Pittsburgh Review

On Sunday, July 28, a journey began from Durham to Greensboro, North Carolina, a testament to the state's reputation as an ideal destination for ballpark road trips. The Greensboro Grasshoppers, a High-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates in the South Atlantic League, hosted the day's game at First National Bank Field. Established in 1979 as the Hornets and later rebranded in 2005, the team plays in downtown Greensboro with a view of the evolving city skyline.

First National Bank Field's main entrance exudes grandeur uncommon among High-A ballparks. However, changes around the ballpark were evident since a previous visit in 2016. A once well-manicured pathway adorned with baseball-themed décor has been replaced by an eight-story office tower anchored by the ballpark’s naming rights partner.

Significant developments have transformed the area surrounding the stadium. The Carroll at Bellemeade apartment complex and Hyatt hotel now dominate what was once open space. The project is named after a real estate development firm and Bellemeade Street, which runs along the first-base side of the ballpark.

In addition to architectural changes, long-time broadcaster Andy Durham continues to call games from his booth behind home plate. Known for his distinctive home run call featuring extended chants of “gone,” Durham remains a notable presence at Grasshoppers games.

Sunday's game saw no such calls as Asheville Tourists defeated Greensboro Grasshoppers 7-0 on a hot day that led to a somnolent atmosphere among attendees. Interactions with regulars included meeting Guilly, a mascot introduced after the team's affiliation switch to the Pirates in 2019.

Efforts are underway by Gordon Soenksen, a dedicated fan and professional fundraiser, to build a replica baseball diamond beyond right field on Bellemeade and Eugene streets. This project will feature statues of beloved bat dogs owned by former team owner Donald Moore.

Grasshoppers usher Richard Wilkinson introduced between-inning jokes this season using a whiteboard displaying setups and punchlines for fans' amusement. Meanwhile, Matt "Kurve" Kerr serves dual roles as accounting manager and on-field host—a unique job description within Minor League Baseball.

Despite Asheville’s swift victory completed in just over two hours, post-game activities included children running bases—a customary end-of-game tradition observed until every child had touched home plate.

A designated eater lined up for Greensboro canceled due to illness but was replaced by Robert Neal, an assistant high school principal from Galapolis, Ohio. Neal's review of concessions included BBQ Pork Nachos rated highly for their flavorful meat and harmonious blend of queso and sour cream sauce.

The highlight was Connie Mack Attack: a footlong hot dog topped with mac(k) and cheese, pulled pork, bacon bits, and barbecue sauce. Neal found it indulgent yet satisfying despite its excessive ingredients.

To conclude their culinary tour amid scorching temperatures suitable for frozen treats from Freddy’s Frozen Custard cart down the first-base line provided relief.

Future reports will cover visits to other minor league ballparks including Danville, Burlington Winston-Salem alongside ongoing updates such as Durham Bulls food reviews August Crooked Numbers September Promo Preview standalone road trip articles

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