The Atlantic City Surf minor-league baseball team announced Monday that they are packing it in after 11 seasons in the stadium on Route 40. Team owners said low attendance and the city’s impending sale of the Bader Field complex made it hard to attract sponsors and turn a profit for the team.

Count me in as one local resident who is disappointed at the news. My buddies and I went to only a few games each summer, but we always had a great time. There wasn’t a bad seat in the place, and the most expensive tickets were $15. Food was reasonably priced, even if the selection wasn’t that great. Several times a year, they put on an awesome fireworks display, and one day each summer guests were invited to bring their dogs. The wacky between-inning contests for kids and adults alike made you laugh, even if you weren’t willing to get on the field and make a fool of yourself for a gift certificate to a local restaurant.

The sea-serpent mascot was a hit with the kids, and I’m sure many a young heart was broken by today’s picture on the front page of the Atlantic City Press, showing the costume being folded and packed for the last time.

The games were an affordable family outing, and I’ll miss them.

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