We were at the FredNats game last night...some things were pretty apparent...
As we all might expect, Low A is pretty much little more than High School quality ball, which is only fitting given some of their ages...and their pictures on the "Jumbotron" would attest to that.
It's easy to see why this particular team is winless in 8 games. The pitcher got rocked with hard hit balls in the gaps and gave up 6 runs in 3 innings...which took over 90 minutes to play. With the exception of the center fielder who launched a rocket to home and "almost" beat the runner tagging from third, I didn't see any strong or accurate arms. Off target throws and throwing errors were the order of the day.
The Park itself is very nice with the exception of the sub-par concrete flatwork that seems to plague the industry these days. You can traverse the entire Park much like Nats Park, and it has plenty of concession stands serving pretty much the same thing at all of them. The right field concourse area has a kids playground (closed thru 2021) with attractions for 2 different age groups. It also features a concession stand that serves a more diverse menu than most of the others. There is an ice cream stand behind Section 118 that I somehow managed to avoid.
Minor League field lighting was in full display last night...amazing difference from what you see in Big League Parks. There is an abundance of shade for most seats, and with a few exceptions, they have taken pretty good steps towards promoting social distancing. Do be aware that the majority of fans in the stands blissfully ignored the mask mandate once seated. The staff we came in contact with was exceptionally pleasant and helpful.
Travel was easy for us, with it being 60 minutes door-to-door from the Fashionable West End of Henrico County. Parking is $5.00, and like all of the other "concessions" was cashless, so bring a credit card. I can see parking getting crowded and egress being slow once the Park is filled to the +/- 5,000 fan capacity. The Team Store has an abundance of FredNats gear for those that want to "Rock the Fred."
I think the Park is gonna be a big hit, especially with this being a Nationals team. It's not like going to a game in Richmond to watch a Giants affiliate, and, of course, the Park itself is much nicer...not like that sewer that is the Pfitz...
