For one special summer evening, Riverview took over the field at Erlanger Park. A group of young ballplayers joined us for a night filled with running the bases, catching fly balls and soaking up every moment of having the field to themselves. These kids came ready to play, bringing their gloves, uniforms and plenty of personality along with them. For players who already love the game, stepping onto the field at Erlanger Park made the night even sweeter. From swinging for the fences to cheering one another on, it was a chance to experience Chattanooga’s new ballpark in an unforgettable way.

For Hayes, some of the best parts of baseball happen with a glove in hand and friends nearby. This six-year-old loves catching pop flies and playing alongside his buddies. When it is time for a ballpark snack, Hayes keeps it classic with peanuts.

Loves: Catching pop flies and playing with friends
Ballpark Pick: Peanuts

Four-year-old Miller knows exactly what part of the game he is waiting for: his turn at bat! Batting tops his list of favorite things about baseball, preferably followed by a trip to the concession stand for some popcorn.

Loves: Batting
Ballpark Pick: Popcorn

Give Ford a bat and he is ready to play. At four years old, hitting is already his favorite part of baseball. His ballpark favorites are just as fun, with Dippin’ Dots and popcorn sharing the top spot.

Loves: Hitting
Ballpark Picks: Dippin’ Dots and popcorn

Owen loves batting and running the bases, but some of his favorite parts of baseball have little to do with the scoreboard. After playing with the Cubs this spring, the five-year-old walked away with plenty of great memories and new friendships with his teammates.

And when game day calls for something sweet, Owen is reaching for cotton candy.

Loves: Batting, running the bases and his teammates
Ballpark Pick: Cotton candy

Huckaby is happiest when he is hitting or holding down first base. Currently six and celebrating his seventh birthday on September 10, he already knows his way around the diamond. His concession stand order? Nachos.

Loves: Hitting and playing first base
Ballpark Pick: Nachos

At three and a half, Brooks already understands an important part of baseball: the snacks matter, too! He loves watching his team, the Rockies, step up to bat and making a visit to the concession stand. When it comes to candy, his philosophy is simple: the stickier, the better.

Loves: Watching the Rockies bat and concession stand snacks
Ballpark Pick: Sticky candy

For Bennett, baseball style is part of the fun. The six-year-old loves all the accessories that come with the game, from shades and necklaces to gloves and baseball bags. Add some popcorn to the mix, and he is ready for game day.

Loves: Baseball accessories
Ballpark Pick: Popcorn

Shelby knows there is plenty to love about baseball, even from beyond the field. At eight years old, she loves watching her brothers play, meeting up with the other baseball sisters and finding time for the playground at the ballfield.

Her game-day order is another ballpark classic: a hot dog.

Loves: Cheering on her brothers and spending time with the other baseball sisters
Ballpark Pick: Hot dogs