Savannah Sandgnats: Baseball in Savannah

I guess baseball is not as popular as it once was; however, for someone like myself who grew up with baseball and who began playing at age 7 or 8, then played every year after until I was almost 20, baseball is in the blood. As a kid a developed an interest in statistics through my love for baseball. I knew Mickey Mantle's batting average on a daily basis. I followed all the great players of the day, Rocky Colavito, Harmon Killebrew, Willie Mays, Sandy Koufax, Al Kaline, Roberto Clemente -- I could go on and on.

Later, when my two boys became of age, they developed an interest in baseball, and some of my greatest memories are of sweating profusely in 95 degree heat at a ballpark watching one of my sons play, cheering them, sharing with them the successes and failures -- it was if I was there on the field with them every game.

So, for me, it's a good thing that Savannah has a single-A minor league team, the Savannah Sandgnats -- this is the bare beginning of a professional career for a player and the pay is so low the main purpose of playing is still for the love of the sport. Last night I attended a game that turned out to be a good one -- tied in the 9th when the second baseman for Sandgnats knocked in the winning run in the bottom of the inning with a single up the middle. It was good entertainment all around. They have in-between activities where they involve the local children in games like races around the bases.

They have refreshments and a bar for those who like a cold beer with their hotdog. The stadium is Grayson Stadium and is off Victory within Daffin Park, at the western edge of Ardsley Park and the nortthen end of the Parkside neighborhood.

Now you might ask, what is a sandgnat? Here is a link to help you understand the significance of a sandgnat. They aren't as bad as the article makes them out to be, just a minor nuisance at certain times -- most times you won't even know they exist .Once you live here for a while you will know all about sandgnats and how Skin So Soft can prevent them from bothering you. The most interesting thing about sandgnats is that come out only when the weather is perfect, say 78 or 79 degrees.

Going to a game every now and then is good fun and worth the few dollars spent. I'm glad Savannah has a baseball team, even if it is named after a small, annoying insect.

(photo from Sandgnats homepage)