2023 TOLEDO BB TRIP
As the Memorial Day Weekend approached, I saw a crease in the MLB Schedule where there were no Cubs or White Sox games from June 5th to 8th. A trip to my BB Mecca, Toledo, was calling me. The attraction to Toledo comes on so many fronts. Of course, the city’s renown baseball club the Toledo Mud Hens is my main interest. The Mud Hens are the Triple A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers and include mostly minor league veterans plus a sprinkling of prospects. Their opponent for this week was the Buffalo Bisons, an affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays.
On Monday night June 5th, I boarded an Amtrak train for the 4½ hour ride to see 2 Hens games on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. The Toledo train station is a six-block-walk from my destination hotel, Homewood Suites, right across from the ballpark. From my previous Toledo trips, I have found that the Glass City has many other attractions and some interesting history. Before I comment on the games, here is what makes Toledo a special place.
THE WAR BETWEEN THE STATES – OHIO AND MICHIGAN
In 1835-1836, Michigan and Ohio fought over which state would get the city of Toledo. Toledo is on the Maumee River. Both Michigan (territory) and Ohio (state) wanted the area because the Maumee River was important to transportation. The river was once connected to the Ohio River allowing boats to go from Lake Erie to the Gulf of Mexico. Minor skirmishes between the militia of both entities resulted in only one casualty. On January 26, 1837, as a compromise, Michigan was admitted to the Union as the 26th state, without the Toledo Strip, in exchange for the entire Upper Peninsula.
At the time, The Upper Peninsula was considered a worthless wilderness, valuable only for timber and fur trapping. However, the discovery of copper and iron in the Upper Peninsula more than made up for the loss of the port and agriculture in the Toledo strip. Now you know when the Ohio State - Michigan rivalry began.
THE TOWER ON THE MAUMEE – ABANDONED FOR 20 YEARS
Tower on the Maumee (also known as the Fiberglas Tower) is a 400-foot skyscraper in downtown Toledo. Constructed in 1969, the building was designed as the world headquarters for the Toledo manufacturer Owens-Corning Fiberglas Company which occupied the building for 27 years, before moving elsewhere in downtown Toledo in 1996. For over 20 years, the building has been vacant until recently a developer began configuring the floors for a combination of office space, condo’s, and apartments.
HENSVILLE – WHERE THE ACTION IS
Toledo has made a comeback from the departure of their manufacturing base, mainly glass and automotive products. Although much of this manufacturing has left, the nickname of Glass City still remains. The downtown area has been rejuvenated through a convention center (Seagate), minor league ballpark (Fifth Third Park) for the Hens and a multipurpose arena (Huntington Center) primarily for hockey and concerts.
Around the ballpark is an entertainment district of restaurants and bars called Hensville which is right across from ballpark and my hotel. Some of the nearby restaurants feature free music that ranges from 90’s rock after the game to smooth jazz during brunch. The Mud Hens also provide music with a post game concert from a band shell adjacent to the park. My favorite coffee roaster/shop in Hensville is Maddie & Bella. Their coffee was so sumptuous I bought some to take home.
MAUMEE BAY BREWING COMPANY - LOCATED IN THE HISTORIC OLIVER HOUSE
Situated halfway between my hotel and train station is Maumee Bay Brewing Company located in the Oliver House. The Oliver House is a historic hotel building that opened in 1859. It was converted to industrial use in the 20th Century and now houses the brew pub, as well as event spaces, a theater company, art gallery, and residential apartments. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The intimate pub atmosphere makes it the ideal place to enjoy a Maumee IPA.
THE GAMES
Fifth Third Field is a 15-year-old double deck stadium that seats 10,300. Over the years, the facility has been voted the best park by several sports publications. One can walk around the ballpark with clear views of the field from virtually every vantage point. I usually get upper deck seats. These seats include access to a restaurant and lounge located directly behind home plate plus a photo gallery of Toledo baseball history.
The free breakfast at the Homewood Suites provides an opportunity to meet other baseball fans going to the games. I met Buffalo Bison fans, Mud Hen fans, and other fans on minor league trips across the Midwest.
My below commentary includes observations about interesting players and other items of interest on each of the following games.
Buffalo Bisons vs. Toledo Mud Hens at Fifth Third Field on June 6, 2023
The Hens are unable to hold onto an early lead as the Bisons score 8 runs in the middle innings and prevail 10-7. Tiger prospect Parker Meadows (brother of Austin) puts the Hens on the board with a 1st pitch HR in the 1st inning. He finishes the game with a HR, double and single. Detroit Tigers Kerry Carpenter on rehab gets the other Hens HR in the ninth. The hitting stars of the Bisons were leadoff hitter/2nd baseman Tanner Morris with 3 doubles and DH Luis De Los Santos with a HR, 2 singles and 3 RBI’s. On the pitching side, the game was strictly an ugly bullpen affair as both teams went through a total of 12 pitchers. The Bisons did start 28 year-end righty Thomas Hatch, a 3rd round draft pick of the Cubs in 2016.
Buffalo Bisons vs. Toledo Mud Hens at Fifth Third Field on June 7, 2023
The Hens break a 4-game losing streak with a 7-5 win over the Buffs. Hens 6’5’’ Australian southpaw starter Jack O’Loughlin scatters 6 hits over 5 scoreless innings for the win. Tigers prospect Justyn-Henry Malloy is the Hens hitting star with HR, double, and 2 RBI’s. 6-year ML veteran Andrew Knapp caught for Hens. Although the switch-hitter came up empty in 4 PA’s, he did a good job of steadying the Hens pitchers. 29-year-old Bison starter Wes Parsons give up 5 runs in 4 2/3 innings. Wes, 3-year ML veteran, is on the comeback trail after spending 2021-2022 on the NC Dinos in the KBO League.
