and its age is beginning to show. Seating is on metal benches and there are only a few hundred box seats. These are made of molded plastic, and not fold down seating. The box section is located directly behind home plate. While other minor league parks are investing in their stadiums and creating tiny replicas of their Major League brethren, this park remains true to its roots.

The few renovations that have taken place have been in the office building and the right field deck. The concession area is located behind the grandstand section and features the usual items you would expect to find at a ballpark, along with Wisconsin fare like brats, curds, and something called cheddarwursts. Basically a brat stuffed with cheese, it may stop your heart, but you will enjoy the experience. Prices are reasonable for ballpark food and most visitors at the stadium report they are happy with the taste and presentation of the food.

The Snappers have a team store located behind home plate. Kids and adults alike will love grabbing a souvenir or scorebook before the game. Visitors to the park are impressed with the crowd. As ballparks become more social gatherings and party spots than game watching venues, this park is an exception. The crowd is reportedly more mature and knows the game. The team mascot is Snappy and moves around the park entertaining the children.

The community feel is what most Snapper fans love about the park. It is a not for profit organization, so there is little concern the team would move elsewhere. While some of the players and coaches may yearn for an updated ballpark, especially after traveling to other sites nearby, the fact remains they are working in the minor leagues. They have a ways to go before they are dressing in a state of the art facility like Miller Park. The lower grade facilities in minor league ballparks help to motivate the players and encourage them to work on moving up through an organization.

Minor league ballparks possess a special charm. With Major League tickets costing a fortune to visit and enjoy these days, a lot of children are falling in love with the game at these tiny mecas. In the long run, they will appreciate the game much more when the first see it without all of the glitz and glam that folks have come to expect from the big leagues. In Beloit, the focus is on the game and the team, just as it should be throughout all of baseball.