Joliet Slammers game on Wednesday geared toward kids

JOLIET – The Joliet Slammers were warming up Wednesday morning as kids rolled up to Silver Cross Field by the busload.

They filed by groups into the stadium already filled with the smells of funnel cakes, hot dogs and suntan lotion.

Wednesday was one of two days set aside to encourage summer camps, park districts and day care centers to bring the kids for a trip to the ballpark.

“We are expecting quite a few campers,” said Porscha Johnson, manager of corporate sales for the Slammers. “It’s a great way to get fans out that might not be able to get to a later game. And we hope that they will come back.”

Day Camp Day games are geared more toward a younger set than the educational days held when school is in session, Johnson said.

Up on the concourse Wednesday morning, kids already were getting excited. There were special vendors just for the kids, including Raging Waves and pictures with the water park’s mascot, Brock the Croc.

Coupons for free ice cream from Andy’s Frozen Custard were offered, and kids could run the bases after the game, Johnson said.

Young fans donned baseball hats with their favorite teams or character, from White Sox and Cubs to Thomas the Tank. Many brought their own baseball mitts with the hope of catching a wayward ball.

Kathryn, a Lockport Township Park District camper, said while she really wanted the Slammers to win, she had a reason to root for the Evansville Otters.

“Every time I’m here I am their bad luck charm,” she said, using a bit of reverse psychology. It seemed to work, as the Slammers wound up winning the game, 9-5.

Kelly Noe, an aide for Discovery Child Care in Minooka, said the kids were super excited to come to the game.

“For a lot of them, it’s their first time here, so they are very excited,” Noe said.

When asked what he was the most excited about, one student jumped up and down exclaiming, “I’m excited for the game.”

As The Star-Spangled Banner came over the loudspeaker, campers and students stopped in their tracks on the concourse, removed hats and put hands to their hearts like seasoned fans.

Jeremy, a camper from Lockport Township, sang along with his whole heart. He sings at every game he goes to and every chance he gets, he said.

“I’ve already been to half the Sox games this year,” he said. “But this is my first this year at the Slammers.”

The trip to see the Slammers was one of many field trips MVP Sports Camp in Oak Park had on its summer to-do list, said counselor Chris Atwood.

Four boys said they were excited not only to see the game, but were looking forward to hot dogs and Dippin’ Dots for lunch.

Lincoln, 10, had good reason to be there.

“I like baseball,” he said. “I am pretty good at it and it’s my favorite sport.”