Welcome to the 405

A cool summer breeze whisks through the air.  The sound of cracking peanut shells can by heard under the feet of the kids, rushing to see the mascot dancing on the dugout.  The crowd erupts with cheers as the next batter approaches the plate.  These are the sounds of summer, these are the sounds of Minor League Baseball.

Over the past few seasons, there has been some doubt over these sounds remaining at Historic Centennial Field in Burlington, Vermont.  I am very happy to say that they could all be heard as the Vermont Lake Monsters took the field for their 2011 home opener.

The action returned to Centennial Field for tonight's game against the Tri-City ValleyCats from Troy, New York.  After going 2-1 in the series to start the season in Troy, the Monsters defeated the ValleyCats 7-4 and now have a 9-5 record.  This victory also marks the 600th win for the Vermont franchise.

The Lake Monsters will finish the 2 game homestand with Tri-City tomorrow night before heading to Troy to play 2 more games with the ValleyCats at Joseph Bruno Stadium in Troy, NY.  They will then head to Brooklyn to take on the New York Mets affiliate, the Brooklyn Cyclones.  Play returns to Centennial for 3 nights starting next Saturday as they take on the Staten Island Yankees.

Next Sunday fans will be able to meet wrestling star Brutus "The Barber" Beefcake.  Monday will be "Hot Dog Heaven" with $0.25 hot dogs.  It's a great deal to feed the family, or yourself if you're feeling hungry.  For $0.25, why not?  For the first time, the Lake Monsters will have 2 "Hot Dog Heaven" promotions with the second being held on Monday, August 22.

Be sure to take note of the back of the players' batting helmets while you're at the game.  As a tribute to the victims of 9/11 and to the brave men and women defending our freedom, the New York-Penn League issued special stickers to be worn on the helmets.

If you're looking for something great to do on this Independence Day weekend, why not enjoy the American Pastime at historic Centennial Field. Start time for Sunday games is 1:05 pm with gates opening at 12:00 pm.

See you at the ballpark.