The Return to Innocence

I felt like the older version of Scotty Smalls at the beginning of The Sandlot, arriving at an empty stadium before anyone else. I dreamt of buying the sponge finger, of watching the crowds hurdle, Japanese fans included, of feeling the stadium crackle, and the burst of joy when I watched a home run at an actual American baseball stadium for the first time.

I had arrived at the Durham Bulls Baseball Club 's home, and while it is a MiLB team, little did I know how great this experience could be.

The first thing I felt was the feeling of belonging; I felt like I arrived at a place where everyone was part of the same community or family. I was lucky to sit just before the catcher, almost at the very ground, where I had a prime view of the baseball microcosms.

Another thing that struck me was how well-organized the show was. There were several food outlets, with ample room for queuing to buy the typical baseball food: peanuts, nachos, popcorn, cotton candy, cracker jacks, and whatnot, and for refilling the beverages. Also, I realized that several activities were priced and that every little piece of the game had a sponsor; that made me understand that there is some serious revenue management behind the game of baseball.

According to Ballpark Digest, the Durham Bulls averaged 6,736 spectators per game in 2023, the 12th largest on the MiLB. This represents an increase of 7% versus the year 2022. Their stadium has had a recent upgrade made by Skanska.

Their General Manager, Tyler Parsons recently talked about other revenue streams , like turning the stadium into a winter wonderland, as well as hosting many other events. It is also mentioned how the team enables its different community stakeholders. So, the game is not only heart but also brains and courage.

You see, whenever you go to a sports venue, you don't become a fan of a team by a rational decision. It is your heart that does it for you. I was in awe, witnessing the crowd's faith and almost religious devotion to its team and mascot. And in that moment, that very moment, the flash of genius occurred, and I became one with the Bulls.

In times when America is losing economic influence to other world powers, like China or India, and baseball is losing cultural and entertaining influence against American Football and on-demand video, the Durham Bulls are a reminder that America, at its core, is still the land of opportunity, the land of dreams coming true—at least my childhood ones.

My deepest thanks to Kelly Norman and Jana Gutierrez Kardum for this gift, one that I will treasure forever.