Churros, reworks, seats for your pooch Minor league teams treat their fans to extras

BY LINDA ZAVORAL

The majors are perfectly fine. But baseball’s minor leagues have a history of stepping up to the plate when it comes to entertaining fans. (As if cheap tickets weren’t enough!) Most teams host heritage game days and base-running events for kids — besides scheduling several fireworks nights a season. And then there are the signature events. Here’s a roundup of fun ones:

SAN JOSE GIANTS: DIA DE LOS CHURROS

Churros are so popular with fans at the San Jose Giants’ Excite Ballpark that the team honors the sweet legacy on not one but several game days during the season. It’s all in tribute to Hipolito Cerda, the man who has been making them fresh for decades at his Olimpos Churros stand just o the third-base line. On Dia de los Churros, the players wear jerseys and hats featuring cartoon churro characters. Just how fabulous are these warm, cinnamon-y sticks? Some fans show up at games wearing shirts that say, “I’m only here for the churros.” Details: www.milb.com/san-jose

MODESTO NUTS: PUPS & PINTS

You, your best canine buddy, beer discounts — and a baseball game! At every Thursday home game, the Pups & Pints hangout at Modesto’s John Thurman

A fixture at the San Jose Giants game, Hipolito Cerda drops fresh churros in the case at the Excite Ballpark in San Jose. The San Jose Churros are part of Minor League Baseball’s Copa de la Diversión initiative. “Copa de la Diversión,” or “Fun Cup,” is a season-long event series specifically designed to embrace the culture and values that resonate most with the participating teams’ Hispanic and Latino communities.

Field doubles as an o -leash dog park. When you’re ready to watch the game, you leash up and head to seating in one of the dog-designated sections. Keep in mind that if you decide to attend, you will need to sign a legally binding waiver that requires you to take responsibility for your pooch at all times. And no, the players batting cleanup will not be taking on that duty when it comes to your dog. Details: www.milb. com/modesto

RANCHO CUCAMONGA QUAKES: ‘STAR WARS’ NIGHT

Cosplay will come to the Quakes’ LoanMart Field again this May 14 when the team hosts “Star Wars” night and plays the Stockton Ports for the fifth day in a six-game series. Fans can meet and take selfies with Darth Vader, Chewbacca and other characters, make crafts and participate in a costume contest. After the game, stick around for a fireworks spectacular set to John Williams’ stirring “Star Wars” theme. Details: www.milb.com/rancho-cucamonga

STOCKTON PORTS: ASPARAGUS NIGHT

When you’re the Asparagus Capital of the World, you can’t ignore those springtime stalks. The A’s Low-A a liate celebrates Stockton’s biggest crop with Asparagus Night festivities that in the past have included Ports players in dark-green jerseys emblazoned with asparagus, asparagus trivia on the Banner Island Ballpark scoreboard, asparagus mascot races and, of course, deep-fried asparagus, bacon-wrapped asparagus and more. Mark April 30 on your calendar for this year’s event. Details: www.milb.com/stockton

FRESNO GRIZZLIES: TACO TRUCK THROWDOWN

This promotion leaves Taco Tuesday in the dust. What started as a fan food event inside Fresno’s Chukchansi Park in 2001 has now grown into the team’s signature event and the Fresno food competition of the year. After taking the 2020 pandemic season o , the Taco Truck Throwdown returned in 2021 with 18 food trucks and live music, attracting more than 8,000 attendees. Look for taco mania twice this year, first Taco Days from July 22-24 and then the Throwdown, likely in October. Details: www.milb.com/fresno

SACRAMENTO RIVER CATS: MARVEL NIGHT

Storytelling rules in Sacramento. Look for the Marvel Comics heroes to take the field at the River Cats’ Sutter Health Park this season for a fan promotion called Marvel’s Defenders of the Diamond. On the still-to-be-determined date, players for the Giants’ Triple-A a liate will wear Super Hero-branded jerseys, and fans will get a chance to participate in themed activities. Marvel is planning to create a special minor-league comic book, too. Also in the works in West Sacramento are a Wizarding Night and a Princess and Pirate Night. Details: www.milb.com/sacramento

RENO ACES: LOS CORAZONES DE RENO

Again this year, the Aces will celebrate Latino contributions to Reno’s culture and to the game of baseball by becoming Los Corazones de Reno. From May 5-8 and again on Sept. 15, the team’s name will change, and players will take the field in jerseys and caps emblazoned with a heart milagro. Fans at Greater Nevada Field can purchase logo apparel and enjoy music, giveaways and a Los Corazones menu of esquites served in a helmet cup, street tacos, margarita specials and more. Details: www.milb.com/reno