Hartford Yard Goats Tickets

The Hartford Yard Goats

Established originally as the New Britain Rock Cats in 1983, the franchise now known as the Hartford Yard Goats has carved a distinctive path in the annals of Minor League Baseball. With a name change in 2016, the team captured the hearts of Hartford, Connecticut locals by becoming the Double-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies.

Dunkin' Park, the Yard Goats' home since 2017, is a gem in the world of MiLB stadiums. With a seating capacity of approximately 6,000 spectators, it's designed to create an intimate, electric atmosphere. The park’s unique features include an immersive 360-degree concourse and a 'Goat Pen' in right field, where fans can watch the game right next to the bullpen. In 2017, it was named the 'Best Double-A Ballpark in America' by Baseball Digest.

Despite being a relatively young franchise, the Yard Goats have made their presence felt in the Eastern League. They clinched their first playoff berth in 2019, demonstrating a promising future. While they are yet to win a championship, the team's consistent performances point towards a promising trajectory.

One of the most intense rivalries in the Eastern League is between the Yard Goats and the Portland Sea Dogs, the Double-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. With only a few hours separating the two New England towns, games between these teams often feature a spirited mix of Yard Goats and Red Sox fans, making for a vibrant, high-energy atmosphere.

Before the Yard Goats, the franchise was known by several different names. They were originally the New Britain Red Sox from 1983 to 1994, before becoming the New Britain Rock Cats in 1995. The Rock Cats were the Double-A affiliate for the Minnesota Twins from 1995 to 2014, and then the Colorado Rockies in 2015, before the franchise moved to Hartford and adopted the whimsical 'Yard Goats' moniker. The name, chosen in a fan contest, pays homage to the city's railroad history, as 'yard goats' are slang for the switch engines that shuttle train cars between different tracks.

In conclusion, the Hartford Yard Goats are more than just a baseball team with a unique name. They're a testament to the enduring spirit of minor league baseball, a community pillar, and a franchise with a rich, albeit young, history.