Check out a semi-pro Iowa baseball game this summer.
There’s nothing better than catching a baseball game in the summertime.
But if you’re only catching the minor league Iowa teams, you’re missing out on some great talent: The smaller teams, many of them summer collegiate leagues, have also seen lots of former players go on to the Majors—so it’s quite possible you’ll be seeing future stars!
Score affordable tickets for the whole family (with probably a shorter drive) at one of these great semi-pro Iowa baseball teams:
Looking for Iowa’s minor league teams instead? Check that out here.
Burlington Bees
League: Prospect League
Home Opener: Tuesday, May 28, 2024
Stadium: Community Field, 2712 Mt. Pleasant St., Burlington
Tickets: $7-$11 (5 years old and younger free)
The oldest team on this list got started way back in 1889 as the Burlington Babies, going through several name changes before finally settling on the Bees in 1954. They’ve been affiliated with 14 different MLB teams and sent plenty on up to Major League Baseball, including Hall of Famers Paul Molitor, Billy Williams, Amos Rusie and Larry Walker.
Stream games on ProspectLeague.TV.
Find their full schedule here.
Carroll Merchants
League: MINK League
Home Opener: Tuesday, May 28, 2024
Stadium: Merchants Park, 801 Vine Street, Carroll
The Carroll Merchants began in 1932 as the Firemen and moved into their current stadium in 1949. The team has had several names over the years, including the Ramblers, the Warriors, the Indians, the Classics and the Vikings.
The team has also played in various semi-pro and amateur leagues over the decades, and have been in the MINK League since 2022.
Stream games on MINK League TV.
Find their full schedule here.
Clarinda A’s
League: MINK League
Home Opener: Friday, May 31, 2024
Stadium: Municipal Stadium, S Fourth St. and E Grant, Clarinda
The Clarinda A’s got started as the Merchants in 1955, and have sent several players on to the major leagues since that time. Von Hays played for Clarinda from 1978-79, then went on to play Major League ball for Cleveland, Philadelphia and Los Angeles from 1981-1991.
Hall of Famer and 13-time Gold Glover Ozzie Smith played with the A’s from 1975-1976, then for San Diego and St. Louis, but hasn’t forgotten his roots—Smith regularly returns to Clarinda for special events.
The A’s are a longtime MINK League team, and have won the league title six times since 1996.
Stream games on the A’s YouTube channel.
Find their full schedule here.
Clinton LumberKings
League: Prospect League
Home Opener: Tuesday, May 28, 2024
Stadium: NelsonCorp Field, 537 Ballpark Drive, Clinton
The LumberKings are the second-oldest team on this list, dating back to 1937. In years past, they have been affiliated with 16 different MLB teams, sending more than 280 players to the big leagues over that time.
Stream games on ProspectLeague.TV.
Find their full schedule here.
Sioux City Explorers
League: American Association of Professional Baseball
Opening Day: Friday, May 10, 2024
Stadium: Lewis and Clark Park, 3400 Line Drive, Sioux City
Tickets: $8-$15; all prices $2 higher on July 3 and 4
The Explorers have had 44 players make it to the Major Leagues since 2006, including Chris Grossman and John Nogowski of the St. Louis Cardinals; Ryan Kalish of the Chicago Cubs; Tayler Scott, Anthony Bender, and Kent Hasler of the Milwaukee Brewers; and Eric Karch of the Minnesota Twins.
Stream games live for free on American Association Baseball TV.
Find their full schedule here.
Warren Co. Crop Dusters (Norwalk)
League: MINK League
Home Opener: Wednesday, May 29, 2024
Stadium: Fareway Fields, Gregg Young Sports Campus, 1401 High Road, Norwalk
Tickets: Free
Formerly the Des Moines Peak Prospects, started in 2020, the team rebranded in 2024, adopting the Crop Dusters name (and badass logo).
Stream games here, and watch previous games here.
Find their full schedule here.
Waterloo Bucks
League: Northwoods League
Opening Day: Monday, May 27, 2024
Stadium: Riverfront Stadium, 850 Park Road, Waterloo
Tickets: $10-$15
The Bucks have sent 23 (and counting) players to the MLB after starting their careers in Waterloo, including Wes Obermueller and Eric Stout of the Kansas City Royals; Jimmy Journell and Kyle Leahy of the St. Louis Cardinals; and Dane Dunning of the Chicago White Sox.
And the Bucks are going to the dogs in 2024: For an extra $5, anyone can bring their well-behaved dog to any home game at the ballpark.
Stream games on the Northwoods League app for free, with some games (and the entire playoffs) streamed on ESPN+.
