Jimmy John's Field
Utica, MI
Review by Gary & Mike
When we arrived at Jimmy John’s Field for an impromptu visit, we were surprised to find an ongoing political event, complete with protesters. Our timing was excellent, though, as the event wrapped up presently and Dana, the COO of the United Shore Professional Baseball League (USPBL), came out and introduced herself. She kindly authorized league employees Alex and David to give us a tour of the park.
Jimmy John’s Field is a state-of-the-art facility. Built in 2016, the ballpark is the home field to all four teams of the USPBL, an independent league that plays all of its games at this venue. With a capacity of 4,500, fans can sit in any of the 2,000 box seats from first to third base or choose from numerous second-level or dugout suites, picnic areas or the grassy berm, compete with an entertainment stage for live music.
Beyond the right field foul pole sits a completely enclosed Wiffleball Field and playground area. We were tempted to break out the yellow bat and white ball, but time constraints and the high potential of old-man injuries convinced us that it would be wiser to move along.
The property stands on the site of a landfill that served as an unlicensed dump for household waste which sat vacant for 80 years. Inside, the field has extremely wide foul territories and great sight lines from all angles. This ballpark boasts having a home plate that is just 37 feet from the backstop, “one of the closest in America”, resulting in great views from the dugout level seats as well as those with semi-circlular tables.
The food and craft beer selections were impressive, although if you want your Jimmy John’s at Jimmy John’s Field, you’ll be disappointed as you will not find the iconic sandwich shop within its perimeter. A fully stocked bar can be found behind home plate as well a grill down the left field line, with picnic tables.
Whether you are there to root for the Woolly Mammoths, Unicorns, Beavers or Diamond Hoppers, you will be doing your cheering and crowd waves in a top-notch minor league facility. Thanks to Dana, Alex and David for the opportunity to visit and tour an exceptional ballpark.
2021
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2021
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