Salt Lake Bees offer affordable fun in tough economy

"Come and experience it," Amicone said. "Come to the ballpark. Come to a game and watch and see."

Bees manager Bobby Mitchell, a former player in both the majors and minors, said it's a family-oriented atmosphere at the ballpark.

Especially, he added, at the minor league level where fans are closer to the action and the players.

A record 39.2 million fans attended minor league games last season. The institution, obviously, is alive and well.

"It sure seems like it. I haven't looked at any stats or anything, but if the attendance is up, then obviously they're doing something right with Minor League Baseball," Mitchell said. "Look at all the cities that are represented. They identify with their minor-league teams."

And in Salt Lake, it hasn't hurt to be affiliated with a major league power like the Angels.

"Triple-A ball has a lot of future major leaguers, along with major leaguers who have come up and down and are experienced," Mitchell said. "So the caliber of ball is good and I think that's what people appreciate."

The Bees have been perennial contenders for the Pacific Coast League championship throughout their relationship with the Angels.

"I'm a little biased toward the Bees and what the Angels have given us," said Amicone, who believes Salt Lake's roster has major league talent because of depth in the parent organization.

That, he noted, is another draw for fans to attend Bees games. It's part of a big picture that makes going to the ballpark a great value in Salt Lake City.

"I think with this economy you look for the most economical, fun thing you can do," Amicone said. "And I think Minor League Baseball has been that way forever."

E-MAIL: dirk@desnews.com