Fans soak up ‘Big League’ aura

Victoria Sun

Monday, April 3, 2000 | 10:24 a.m.

Of the thousands of men, women and children of all ages who descended upon Cashman Field to watch the five major league baseball games that made up Big League Weekend, hardly any seemed to mind the changing weather conditions.

On Friday, trash flew onto the infield, dirt swirled in the air and people struggled to keep their hats on, but it didn't dampen any spirits.

Groups of kids who missed school to attend Big League Weekend's opening day munched on popcorn, pretzels and other ballpark food while men and women sipped on what must have felt like Alaska-cold beer.

By Saturday, the wind had subsided. On Sunday, it was a near-perfect day for baseball, with temperatures in the low 80s.

"I've come to Big League Weekend every year they've had it," said Las Vegan Judy Ostroff. "My husband and I come to see the games. A lot of people are interested in baseball."

Would Ostroff, a Las Vegas resident since 1966, like to have spring training held in her hometown?

"Oh, God yes!" she exclaimed.

Las Vegas Stars president Don Logan is one of the key figures trying to lure as many as six teams to set up a spring training base here. Representatives from the Los Angeles Dodgers, Texas Rangers, Baltimore Orioles, Toronto Blue Jays, Houston Astros and Tampa Bay Devil Rays recently met with Logan to discuss the possibilities.

Based on the turnout over the weekend, support from fans seems to be decent. Crowds ranged from 5,000 to 8,000 for the five games.

Chicago White Sox fans Heather and Scott Coleman flew from Indiana with their 14-year-old son, Joshua, and 11-year-old daughter, Jessica, for a vacation that coincided with the weekend's festivities.

Scott Coleman said the family used to go to spring training to see the White Sox when they trained in Florida. But when the team made Tucson, Ariz., its spring training site, they stopped going.

Traveling to Las Vegas was much more appealing.

"We said, 'Tucson? Nah,' " added Heather Coleman. "Las Vegas sounded more fun."

"It's convenient," Scott Coleman said. "We're only 15 minutes from our hotel and there's lots to do in the meantime."

George Hilan, his wife Sofia and his mom Carol moved to Green Valley from Chicago about six years ago. These longtime White Sox fans did make the trip to Tucson, which did not impress them.

"If you're coming from somewhere else for spring training and it's here, the gaming and the night life are just the icing on the cake," Hilan said.