A New Era of Baseball in Modesto

In its inaugural season as a member of the Pioneer Baseball League, the Modesto Roadsters are doing something different this season, and fans are going to feel it the moment they walk through the gates. A renovated ballpark, a packed promotions calendar, and new ownership bringing a bold family-first vision to the Central Valley.  

"We're going in and giving them baseball the way it should be," says owner Dave Heller. "A strong connection between fans and players, great food at fair prices, and a whole lot of family-friendly fun."

The ballpark, newly named Modern Woodmen Filed, has undergone substantial improvements since last year. A bright blue padded outfield wall with red trim has replaced the green plywood that stood there last season. Seating sections have been repainted, and the clubhouses have been fully renovated.

But the real story is what happens once the gates open. Every night is built around a special promotion. Free pennants on Tuesdays; nine different t-shirt giveaways on Wednesdays, plus beach gear and cooling towels. Three-dollar beers on Thursdays — including a chocolate cherry ale brewed exclusively for the Roadsters by a local craft brewery. The team will feature fireworks every Friday night, and Saturdays will feature premium giveaways, including bobbleheads of Giants legends JT Snow, the Roadsters new manager, Jeff Kent, Robb Nen, and Rich Aurilia.

Then there are the outside-the-box, unique promotions that underscore the joy of minor league baseball, like a helicopter drop of 1,000 pounds of candy onto the field for kids to run out and grab — then reloads and comes back with 1,000 pounds of giant marshmallows. A Cash Drop showers kids 12 and under with dollar bills. And during Tattoo Night, any fan who gets a free permanent Roadsters tattoo on their arm or leg gets in free for the rest of the season.

The organization's mission is simple: an unforgettable experience for Central Valley families, at a price that doesn't make you think twice about coming back.

When owner Dave Heller was asked if his experience owning other teams such as the famed Quad Cities Bandits (Kansas City Royals High A affiliate) would work here, he kept it simple: "I don't know — do the kids like candy in Modesto?"

"We're not serving vanilla baseball," he says. "And if we are, it'll be with chocolate sundaes and banana splits, doused in sauce and toppings."

The Modesto Roadsters open May 19 against the RedPocket Mobiles at Modern Woodmen Field. Tickets are available now at www.modestoroadsters.com