GCS Ballpark, Sauget, Illinois

Die-hard baseball fans come to watch their favorite team, rain or shine, not because of a winning record, the publicity or a preferred stadium seat, but for the experience: hotdogs, nachos, balls, strikes, outs, innings, chants and cheers. Getting caught up in the atmosphere of a Major League stadium may leave spectators feeling like they’re only a small part of the big game. For those die-hard fans seeking a more intimate atmosphere for their beloved game, there is a solution — a night at the GCS Ballpark.

The GCS Ballpark, named after Granite City Steel, a local credit union sponsoring the team, is located only 15 minutes from Busch Stadium in Sauget, Illinois, and is home to the Gateway Grizzlies. The team is part of a little-known professional baseball association, the Frontier League. Founded in 1993, the league is composed of 12 teams, divided into the East and West Divisions. Teams come from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Pennsylvania and Ohio.

The Gateway Grizzlies prepare young men for a chance to enter Minor League and, hopefully, Major League Baseball. Since the team’s inception in 2001, it has drawn about 200,000 local and distant fans.

Walking into the stadium, visitors are greeted by a comfortable atmosphere and considerate staff. Compared to Busch Stadium’s almost 44,000 seats, GCS Ballpark has a much cozier capacity of 6,000. Seating is unique at the ballpark. Beyond usual accommodations, GCS Ballpark has lawn seating, several couches and even a hot tub, located behind right field.

Director of Media Relations Jeff O’Neill has worked with the Grizzlies since 2004. He said the size of the stadium improves the quality of the view.

“Every seat is a great seat,” O’Neill said. “Up in the bleachers is one of my favorite spots, even though you aren’t as close.”

He exemplifies the staff’s devotion to the team and the game of baseball.

“I work in baseball,” O’Neill said. “I’ve played since I was able to walk. I started with picking up the bat for my brother when I was a kid and have played all the way through college. Now I get paid to watch.”

The love of baseball drives the franchise. Anticipating the start of a new season excites O’Neill each year.

“My favorite time of year is in March or April when our groundskeeper cuts the grass for the first time,” he said.

O’Neill said the start of the season is exciting because it provides a new chance for players to hone their skills.

“Guys come out here and play every night for minimal money,” he said, speaking of the Gateway Grizzlies players. “They play like it’s their last game every night.”

One such player is pitcher Eric Dessau. The summer of 2008 was his fourth season with the Grizzlies. A team must have a roster size of 22 to 24 players, with a maximum of three players with three or more years of professional experience, according to Frontier League player eligibility rules. In the league, players like Dessau are considered veterans.

“It’s a great place to get picked up and great competition because of the level of experience of players in the league,” 
Dessau said.

He said that many lessons come along with the hard work of playing baseball at this level. A major objective of every coach and player is creating the essence of team — a goal Dessau said he was well aware of.

“From my experience with the Grizzlies, I’ve learned respect of the game and camaraderie of the team,” Dessau said.

The Grizzlies finished the 2008 season 51-45. In 2008, the team drew an average of 3,818 spectators per game — quite an improvement from its average of 781 during the Grizzlies’ 2001 inaugural season. Such a number reveals the welcoming atmosphere created by the facility and staff of the GCS Ballpark.

“I like working for the Gateway Grizzlies because of the hospitality of the staff,” Dessau said. “I’ve always liked the coaches and ownership. They treat us well.”

Another aspect of the ballpark that Dessau said he enjoys is the food. He said his favorite item on the GCS Ballpark menu is Señor Izzy’s Premium Nachos, a combination of spicy meat, jalapeño cheese, tri-color chips and sour cream.

Fans and players alike choose from the usual ballpark food, a specialty menu concession stand, Señor Izzy’s Cabana, Bobby’s Frozen Custard and Sauget Spirits. Concession stands at the park boast several interesting items, including a fan favorite: Baseball’s Best Burger, a bacon cheeseburger sandwiched between two slices of a Krispy Kreme doughnut.

Billy Flowers, a seasoned Grizzlies fan, said he favors the variety of food offered at the ballpark.

“Baseball’s Best Hotdog is by far baseball’s best hotdog,” Flowers said. “Also, the Pierogies are the perfect pairing of pasta and potatoes.”

As much as he likes the food, Flowers said he comes for the baseball experience available in Sauget.

“You can’t get a better atmosphere than this,” he said. “It’s very family-friendly. People support it. You can’t argue with the fan base.

The combination of baseball and charm that GCS Ballpark creates brings fans back to the small Illinois town time and again. One highlight of the night is the appearance of the Zooperstars. This group includes Shark McGwire, Clammy Sosa and other competitor characters that entertain all ages with animated performances.

A night at the GCS Ballpark is an event that unites baseball lovers from all around. The fear of loss and the thrill of victory keep true Gateway Grizzlies fans coming back game after game.

“Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose,” Flowers said. “Sometimes it rains.”

Hopefully it doesn’t rain.

http://www.gatewaygrizzlies.com/