While you’re here in Vermont, set aside an evening to cheer on the stars of tomorrow playing their hearts out for either the Vermont Lake Monsters, the Single-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals, at Burlington’s Centennial Field, or the Vermont Mountaineers of the New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL) at Montpelier’s Recreation Field.

There’s nothing like the crack of the bat and the roar of the crowd, as a hazy sunset gives way to a warm summer evening under the stars in Vermont. Here’s the best part -- you can bring your entire family to a Lake Monster or Mountaineer game for the cost of one outfield grandstand seat at Fenway Park – with money left over for popcorn and a program.

Vermont has a long heritage with baseball including the old Northern League that was a training ground for big league hopefuls in the 1940’s and 50’s.  Major league Hall of Famer Robin Roberts once called Vermont his summer home when he played for the Twin City Trojans, (also part of a summer collegiate league) in the late 1940s.  Former Red Sox pitcher Bill “Spaceman” Lee makes his home, and an occasional public appearance, in these parts.

Likely future Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. played 17 games for the Vermont Reds when the Cincinnati Reds Double-A affiliate played at Centennial Field. Currently, 13 former Vermont Expos (the Lake Monsters were the Vermont Expos from 1994-2005) can be found on rosters throughout the major leagues.

Let the Lake Monsters or Mountaineers take you out to the ball game the next time you are in Vermont where the pace is a little more laid back and where baseball is still ‘fan—tastic.’

Photos courtesy of the Vermont Mountaineers © DigiTechVT.com