Stadium Opened: 1989
Teams Seen: Scranton/Wilkes Barre Red Barons (Phillies) 1989-2006; Yankees (Yankees) 2007-present
1st Visit: 6/18/91
Most Recent Visit: 6/3/11
# Games: 5
Food: 8/10
Team Store: 4/10
Stadium: 6/10
Future/Rehabbing Stars Seen: Mike Lieberthal, Jorge Posada, Andy Ashby
It's amazing that I lived 10 miles from this stadium for 11 years and barely ever went. The reason is two-fold: 1) At the time, I was working nights 6 days a week; and 2) I really didn't care for Minor League baseball (shocking, considering my life path since that time). Either way, it's a shame, because it's a pretty good place to see a game. And it was my 1st Minor League game.
Before the Red Barons came to town in '89, baseball was hard to come by in eastern PA. There was Reading and Williamsport and that was it. Scranton was rightfully excited, as it hadn't had baseball in 40 years. In the 17 years that SWB was a Phillies affiliate, big names like Mike Lieberthal, Cole Hamels, Ryan Howard, and many more came through town. In 2007, the Red Barons became a Yankees affiliate (ugh), and changed their name to...the Yankees (double ugh).
The biggest problem with the stadium is a lack of personality. It was modeled after the Phillies' Veterans Stadium, which made sense in 1989 but quickly got bypassed by other AAA teams. The scoreboard is virtually unchanged from the mid-90s, with no video to speak of. And the team store is embarrassing, a small closet with lack of variety.
The good things: the view is awesome- built on the side of a mountain, the trees lining the outfield are a great sight. and the brick facade is excellent. The parking is free, a rarity on the AAA level. And the food is actually region-related, with famous "Old Forge" pizza and Yuengling on tap.
Alot of changes are coming to what is now known as PNC Field. Major renovations are due over the next couple years. Overall, it's a place I enjoy heading back to see. Just as long as you don't expect too much from the place.
