New Captains era begins with home opener April 6 at Classic Park

Apr. 5—The Lake County Captains are ready to open their 2023 home season on April 6 under the enthusiastic leadership of new owners Alan Miller and Jon Ryan.

The first pitch at Classic Auto Group Park in the game with the Dayton Dragons is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. Neither team has announced its starting pitcher.

Rain that swept through Eastlake put a damper on events planned for April 5 at the ballpark located on Route 91 near the corner of Vine Street, but no rain is in the forecast for the opener.

"This is a new era of Captains baseball," Miller said April 5 in a phone interview. "You're going to see everything from a new coat of paint to brand new signage to all new food and beverage menus to a nine-hole mini-golf course, new merchandise, a new video board and the return of (Andrew) Grover as our on-field host."

Some of the players are new, too. Two names who might sound familiar are outfielder Isaiah Greene and pitcher Joshua Wolf. Greene and Wolf were acquired from the Mets along with shortstop Amed Rosario and second baseman Andres Gimenez for shortstop Francisco Lindor and pitcher Carlos Carrasco in January of 2021. Time will tell just how much Greene and Wolf will contribute to the Captains in 2023 as they work their way up through the Guardians farm system. But Guardians general manager Mike Chernoff has a knack for acquiring minor league players who eventually become key components to the Major League club.

A rumor circulated last month that Skipper, the popular Captains mascot, was being replaced. Miller said Skipper isn't going anywhere — at least for now.

"Currently, Skipper plans to be here," said Miller, albeit a little vaguely. "But you never know how things could change around here. They can change very quickly. You have to stay close to the news. There's always something happening."

When it was pointed out to Miller that young fans like Skipper, he answered by saying:

"Well, you know, kids grow up, and sometimes they like different things. We're going to see."

Most ticket prices range from $12-$18 in the ballpark seats. Tickets to watch the game from the grass beyond the outfield fence range are $10-$13. The first four rows from first base to third base are labeled as VIP tickets and cost from $20-$23 a game.

"We've moved some things around," Miller said. "We've changed it a bit, but you can still get in the park for $10. This is affordable family entertainment. We want to keep our prices as low as possible."

Miller said a hotdog will cost $4.50. A 16-ounce beer goes for $8, Miller said.

"It's going to be a great day," Miller said. "I want everyone to come out and see this team and support these players. I'm excited to see them compete."

Tickets can be purchased online by going to https://www.milb.com/lake-county/tickets/single-game-tickets. Tickets can also be purchased at the box office.

The Captains and Dragons also meet at Classic Park at 6:35 April 7 and 1 p.m. April 8.