Got game?

Everyone’s favorite hometown team, the Akron RubberDucks, is hitting it out of the ballpark this summer by perfecting its signature brand of affordable family fun.

We caught up with newly appointed President and General Manager Noel Blaha for the inside scoop.

“This promotion is a dream come true for me and my family,” says Noel, who has been in minor league baseball for more than 20 years. “It’s great to get the chance to run an organization that you believe in. Also, I have family roots in Northeast Ohio and it’s nice for my kids to enjoy both sets of grandparents in town.”

That positive energy is translating on the field, too. The team came out strong this spring. At press time they are in second place in the Eastern League’s Southwest Division with 26 wins and 20 losses.

“Beyond the game, we are always looking for strategies to continue our mission of providing a valuable family experience,” says Noel. “Unlike the prices of gas and eggs, we’ve kept our prices low. You can still buy a game ticket for $5 and enjoy a $2.50 hot dog. All budgets feel welcome here.”

He adds that Sunday Family FUNDay is his favorite day of the week. 

“Families can come together for a game of catch on the field before the game, then kids 12 and under can run the bases after the game,” he says. “It’s an immersive, memory-making adventure these kids cherish. We also light things up for 27 fireworks nights following Friday and Saturday home games.”

Catch ’em While You Can

As the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians, the RubberDucks play like everything is on the line …because it is.

“One of our hottest players—infielder Ralphy Velazquez—was promoted to the Triple-A Columbus Clippers last week, just one stop away from The Show,” he says. “I have a feeling he will make his way to Progressive Field.”

A few other favorites he reports have brought the crowd to their feet at 7 17 Credit Union Park:

• Cooper Ingle—“Behind the plate he has been instrumental in setting the tone offensively, leading the team with a .273 batting average.”
• Jorge Burgos—“He’s a major run producer who sits at the top of the roster, with 14 home runs and 73 RBIs, consistently delivering in key moments.”
• Jake Fox—“He’s building momentum, stringing together some great games.”

Catch them while you can. You never know when they’ll get “the call” to head north on I-77.

“The fierce talent in our bullpen, both pitchers and coaching staff, as well as our strong bats, are making the games a thrill to watch,” says Noel. 

Best Ballpark Eats

The Duckies go all out making food a star attraction.

This year they’ve added seven new items to the Extreme Food menu.

The WONE Smokestack is a layered sandwich with smoked brisket, pork belly, pepperjack, crunchy chips and chipotle honey mustard sauce for that perfect see-saw of savory richness and sweet heat. 

Another standout is the Emmett Golden Loaded Nachos by ESPN Cleveland. Served up in a RubberDucks souvenir helmet, this indulgent dish is piled high with tortilla chips, velvety nacho cheese sauce, seasoned ground beef, jalapenos, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, green onions and salsa. 

Meat lovers will devour the signature Dugouts served in (you guessed it) dug out French bread, including Italian sausage, Philly cheesesteak, bratwurst and base on (meat) balls.

Rounding out the culinary debuts are The Patty Melt, with double patties served on sourdough bread with mushroom duxelles and gruyére cheese, and Loaded Pierogies, topped with sauerkraut, kielbasa and chipotle honey mustard.

“We’re also bringing back my personal favorite, and a number one seller, the Pineapple Teriyaki Bowl, served in a hollowed-out pineapple filled with rice and grilled chicken,” says Noel. “Beyond its scrumptious tropical flavor, this dish gives back. One dollar from each benefits the Salvation Army, reflecting our commitment to make a meaningful impact both inside the ballpark and throughout our community.”

The Akron RubberDucks season runs through mid-September. 7 17 Credit Union Park is located at 300 South Main Street in downtown Akron, less than five minutes off I-77. 

Akron RubberDucks

300 South Main Street, Downtown Akron

330-253-5151 to purchase tickets, weekdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

AkronRubberDucks.com