Few things say “America” and “summer” better than our country’s pastime: baseball. In Wichita, we are privileged to have our own professional team, the Wichita Wingnuts, to enjoy during the warm summer months.

The Wingnuts are members of the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball. An expansion franchise to the league in 2008, Wichita plays its home games at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. The Wingnuts replaced the Wichita Wranglers, the former AA affiliate of the Kansas City Royals.

The Wingnuts are a great team to watch, having experienced some success over their first few seasons. In 2009, they won the North Division title for the first half of the season and in 2010 hosted the American Association All-Star Game at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. They were also named the American Association Organization of the Year in 2010.

Last season, Wichita completed a three-game sweep of the Laredo Lemurs to advance to the American Association Championship Series against the Winnipeg Goldeyes.

Currently, the manager of the Wingnuts is Wichita State University alum and native Kansan Kevin Hooper. Hooper played for the Detroit Tigers from 2005-2006.

The Wingnuts have a seven-game home stand this month beginning on July 18. They return for a six-game home stretch on August 13.

General admission tickets are just six dollars, while children under two years can get into the game for free.

In the spirit of summer, we at Lee Gurney encourage you to spend a day at the ballpark with friends and family. It’s just one great way to spend an afternoon or evening in our great city of Wichita.