On June 15, 2024, my Dad and I took our baseball road-tripping to the next level, seeing games in 23 ballparks in 23 days across the Eastern Midwest (Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio). That includes all 14 Minor League teams in those five states, plus four independent professional teams, four collegiate summer league teams, and the Chicago Cubs — as well as sights, art, history, and more along the way!

1. Chicago Dogs

Dad and I kick off an epic road trip to see 23 ballparks in 23 days. We visit Impact Field in Rosemont, IL, to see the Chicago Dogs, who play in the independent American Association of Professional Baseball.

2. Schaumburg Boomers

We head to Wintrust Field to see the Schaumburg Boomers, an independent professional team playing in the Frontier League. We cap off a great Father’s Day with Chicago deep-dish pizza at Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria.

3. Chicago Cubs

We start with a Chicago River Boat Architecture Tour, followed by Italian beef sandwiches at Portillo’s and a trip to the Art Institute of Chicago before our game with the Chicago Cubs at storied Wrigley Field.

4. Kane County Cougars

We visit the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry and having an indulgent lunch at Eleven City Diner in Chicago before driving west to Geneva, IL, to see the independent Kane County Cougars.

5. Beloit Sky Carp

Dad and I travel to ABC Supply Stadium in Beloit, WI, home of the Beloit Sky Carp, the High-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins. We get a stadium tour, join the TV broadcast, and catch a win for the home team!

6. Indianapolis Indians

We drive to Indianapolis, see local monuments, and visit the Indiana State Museum. Then it’s off to Victory Field, dubbed "Best Minor League Ballpark in America” and home to the Indianapolis Indians.

7. South Bend Cubs

Dad and I travel to South Bend, Indiana, stopping at Notre Dame before lunch at The Lauber. We learn a bit of local lore at the Studebaker and History museums, then gear up for Game 7 with the South Bend Cubs.

8. West Michigan Whitecaps

We begin with a trip to the Ford Presidential Museum, then check out the Grand Rapids Public Museum before a Star Wars Night with the West Michigan Whitecaps, the High-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers.

9. Great Lakes Loons

Dad and I head up to Midland, Michigan, for a Sunday doubleheader at Dow Diamond with the Great Lakes Loons, the High-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

10. Traverse City Pit Spitters

In Traverse City, Michigan, the “Cherry Capital of the World.” we tour cherry orchards and enjoy a cider tasting at Left Foot Charley before our game with the collegiate summer league Traverse City Pit Spitters.

11. Lansing Lugnuts

Dad and I have a hearty lunch at Meat BBQ, stop by the Michigan State Capitol, the Michigan History Museum, and the R.E. Olds Transportation Museum before our night game with the Lansing Lugnuts.