Are you looking for a way to enjoy a night at the ballpark without needing to take out a second mortgage? There are several minor league baseball teams in the Chicago area, providing a more interactive and cheaper alternative to the major league teams.
Minor league teams often have fun theme nights, pre- and post-game activities, fireworks, autograph sessions and other promotions that make a night at the (smaller) ballpark attractive to families. Plus, families don’t have to worry about driving and parking in the city.
Here’s a look at minor league teams in Illinois and Northwest Indiana for the 2024 season.
Chicago Dogs — Rosemont
May 10-Sept. 2. At Impact Field, 9850 Balmoral Ave., Rosemont. Tickets: $9-$25. 847-636-5450; Thechicagodogs.com.
The Chicago Dogs are members of the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball. The Dogs kick off their seventh season with a Hawaiian luau-themed celebration. Every fan in attendance will receive a custom Hawaiian shirt. There will be live music and Hawaiian dance performances. Acclaimed vocalist Wayne Messmer will perform the national anthem.
There will be daily home game specials, post-game fireworks on selected nights and theme nights. Theme nights include Barbie/Princess Night, Country Night, Bark at the Ballpark, Heroes and Villains Night, Mardi Gras, Halloween, Elvis Night, Jimmy Buffet Night, “Star Wars” Night and St. Patrick’s Day Night.
Kane County Cougars — Geneva
May 10-Sept. 2. At Northwestern Medicine Field, 34W002 Cherry Lane, Geneva. Tickets: $5-$19; seniors: $7-$9 Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Parking: $10-$20. 630-232-8811; Kccougars.com.
Fireworks shows are after most Thursday, Friday and Saturday night games. Look for fun theme nights like “The Office” Night featuring Kate Flannery, “Bluey” featuring Bluey and Bingo, Cicada Night, Swedish Days Celebration, Christmas in July, The Eras Night (Cougars Version), “Outer Banks” Night featuring Charles Esten, and Hawaiian Night.
Joliet Slammers — Joliet
May 10-Sept. 1. At Duly Health and Care Field, 1 Mayor Art Schultz Drive, Joliet. Tickets, $9-$17. 815-722-2287; Jolietslammers.com.
Themes this summer include Princess and Pirates Night, Hispanic Heritage Night, Pride Night, Christmas in July, “Ghostbusters” Night (maybe a certain new team owner will make an appearance?), Ballpark Olympics and Irish Heritage Night. Swiftie Night is June 21; all fans named Taylor or Travis will receive free entry into the ballpark.
Several nights will have post-game fireworks. Kids can run the bases following all games (except fireworks nights). Family Sundays offer full team autographs following the game.
Schaumburg Boomers — Schaumburg
May 4-Sept. 1. At Wintrust Field, 1999 S. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. Tickets, $8-$25. 847-461-3695; Boomersbaseball.com.
This summer, look for theme nights dedicated to Harry Potter, “Star Wars,” Dinosaurs, Princesses, Marvel Superheroes and Back to School. Giveaways include Hawaiian shirts, pickleball paddles, Zubaz-style pajama pants, snow globes and Boomers swag.
More than 20 dates will include post-game fireworks. A Pro Wrestling Night featuring Matt Cardona and Al Snow is June 12 with a free post-game wrestling show. On Aug. 2, stick around after the game for the World’s Biggest Marshmallow Fight presented by Campfire Marshmallows.
Windy City ThunderBolts — Crestwood
May 9-Aug. 31. At Ozinga Field, 14011 S. Kenton Ave., Crestwood. Tickets, $7-$15. $3 Tuesdays. Seniors 55 and over are free on Wednesday nights. Veterans and active military and a guest are free on Wednesdays and Sundays. 708-489-2255; wcthunderbolts.com.
Parking is free and tailgating is allowed before the game.
The Windy City ThunderBolts is a member of the Frontier League. According to the website, the 2024 season will be the organization’s 29th overall and in those years the club has gone through three leagues, three stadiums, two names, five playoff appearances and three championships. Another fun fact — the Mariners, Marlins, Padres, Pirates, Rangers, Rays and White Sox currently have former ThunderBolts’ players or coaches in their organizations.
The ’Bolts have a summer packed with promotions, including fireworks after several games. White Castle Wrestling Thursdays include a show by Ego Pro Wrestling after each Thursday home game (except May 9). Other promotions include Minecraft and Roblox Night, Jimmy Buffet Night, Princess and Pirate Night, Beatles Night, Harry Potter Night, Fright Night and Elvis Night. On Aug. 30, it’s Swiftie Night with singalongs, contests, a friendship bracelet giveaway and Taylor music all night.
Northwest Indiana
Gary South Shore Railcats — Gary
May 10-Sept. 2. U.S. Steel Yard Stadium, One Stadium Plaza, Gary. Tickets, $10-$40. 219-882-2255; Railcatsbaseball.com.
The Gary SouthShore RailCats are a professional baseball team and a member of the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball. Their rivals include the Kane County Cougars and the Chicago Dogs and their mascot is Rusty the Railcat.
There will be community nights, promotional giveaways and post-game base running for the kids and fireworks on several nights. Come early for pre-game, on-field performances from local dance groups, cheer teams, gymnastics and martial arts school.
Kids can earn free game tickets through local libraries’ reading programs.
Northern League Teams
The following teams are affiliates of the Northern League; which includes the Indiana Panthers, Griffith Generals, Northwest Indiana Oilmen, Southland Vikings, Lake County Corn Dogs and Elkhart County Miracle. It is a six-team, pre-professional, wood bat, collegiate summer baseball league. Welcoming baseball fans can even host players for the summer.
Lake County Corn Dogs — Crown Point
May 23-July 31. At Legacy Fields, 851 Center Ross Road, Crown Point. Tickets, $6-$8. 219-669-7711; Corndogsbaseball.com.
The Corn Dogs have a motto of “commitment to developing community through baseball.” They’ve also got a concession stand with, of course, corn dogs, as well as a beer garden. They are hosting an inaugural Mustard Madness 5K run May 25 to help kick off the season.
Northwest Indiana Oilmen — Whiting
May 25-Aug. 11. Oil City Stadium, 1700 119th St., Whiting. Tickets; $6-$10. 219-659-1000; nwioilmen.com.
The mascot is Oilman Stan.
Griffin Generals — Griffith
May 30-Aug. 11. Griffith Baseball Stadium, 901-1099 W. Pine St., Griffith. Tickets; $5-$7. 219-659-1000; griffithgenerals.com.
Formerly the Joliet Generals, the team moved to Griffith in 2023. In this offseason, The Generals signed former player Amir Wright as the new manager this season. The 2016 Griffith High School graduate was also recently named the head varsity baseball coach at his alma mater.
Indiana Panthers — Highland
Highland Stadium, 9135 Erie St., Highland. 219-659-1000; crestwoodpanthers.com.
The former Crestwood Panthers moved to Highland in 2023 and became the Indiana Panthers. The season schedule and ticket prices have not been released yet.
Southland Vikings — Hammond
Dowling Park, 3025 John F, J.F. Mahoney Drive, Hammond. 219-659-1000; southlandvikings.com.
The season schedule and ticket prices have not been released yet.
Annie Alleman is a freelance reporter for the Beacon-News.
