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Web Only: More great minor league teams, plus recommended reading

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Richmond County Bank Ballpark: Staten Island Yankees
(New York-Penn League; Single-A short-season)
One of the top new additions to minor-league ball, the S.I. Yankees' gleaming home is worth the hefty bridge toll. (You can also take the Staten Island Ferry-it's free). Upper-level seats offer fabulous views across the harbor to the Manhattan skyline. Catch a home game against Brooklyn and you'll see intracity rivalry at its best.
75 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, N.Y.; 718/698-9265; www.siyanks.com; tickets from $8.

Centennial Field: Vermont Lake Monsters
(New York-Penn League; Single-A short-season) Dating from 1906, rebuilt in 1922, this is one of America's oldest and most attractive ballparks, still with some antique wooden seats and a covered-roof grandstand. History is not the only draw: the Lake Monsters' mascot, Champ, is based on a legendary creature (think: Nessie) said to live in Lake Champlain.
287 Colchester Ave., Burlington; 802/655-4200; www.vermontlakemonsters.com; tickets from $3.

Further Reading & Inspiration

Take Me Out to the Ballpark by Josh Leventhal (Black Dog & Leventhal, 2000).
Nicely produced picture book of new and classic major-league parks, plus a few minor-league fields.

The Last Best League by Jim Collins (Da Capo, 2004).
Vivid behind-the-scenes account of the legendary Cape Cod Baseball League chronicles the 2002 season of the Chatham A's. A fun read if you're heading to the Cape.

Touching the Game: The Story of the Cape Cod Baseball League (Fields of Vision & Eye Candy Cinema, 2004; on DVD and VHS)
Evocative documentary film about the Cape Cod league, mixing player interviews, game footage, and archival shots into a Ken Burns-esque portrait.

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