I love Rochester because we have a very diverse population, and you see all types of people coming through the turnstiles at Mayo Field. There are seasoned veterans who have been coming every season, and there are younger fans just getting into baseball, and may be coming to their first game. Some people are really serious about baseball and religiously keep score, while others are just out on the deck to eat, drink and enjoy a night out with family or friends.
The Rochester Honkers are a drawing point when people choose to come to Rochester to live or visit or medical care. We are truly a quality of life benefit to the city.
One thing the Rochester Honkers, the city and fans would benefit from is an updated/renovated stadium. While the Honkers have made many improvements to Mayo Field over the years, the facility shows its age. Additional handicap-accessible seating areas, better and cleaner restrooms, increased accessibility and seating could help make the overall experience in Rochester what the city is all about – top notch!
Our fans are loyal, have been coming for years, and they deserve to be as comfortable as possible while watching the team play or watching other events at the ballpark! If the necessary improvements could be made to Mayo Field (or even if a new stadium were to be built), I believe the Honkers baseball experience could become even more rewarding and potentially draw even more fans to our games – plus continue to put Rochester on the map as a destination!
I am very hopeful for Rochester’s future, and one of the reasons is because we have one of the premier medical institutions in the U.S. in Mayo Clinic. It will continue to draw many visitors here. Going to a baseball game is a great option to have for entertainment, relaxation and a brief moment when one can get lost in America’s pastime and forget some of their troubles for a few hours. Having an affordable attraction like the Honkers in town gives families an opportunity for very reasonably priced entertainment during the summer, and we as an organization strive to continue to provide the best experience possible. I’d also get to see and meet more happy fans too!
Slider is mascot to the Rochester Honkers Baseball Club, a member of the premier summer collegiate league, The Northwoods League, has been in existence since the inaugural season of 1994, celebrating our 20th season in 2013. You can read more about our team here!