The Reading Phillies is the AA minor-league affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies. Until recently, with the opening of the Iron Pigs new ballpark in Allentown, this was the closest place to see a Phillies farm club in action.

The park, which they call 'Baseballtown,' is located in an industrial area near Route 12 just west of downtown Reading. Built in 1951, it is the oldest park in the Eastern League and has a capacity of 9,000. Though some sections are original, many rennovations have been made over the years to increase capacity and add features like a picnic area, grandstands, food courts and a high-tech video scoreboard. There is even a whirlpool tub in right field for fans who want to catch some bubbles while watching the game. Though the feeling of an old-time ballpark is very much present, all the rennovations mean it never feels outdated.

This is one of the most family-friendly ballparks you will find in any league. The staff tries very hard to entertain between every inning with such fun as hot dog shooters, slingshot contests, a used car giveaway (the cars get more 'used' throughout the game, but the winner can turn them in for $300 cash if they want), and a vegetable race. Yes, four people dressed in vegetable costumes actually run around the field.

I always root for the cauliflower.

Even young children look forward to the between-inning antics.

Player access is very good for autograph-seekers, and once in a while a Major-leaguer (such as Ryan Howard) stops by Reading while on injured reserve. There are no bad seats; even the general admission seating at the top of the stands is similar to what would probably cost $30 at a Major-league park. Ticket prices range from $7 for general admission to a whopping $21 for close-up seats with a buffet. Promotions are plentiful; over the years my family has collected everything from baseball bats to loaves of bread. Some night games include a free fireworks display. And if you want to hang around the park after the game, there is a live music stage and bar under the grandstand.

-Chris Stanley