Baseball in Idaho Falls for the Fourth of July is so ingrained, so expected that no one can even remember the last time there wasn’t a professional game at what is now Melaleuca Field.
Chukars general manager Kevin Greene has been with the team since 1993 and has hosted a Fourth of July game every year.
John Balginy, who has broadcasted games since 1984, has never taken the Fourth of July off.
And Jim Garshow, who has called games for one team longer than any other minor league broadcaster in America, has worked so many Fourth of July games that he can’t remember the last time he didn’t.
Whenever it started, it won’t be ending anytime soon.
When Greene arrived in 1993, he realized he had a built-in promotion with the ballpark’s location walking distance from the river and the fireworks.
“I was fortunate to get it that year,” Greene said. “Everyone is looking for something to do before the fireworks, we pack the park and everyone can walk to see the fireworks.”
Ever since then, Greene has submitted the Fourth of July as his only request for a home game. Teams from around the league can submit dates they’d like to have a home game, around a festival or holiday, for example.
“Many teams submit a number of requests,” Greene said. “We’re the only team that submits one request.”
And with today and Sunday serving as the only two home games between June 27 and July 14, this year’s Fourth of July game will be one of the few opportunities the fans get to see the team.
While trees in Highland Park block the view of the fireworks show even from the outfield, the only drawback keeping the tradition from perfection, it’s a half-mile walk to the riverbank and an up-close view of the fireworks.
“It’s just a natural built-in promotion,” Greene said. “We don’t have to do anything special.”
Filed under: Feature | Tagged: Fourth of July, Idaho Falls Chukars
