Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Stadium Drive and Wuerfel Park?
Wuerfel Park is located just three miles south of the Grand Traverse Mall, one mile north of the new Menard's, just off US-31 and M-37 in Chum's Village. The stadium is visible from the highway. Enter on Chum's Village Drive (first road to the right south of Rennie School Road, or first road to the left past Tile Mart,) two quick right hand turns puts one on Stadium Drive. Wuerfel Park has three entrances, all gated. The first two entrances (fan parking lot & divided drive into the stadium) are closed for the winter, with the drive into the Clubhouse and the business offices open year around.
October 2005 view from the corner of Stadium Drive and Village Park Drive
How do I get my Birthday or other special event announced?
You have three different packages to choose from to get your announcement heard.
VIDEO BOARD PACKAGE
ONLY $50.00 YOU GET:
- Personalized message on high tech video scoreboard.
- PA Announcement during the game.
- Beach Bums MUST have 48 Hours Notice for this package.
Note: There are only two (2) spots available per night for these packages.
MESSAGE BOARD PACKAGE
ONLY $25.00 YOU GET:
- Personalized message on message display board.
- PA Announcement during the game.
- Beach Bums MUST have 24 Hours Notice for this package.
Note: There are only five (5) spots available per night for these packages.
PA ANNOUNCEMENT PACKAGE
ONLY $10.00 YOU GET:
- PA Announcement read over the loud speaker during the game.
- Can be purchased on the night of the game.
Note: There are only ten (10) spots available per night for these packages.
Due to time constraints, the Beach Bums reserve the right to cancel packages without notice.
Call 231-943-0100 for more information
What are the facts of the new ballpark?
Wuerfel Park features just over 3,500 chair back seats, 82 private (4 person) tables, a 25 table private picnic patio by the Beach Bums bullpen (perfect for group outings, family reunions or business meetings) and extensive lawn seating that begins behind by the left field foul pole, encompasses the entire outfield fence and ends behind the visiting team bullpen. Young fan areas include a large playground in the far right corner of the stadium and a toddler romper room. The lawn area closest to and surrounding the playground is a designated family area where no alcohol is allowed. Large concession areas are available on both wings of the stadium. Grilling stations serving some of the best and biggest hamburgers you have ever eaten are located on the concourse parallel to each bullpen. There are generous restroom facilities and a guest service/first aid room to complete the public areas on the first floor of the stadium.
Wuerfel Park features a bowled stadium. With the stadium sitting on the 'lip' of the bowl and fans entering at ground level and walking down 16 rows to the first row and closest row to the field. The playing field is the bottom of the bowl and sits 11.5' lower than the lip offering incredible views of the field from every seat. Other facilities offered in this exceptional park are 27 private boxes, most with private restrooms, all fully furnished with cable color TV, air conditioning and Internet access. The second floor of the stadium also includes the Beach Bums deluxe press box facilities. A large clubhouse overlooks left field and offers first class space for home and visiting players, a large indoor batting building and other support spaces necessary for ballpark operation. The Beach Bums management offices are located on the second floor of the clubhouse.
The park was built on major league baseball dimensions. It runs 320' down each foul line, 400' to deep center field. The power alleys bow out adding depth to the field and run 390'.
Wuerfel Park is a Smoke-Free park. No smoking is allowed inside the stadium.
FANS PLEASE NOTE: Outside food and beverages (including bottled water) are not allowed at Wuerfel Park, both by park rules and by Frontier League rules. Wuerfel Park includes a large and varied menu of very good ballpark food (hot dogs, brats, loaded nachos, pizza, desserts and a full selection of Pepsi products. Currently, Wuerfel Park also offers both Budweiser and Miller beers.
What impact will the team and ballpark have on this area?
The team and ballpark will have a tremendous positive impact on the five county Grand Traverse Area. Sporting events improve the quality of life by adding an entertainment option. Financially, the team will have a $10.5 million dollar impact on the area (7 x annual operating budget.)
What league are you joining?
We are a member of the twelve team Frontier Independent Professional Baseball League. Their website is: www.frontierleague.com. It contains complete information on the league, its history, player and team stats and links to the individual team websites.
What is the closest team to Traverse City?
The Kalamazoo Kings, in Kalamazoo, MI are the closest team to Traverse City. The Kings are the 2005 Frontier League Champions. Illinois, Missouri, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Pennsylvania are all home to other Frontier League teams.
How does an independent team operate?
Just like a major league organization, an independent team controls its own team management, talent, scouting, coaches, players and plays to win. Independent professional baseball leagues do have player salary caps.
How does independent baseball differ from affiliated minor league baseball?
All 28 major league teams can actively sign talent off the independent league teams. Therefore you will see any number of major league scouts at each game. The traditional minor league farm team only interacts with their parent organization.
Are there any other major differences?
Yes, several. First, at the independent level, team management has control over player recruitment. In affiliated baseball, the teams are made up of whatever players the parent organization sends them.
Affiliated baseball is rated from low A to AAA, with AAA affiliated teams being just one step down from the "big show", the major leagues. (The Lansing Lugnuts, Midland Loons and the West Michigan Whitecaps, of the Midwest League are in low A.) The Frontier League has roster rules that limit team size to 24 players, twelve of whom have to be rookies or have had less than 100 at-bats as a professional baseball player. The team can also have former A, AA or AAA (seasoned) players, provided the players have not yet reached their 27th birthday before the opening day of the season.
How many games are scheduled?
There will be 96 regular season games, with the 2008 season divided between 54 home games and 42 away games. There are two rounds of playoffs; the division playoffs and the championship series. The Frontier League's All-Star Break is the same time as the major league all-star break in July. Wuerfel Park and the Traverse City Beach Bums will host the 2008 Frontier League All-Star festivities on July 15 & 16.
When does the season start?
The 2008 regular season begins on Wednesday, May 21st and runs through Wednesday, September 3rd. The Beach Bums begin and end the season at home. Post season play begins on September 4th with the divisional championship series. The Frontier League Championship series should conclude on September 14th.
