The city’s major league teams have their allure, but the Brooklyn Cyclones and Staten Island Yankees offer a spirited hometown alternative with waterfront vistas.
When it comes to baseball in the Big Apple, the New York Yankees and New York Mets aren’t the only games in town. Their minor league affiliates, the Staten Island Yankees and Brooklyn Cyclones respectively, also draw a crowd.
Until 4 September, they will compete against 12 other teams in the Class A Short-Season New York-Penn League – one of the first levels in the professional baseball hierarchy – for a chance at the playoffs. But regardless of division standings, the Cyclones and Yankees are a hit with families, school groups and dedicated neighbourhood fans who come to the low-slung waterfront stadiums to cheer them on.
And when the two NYC-based outfits face each other, expect a sellout. The next so-called “Battle of the Boroughs” series is set for 26 and 27 July at Richmond County Bank Ballpark at St George – the 7,171-seat home of the Yankees.
To get there from Manhattan, hop the Staten Island Ferry from Whitehall Terminal. The free boat ride takes about 25 minutes and the ball field, which has sweeping views of New York Harbor and the Manhattan skyline, is adjacent to the ferry terminal. If you can’t make either of those matchups, don’t worry. The Yankees will host 20 more games through 30 August.
The Brooklyn Cyclones have 25 remaining games on their home turf through 1 September. Easily accessible by subway, the 7,500-seat MCU Park overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and Coney Island amusement park. The iconic Wonder Wheel and the team’s namesake – the Cyclone rollercoaster – are just a short stroll down the boardwalk.
Tickets range from $10 to $18 and can be purchased online or on-site.
Amy Brader is the New York City Localite for BBC Travel