For close to a quarter-century, I¡¯ve had the pleasure of covering prospects for MLB.com. While the emphasis has been about the players, bringing fans information about the future stars of the game, I¡¯ve also had the opportunity to visit some of the greatest Minor League locales across the country.
Seeing how communities form around Minor League teams and what the experience is like in ballparks for that community has long fascinated me. And whenever I¡¯ve traveled with my family, we love getting to know the local community and the people who make it special.
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It¡¯s that idea that spawned a book idea, now tentatively titled ¡°Something Worth Saving: Finding America¡¯s Soul in Small Cities and Towns,¡± that digs into exploring how baseball and the arts create community in Minor League cities. Co-authored by myself and Sara Stock Mayo, the project spawned another one, ¡°Grass Routes,¡± a docuseries that premieres across several platforms this weekend.
The pilot episode of "Grass Routes," a travelogue that celebrates the unique vibe of Minor League cities and spotlights how the local baseball teams are woven into the fabric of the community, takes viewers to Portland, Maine, and introduces them to the Double-A Portland Sea Dogs. We catch up with top Red Sox prospects Roman Anthony (MLB No. 2) and Marcelo Mayer (MLB No. 11) while profiling the people, food and traditions that give Portland its soul.
¡°Sometimes you take for granted that you¡¯re here because of how awesome it is,¡± Mayer said on the pilot episode. ¡°You don¡¯t want to be someplace for too long, but if you¡¯re going to be in a place for a year, this is definitely the place to be.¡±
Beyond Anthony and Mayer, scores of interviews were conducted to bring Portland to you. From restauranteur Andy Gerry to arts administrator Ian Bannon, from Guster drummer Brian Rosenworcel to Sea Dogs broadcaster Emma Tiedemann, from former Portland mayor Ethan Strimling to current seafood workers on the docks, "Grass Routes" is sure to make people look into New England travel plans immediately. And if that doesn¡¯t do it, the spotlight on one of the best Minor League mascots around, Slugger, and the work he does to entertain the crowds at the ballpark and cheer up families at the Maine Children¡¯s Cancer Program, most certainly will.
¡°We¡¯ve always wanted to be more than just a baseball team,¡± said Chris Cameron, Sea Dogs vice president of communications and fan experience, who is now in his 29th season with the team. "We want to be strong, active, contributing members of the community. I think that effort is seen by the people and the fans and they want to support that effort.¡±
"Grass Routes" will debut on MiLB.com and on MLB.TV for subscribers on Friday and will air on MLB Network on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.