TheBurg

56 | theburg | 04.16 A aron Margolis grew up attending Harrisburg Senators games. Idolizing the ballplayers. Enjoying time with his dad. Now, he sees kids doing the same things. "ere's a responsibility to make this place special for them," says the Senators assistant general manager. "ere's so much to do that the whole family can be here." e Harrisburg Senators celebrate their 30th season this year, looking back on highlights since re-forming in the Eastern League in 1987—and looking forward to increasing their community footprint. Highlights over three decades encapsulate the aspirations and whimsy that define Minor League baseball: Ownership and af f iliations: Former Mayor Steve Reed's tattered legacy still includes a handful of shining moments, and restoring baseball to City Island—on the same field graced by Babe Ruth and Satchel Paige—is one of them. Major league affiliation started with the Pittsburgh Pirates, changed to the Montreal Expos in 1991, and, in a happy marriage, shifted to the Washington Nationals when the Expos folded and moved to D.C. great players: Vladimir Guerrero. Stephen Strasburg. Bryce Harper. Dozens of future major leaguers have come through Harrisburg. Rehabbers down from the bigs stop here, too. great moments: Four consecutive Eastern League championships, 1996 to 1999. A rebuilt stadium, unveiled in 2008 and 2009, including a state-of-the-art video system. And of course, "e Slam"—Milton Bradley's improbable, rain-soaked, two-out, full-count grand slam to win the 1999 championship (this writer was there—really.) great lunacy: Hovering helicopters drying the field in time for Opening Day (1987). Mayflies raining on ticketholders (a problem solved when lightstands were moved). A meandering skunk on the field (2015). What do team administrators want the people of the Harrisburg area to know as they launch this season? "ey don't have to like baseball to have a good time," says President Kevin Kulp. senators turn 30 with novel promotions, solid prospects. by M. DIANe MCCorMICk "PLAY BALL," 3 DECADES AND COUNTING Brad fullmer and vladimir guerrero, who came through Harrisburg in the 1990s.

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