Smiles the norm as Oilmen open at Oil City The Northwest Indiana Oilmen boast a stupendous stadium with a beautiful backdrop. Fans flocked in full force to Opening Night against MCL rival Joliet Admirals. The Oilmen came up short in a 10-inning 7-6 loss, but the Oilmen faithful were still attracted to the bright lights of Oil City. “I started coming last year. It’s a fan-friendly atmosphere, and I have a season ticket. The price is right, and I enjoy coming out here,” Whiting resident Charlie Pastorelli said. The Oilmen experience lured families to the ballpark. “It's a good time out for the kids. It’s my grandson’s ninth birthday, and he threw out the first pitch. We [love] the family atmosphere, and the guys are always really personable with the kids,” Karen Garcia said. The birthday boy thoroughly enjoyed his experience on the mound. It was an exciting present for young Brayden Barrett. “It feels good to be nine years old. I was nervous when I threw out the first pitch because I was afraid I would mess up. The coolest part was getting the ball back from the catcher,” Barrett said. The Whiting magic keeps young and old fans alike coming back to the Little City by the Lake. ““I used to be an usher here. Everything about the ballpark brings me back here. The crowd, the place, and the game. Seeing all the old employees here is great,” Les Bloomfield said. The 219 agrees that Oil City Stadium will be a hot spot for summer activities. “The stadium is right in my backyard. It’s in Whiting- need I say more?” Garcia said. |