Day Trip: Take Me Out to the Ball Game

Baseball and summer go together. Unfortunately, Major League Baseball ticket prices have increased dramatically over the years, meaning it will cost you a lot — if not too much — to take in a game.

A quick search on the Internet reveals that the cheapest tickets to the upcoming Subway Series between the New York Mets and the New York Yankees cost $60. That's right, $60 per seat!

But Minor League baseball is an affordable alternative for those looking to enjoy the experience of a Major League Baseball game without the big league cost. Luckily, there are a couple of options in Essex County that provide this experience and make for a good day trip.

Newark Bears

The Newark Bears are arguably one of the most historic minor league teams in all of baseball. The Bears can be traced all the way back to the early 1900s when the team served as a minor league affiliate to the New York Yankees.

Despite no longer having ties to an MLB team, the Bears boast a roster filled with former MLB stars. Perhaps the biggest name on the team is former New York Mets third baseman, Edgardo Alfonzo. 

In addition to Alfonzo, the Bears have former MLB stars Armando Benitez, Daryle Ward, Scott Spiezio and Nook Logan under contract for the remainder of the 2010 season. The Bears manager, Tim Raines, is no stranger to MLB fans, either, as he is a Hall-of-Famer.

The home of the Newark Bears, Riverfront Stadium, is located in the heart of Downtown Newark and is located directly across the street from Rutgers University Business School.

The Bears hold various special events throughout the season. For instance, during the three game homestand over the Memorial Day weekend, the team sold a pack of four tickets, food vouchers and fireworks for $50. That is $10 less than a single Subway Series ticket.

Those with young children will appreciate the fact that nearly every Tuesday home game has an 11:05 a.m. start time, which means that even the little guys and gals should be able to catch most, if not all, of the action.

In addition, prior to every Sunday home game, the Bears take the field extra early and sign autographs for fans at no additional cost.

Bears tickets are priced very reasonably at $10. Further discounts are available to season ticket holders. Game parking is located in a deck behind the right field wall and costs $5 per game.  Game tickets, as well as merchandise, can be purchased through the Newark Bears official website.

New Jersey Jackals

The New Jersey Jackals play in Yogi Berra Stadium, which is located within the Montclair State University campus.

Like the Bears, the Jackals have a roster with numerous ex-Major League players. As a matter of fact, the Jackals' designated hitter and former Tampa Bay Rays catcher, Shawn Riggans, was recently named the Can-Am Player of the Week.

Other notable players joining Riggans on this year's squad are Argenis Reyes and Abraham Nunez.

Like the Bears, the Jackals offer fans a number of unique promotions throughout the season, including a T-Shirt giveaway. Also, every Thursday evening at the ballpark is "Thurs-T Thursday" where all beverages (12 oz. beer and 16 oz. soda) are priced at a mere $1.

Ticket prices for Jackals games range anywhere from $5 (for standing room only) to $11 (for box seating). Parking for the game is available in the Red Hawk Parking Deck for a nominal fee of $5.75. For more information on the New Jersey Jackals, including the team's schedule, visit the team's official online home.