Eastlake – As with many things in life, things in society have changed a lot over the past few decades. Growing up in the 1970s and early 1980s in Northeast Ohio, I could have only dreamed of taking a school field trip to watch a professional baseball game.
Photo by Al Kornspan
Our field trips in the 1970s and early 1980s were fun too. We got to see the world famous Cleveland Orchestra and travel to famous historical landmarks like Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens and Hale Farm and Village. In sixth grade, my classmates and I even got to take a field trip to Washington D.C.
While traveling to field trips by school bus and not having smartphones, we played games like geography to pass the time. Geography is a game where you have to name a place in the world that ends with the last letter of the place the person before you named. It was a lot of fun.
Fast forward four decades to 2023, and in addition to still having traditional field trips available, Northeast Ohio school children have an incredible opportunity to experience the fun and excitement of attending a professional sporting event.
In fact, the Lake County Captains, the high Single A affiliate for the Cleveland Guardians organization, annually provides opportunities for Northeast Ohio school children to experience professional baseball and watch the Guardians stars of the future perform at Classic Park in Eastlake, Ohio.
Photo by Al Kornspan
On Wednesday morning, at Classic Park, students from schools around the area attended the Lake County Captains vs. Great Lakes (Los Angeles Dodgers high single A minor league team) Loons baseball game during the school day.
Although the Captains were defeated 8-1 as top Dodger prospect and former University of Louisville baseball player Dalton Rushing launched two home runs, the Captains organization did a great job of providing a fun and exciting atmosphere for the students in attendance.
Photo by Al Kornspan
On the field of play, the Captains were led by Guardians Top 30 prospect, Joe Lampe, a former Arizona State University Sun Devils Baseball player.
Lampe was 2-4 on the day. He singled to right field in the second inning and singled to center in the sixth inning.
“Today, I was just trying to see the pitch deep and keep my approach to the middle of the field and the results show for themselves.” In staying focused, Lampe described his mental approach when at the plate and preparing for each pitch on defense. “As far as the mental side goes, I try to stay as loose as possible and know that I only have to focus in only on defense or in the box for that short period of time,” said Lampe. “That’s when I am exerting my energy and then other than that I am trying to stay loose and have fun with my teammates.” Lampe emphasized that the mental game of baseball was crucial for success. “When you get to a certain point, physical ability can only max out so much and it becomes fully mental at that point,” said Lampe.
On this education day, I also talked with Lampe about his time at Arizona State University.
“I loved ASU,” said Lampe. “Coach Bloomquist is doing a great job turning the program around. I love that guy. I actually called him last night to talk about hitting.”
The Captains return to the diamond on Thursday night as they face the Loons for the third game of this six game homestand.
Photo by Al Kornspan
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