Playing baseball takes coordination, upper-body strength, and the courage to run counterclockwise even though that direction is normally only for the immoral and weak-hearted. See strong-willed Americans with this deal.

The Deal

• $19 for a Sacramento River Cats July events package (a $35.40 total value)
• Where: Raley Field
• Door time: One hour before game time
• Ticket values include all fees.
• Click here to view the seating chart. <p>

The package includes:

• One general-admission ticket to “Fourth on the Field” on Thursday, July 4, from 6–10 p.m. (a $12.40 value)
• One ticket for Senate-level seating (marked in blue on the seating chart) to the game against the Fresno Grizzlies on Thursday, July 11, at 7 p.m. (a $23 value)<p>

The Scouting Report

Crowds dressed in red, white, and blue will cover the diamond at Raley Field during the ballpark’s inaugural “Fourth on the Field” Independence Day celebration. Throughout the four-hour event, some of the city’s most popular food trucks will share real estate along the stadium’s warning track to dish out their unique eats. Games and live music will fill the time between bites before the grand finale: a fireworks extravaganza after sunset.<p>

Exactly one week later—long after the fireworks have dissipated and the food trucks have all gone home to take off their cleated tires—the River Cats reclaim the Raley Field diamond for a showdown with the Fresno Grizzlies. Like every season for the past decade, the Cats once again find themselves gunning for the top spot in the Pacific South Division. Catcher Stephen Vogt shines as one of the team’s brightest stars with a batting average that ranks among the league’s best.<p>

Sacramento River Cats

With its views of the city skyline and Tower Bridge overlooking the Sacramento River, it’s really no wonder why USA Today selected Raley Field as one of the country’s top 10 minor league ballparks back in 2010. The park provides a picturesque frame for the action on its field, where the River Cats have all but dominated the Pacific Coast League this century.

Since moving from Vancouver to West Sacramento just before the 2000 season, the River Cats have claimed four PCL championships, and 11 division titles–including six straight from 2005–12. The team also won back-to-back Triple-A championships in ‘07-‘08, around the same time trees began growing River Cats hats instead of fruit. As the top minor league affiliate of the Oakland A’s, the River Cats have launched the careers of more than 200 big leaguers. Some of the game’s biggest stars have emerged from that group, highlighted by a Cy Young and two Rookie of the Year award winners.