Picture this. You’re walking to Lowell Park from the parking lot to watch a game. You see people all over the place. In the stands. In lawn chairs. Standing by the fence. There are people all around the park watching the game. But why are they there? Why choose that spot?
At Cape Cod’s Field of Dreams, there are plenty of places to watch the game and see the action at a close range. The Slotnik Family Grandstand and the Bobby Segel Grandstand are popular options, as well as sitting in lawn chairs from home along the fence next to the field. However, don’t sit in the Segel stands if you’re a Kettleers fan, as that stand is designated for away fans.
Many fans have a specific preference for where they sit and why they sit there. Fred McCormick has always sat in the Slotnik Family Grandstand, the Kettleers' home stand.
“You can see the action better,” McCormick said. “The sun goes down and you get in the shade at a quarter to six, which is nice.”
Several other fans noted the height and view as the reason they sit in the home stands. Fans Brian and Nancy Baker said that was one of their reasons, but added other factors that have kept them sitting there for the last 25 years.
“You want to be in the infield so you can see the action,” Brian Baker said. “You can see everything and are not blocked out.”
Fran Eckert used to sit in the bleachers but found it too sunny and loud. She switched her preferred spot to the fence along the third base side.
“I sit here to sit with my friends,” Eckert said. “It’s nice and has shade.”
Fans Tom and Cathy also like the shade the third base fence spot offers.
“We also have a backrest and are able to see home plate,” they added, bringing lawn chairs from home to sit on.
The small hill behind the third base fence is also a popular spot. A group has sat in that spot for over twenty years, chatting during the game.
“I like the people around us and the shade,” said Regis Swierz. “You’re up on a hill so you can see well.”
Carol and Al Stazinski agreed with Swierz, getting here early to sit on the hill at their favorite ballpark to watch their favorite team. Glenn and Mary Waugaman also like the hill, adding different reasons as to why they sit there.
“We like to stretch out,” they said. “It's the nicest park with a good community, good field, and quaint.”
Chris and Hannah Beyer traveled from California to watch Hannah’s boyfriend, Kettleers pitcher Mike Villani (Long Beach St.). They settled with their spot next to the foul pole in left field because they wanted an open spot by the fence and a clear view of home plate. Another fan said they sit there because it's a good sport for their dog. The dog can lay down and spread out without bothering too many people.
Greg Smith gave a detailed explanation of why he prefers standing in left field by the bullpen.
“For tall folks, it's a great spot because you can see over the fence,” Smith said. “You can see right down the third base line and see pitches down home plate with the angle of the pitch. You also have a good view of the field and the scoreboard.”
Fans are very protective of where they sit, but most are okay with sitting near their favorite spot if taken. No matter where you sit, you’ll have a great view of some great baseball.
