Clear Skies and Perfect Weather Make for Wonderful Evening at Provident Bank Park

The weather was just about perfect for my first trip to Provident Bank Park in Pomona, New York, Saturday evening, August 24, 2013. Clear skies, comfortable temperatures, and low humidity were on the weather menu for the Saturday evening Can Am League game between the New Jersey Jackals and the host Rockland Boulders.

The ballpark is located in picturesque Pomona, New York, just off the Palisades Parkway and North of the Tappan Zee Bridge, and it has been the home of the Boulders since it opened in June of 2011. I've always been a fan of Independent baseball, especially the Can Am League, since my then-12-year-old son was a batboy for the erstwhile New Haven County Cutters during the Summer of 2006.

The Boulders returned from a lengthy ten-game road trip after stops at Fargo, ND, Lincoln, KS, and Kansas City, KS. Not surprisingly, a crowd of over 5,485 attended the game, which the Jackals won, 5-3, to increase their lead over the Boulders to four games for the last playoff spot. It was 1970s "Disco Night," and there was a fireworks show after the game. Many of the fans wore Boulders' jerseys, tee shirts, and caps. The team is extremely popular.

This is the most beautiful and attractive minor league ballpark I've ever visited. There is a walkway around the entire park, which includes a train station and a miniature train ride across the outfield concourse. There is a bar under a bridge in left field, which is modeled after Citi Field in New York, according to one of the ushers. A green monster in center field mirrors the famous one at Fenway Park in Boston. And the "Short Porch Cafe" in rightfield is reminiscent of the short porch in right at Yankee Stadium.

The children's area in right field offers a complete playground, including slides, gym equipment, and an inflatable bounce area. There is a nearby picnic area, and there are plenty of concession stands around the ballpark. It seems just about everywhere there is a place where one can sit and relax and take in the game from just about any vantage point at the ballpark.

The scoreboard, which is located in left field, includes a huge video board which shows game replays, fans, and between-innings promotions and attractions. The video is crisp and clear, and there many cameras throughout the stadium. There is another scoreboard located along the first base line between the first and second deck which includes the inning-by-inning score, and the balls, strikes, outs, and time of day (to the exact second). There is no doubt I will visit this ballpark again. I love it. 

Paul