A Farewell to New Britain

[Cuzittt]

I happened to be at the last act of minor league baseball in the Hardware City... and I recount my experience on the Com.

Of course, the ownership may not have realized that shifting the franchise another ten miles north to Hartford leaves a sting. Leaving a stadium that was built only two decades ago for the new Coolatta of the month leaves some fans bitter. Hartford Yard Goats merchandise was being sold in one part of the stadium while the official gift shop was selling the last of the remaining Rock Cats merchandise. The Thank You Fans messages given over the scoreboard from the team officials always made sure to mention to see the team next season in Dunkin Donuts Stadium in Hartford. A final poke at an open wound.

 

[Lose Remerswaal]

Nice piece, Cuz, thanks for writing it up.
 
I hope New Britain does get at least an Independent team.

 

[Arroyo Con Frijoles]

I feel badly for the fans over there (if not for Erin Stewart), but I think Hartford will be a success.  Good piece, thanks for your thoughts.  

 

[Papo The Snow Tiger]

My daughter and I were also at the last Rock Cats game in New Britain last Sunday, and we stayed for all 15 innings. It was a bittersweet ending to have the Rock Cats win with a walk off home run and then realize there would be no more Rock Cats baseball. Going to Rock Cats games was one of our favorite things, and now it's gone.  I've talked to a lot of people, and I've heard lots of comments that moving to Hartford is a stupid idea for various reasons like traffic, no parking and a general dislike of Hartford. In my limited circle of friends and acquaintances I haven't heard a single comment from anyone saying that they'll go to a game in Hartford. Maybe for people living north of Hartford it will be a shorter trip, but coming from the south driving those extra 10 miles is a huge disincentive, especially on a weeknight when traffic is already a nightmare.  We're really hoping that an Atlantic League team will come to New Britain.

 

[Snodgrass'Muff]

That stadium is too nice to go unused for long. It might take a season or two but they will find someone to play there.

 

[RoDaddy]

I have mostly fond memories of the New Britain Red Sox, faithfully following the Sox minor teams back then including NB as I still do. I say mostly because I went to a few games there and sadly got to watch two of the biggest organization mistakes of that era, Tom Fischer and Jeff Bagwell! Although fwiw, like Lou Gorman, I thought Bagwell would never amount to anything more than a singles hitter