Your Susquehanna Valley Guide to the Great American Game
It’s the great American pastime: Baseball returns to diamonds everywhere this summer. What the pandemic canceled last year is made sweeter by its return in 2021. So take me out to the ballpark—I’m ready for peanuts and Cracker Jack, hot dogs and cold beer, for cheering and jeering, for mascots and ballcaps.
Here in the Susquehanna Valley, we’ve got three hometown teams more-than-ready to play ball. Which one is your fave? We love a good rivalry, so grab this guide and your glove—and get ready to cheer for the hometown team you love. It’s Americana at its best—baseball’s back!
York Revolution
Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, North Division
What’s in a name?
Just call them the Revs. The name is a nod to York’s colonial history (the city served as the U.S. capital during the Revolutionary War, in 1777-78) as well as its role in the Industrial Revolution (as home base to major manufacturers).
Home Base
PeoplesBank Park features the “Arch Nemesis,” or left field wall, that’s the highest fence in professional baseball at 37 feet, eight inches—six inches higher than the Green Monster at Boston’s Fenway Park. “It’s a lively downtown scene—it’s the place to be in York on a summer’s night,” says Darrell Henry, Revs play-by-play announcer.
That’s the Ticket
Ticket options range from lawn seating to a state-of-the-art sky box, a kids’ playground, picnic seating, plus unique hospitality spaces including one behind home plate. Most ticket prices are $9-20.
"One of the things I like the most is seeing that season story unfold before your eyes—and the biggest thing of all is what it means to society this year, after not having it for a year."
– Darrell Henry
Mascot Mayhem
“Downtown is a big blue thing—we think he’s a bird,” says Henry. “He’s fun-loving and kind of a prankster, similar to the Phillie Phanatic.”
But wait, there’s more! Revolutionary-era character Cannonball Charlie fires a cannonball to start of every game, to mark every homerun and home win. There’s also a team dog: Following the retirement of beloved Golden Retriever Boomer, the Revs introduce Siberian Husky, “Blue,” this season.
Step Up to the Plate: Ballpark Foods
“Definitely our chicken tender and fries are #1,” says Sarah Dailey, Revs marketing manager. The stand “Love Me Tenders” offers 10 different dipping sauces, plus a grand slam of seasonings and toppings for fries. BBQ and soft pretzel sandwiches are also popular. Local brews include Hanover’s Sign of the Horse Brewery.
Scouting Report: Revs to Watch
Pitcher Casey Lawrence, a hometown favorite and Delone Catholic grad, is a former Major Leaguer “coming back to York, to try to get back to the majors,” says Henry.
Darian Sanford, center fielder, is one of the top stolen base leaders in Atlantic League history. “He did all of that in Lancaster and signed with us during the off-season, jumping sides on the rivalry—and at one time he played for Harrisburg as well,” Henry notes.
York Revolution
PeoplesBank Park | 5 Brooks Robinson Way, York | yorkrevolution.com
2021 Promotions:
Opening Night, May 28
Star Wars, Superheroes & Princesses Giveaways
First Responders Night, August 21
Lord of the Roses Night will be scheduled one of the nights the Revs play the Lancaster Barnstormers.
Lancaster Barnstormers
Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, North Division
What’s in a name?
Nicknamed the ’Stormers, the term “barnstormer” is a throwback to Lancaster County’s heritage—on the baseball field as well as its agricultural fields. During the 1900s, numerous exhibition games were held on Lancaster County farmland, when teams would “barnstorm” between towns to play games.
Home Base
PeoplesBank Park features the “Arch Nemesis.” Clipper Magazine Stadium was voted Baseball Digest’s Best Independent Ballpark in 2020. The stadium’s Broken Bat Craft Beer Deck features beer, wine and spirits from more than 20 local establishments.
That’s the Ticket
In 2021, the Barnstormers are launching their family 4-pack, which includes four game tickets and four food vouchers. Storm Force tickets packages, for kids ages 12 and under, include a backpack, T-shirt, six dated tickets, and six undated tickets. Meanwhile, the Silver Stormers package is designed for fans who are 55+ and includes a T-shirt and tickets to every Tuesday home game.
"Minor league baseball puts an emphasis on the pre-game, in-game, and post-game entertainment to make the experience as memorable as can be and ensure that every fan feels special."
– Alex Bunn
Mascot Mayhem
Talk about a character. Cyloicious L. Barnstormer, nicknamed “Cylo” for Cy Young, is a bovine-like creature standing more than 6 feet tall. His middle initial “L” stands for Lancaster. Oh, and his mother’s name is Moomaw. Did we mention how colorful minor league baseball is?
Step Up to the Plate: Ballpark Foods
Choose from Berks hot dogs, Angus beef burgers, chicken tenders and fries, Hess’s pulled pork, gourmet popcorn, and new 2021 menu items: the Cylo Burger, a pork-blend patty topped with cheddar cheese, bacon and beer-battered onions, and Otto’s Meatballs—topped with mozzarella, marinara and fresh basil or BBQ sauce, cheddar cheese, and green onions.
Scouting Report: 'Stormers to Watch
“We are probably most excited about the prospect of outfielder Blake Gailen’s first home run of the season, which would be his 100th as a ‘Stormer,” says Collins. “It’s also worth noting that Gailen and pitcher Jared Lakind are both members of Team Israel that will be participating in the Olympic Games in Tokyo this summer.”
“Marcus Walden went to the Boston Red Sox and has been a fixture in their bullpen since then. In 2019, Walden went 9-2 in 70 relief appearances for the Red Sox.” –Dave Collins, Barnstormers radio broadcaster
Lancaster Barnstormers
Clipper Magazine Stadium | 650 North Prince St, Lancaster | lancasterbarnstormers.com
2021 Promotions on Deck:
Opening Night, June 4
Cylo’s Birthday Pajama Party, June 26
Do-Over Night, August 28 | Fans are encouraged to come dressed for the events they missed in 2020, such as proms, weddings, graduations, vacations and more.
Harrisburg Senators
Double-A Northeast League, Affiliate of MLB’s Washington Nationals
What’s in a name?
The “Senators” refers to Harrisburg’s distinction as the state capital, whose lime green dome can be spotted from the City Island ballpark. Harrisburg has a long history of being home to the Senators—the first baseball team to bear this name played in 1920s.
Home Base
Picturesque FNB Field is located on City Island, Harrisburg, in the middle of the Susquehanna River.
Hometown Support: Going to Bat for the Community
“We work with approximately 150 sponsors each season,” says Randy Whitaker, Senators’ vice president and general manager. “First National Bank is our stadium naming rights partner and a tremendous overall partner. We often work together on community projects, like donating time at the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank.”
That’s the Ticket
Most Senators tickets range from about $13-19. “One of our biggest focuses is making a day at the ballpark affordable for anyone and everyone,” says Steph Pagliaro, communications manager. This season, the Senators are offering flexible voucher packs in sets of 10, 30, or 60. Meanwhile, season ticket holders enjoy perks such as early entry.
"It’s not about the final score—it’s about taking a picture with Rascal, getting a cool giveaway item, watching your kids’ faces light up as they watch the fireworks in the same skies that you did with your parents or grandparents."
– Jess Moyer
Mascot Mayhem
Keep an eye out for Rascal’s “unpredictable” antics, says Pagliaro. “He’s always being silly, and you don’t know what he’s going to do next.”
Step Up to the Plate: Ballpark Foods
“When fans think of food at FNB field, many of them instantly think of [longtime Harrisburg eatery] The Spot. Our unique hot dog stand offers tons of different toppings that you’ve probably never heard of before,” Pagliaro says. “A lot of fans also love our Grrrounder fries.
Scouting Report: Senators to Watch
“The Nationals have several standout stars that are likely to spend time at FNB Field this season,” says Whitaker. “Right-handed pitchers Cade Cavalli and Jackson Rutledge are both highly-ranked and only a season or two from contributing in Washington.”
Most Notable Senators
Vladimir Guerrero, Eastern League MVP 1996, American League MVP 2004, named to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2018.
Stephen Strasburg went on to earn World Series MVP in 2019.
Bryce Harper was named National League Rookie of the Year in 2012 and National League MVP in 2015.
Harrisburg Senators
FNB Field | 245 Championship Way, City Island, Harrisburg | milb.com/harrisburg
2021 Promotions on Deck:
Opening Night, May 11
Bobblehead giveaways: “We’re celebrating the Nationals 2019 World Series win with four bobbleheads of former Senators players,” says Ashley Grotte, assistant general manager.
Don’t miss fireworks, t-shirt giveaways, Wet Nose Wednesdays (with four-legged friends welcome at the ballpark), and $3 Craft Beer Thursdays.
