Readers respond: Why are you an Isotopes fan?

On Thursday, the Albuquerque Isotopes were honored as the 2023 Bob Freitas award winner for best overall Triple-A organization in Minor League Baseball, as announced by Baseball America. In publishing the news, the Journal asked readers to tell us why they are fans of the organization. Here are a few reader responses, lightly edited:

Last June, we hosted a family reunion and we were surprised when most attendees expressed interest in attending an Isotopes game, given that everyone was from out of town. We had around two dozen family and friends from elsewhere in New Mexico, as well as California and Florida. The game was delayed 90 minutes by rain, but our enthusiastic new Isotopes fans weren’t fazed in the least. A friendly, helpful security guard took a family photo as the clouds burst again after the seventh inning. We all agreed it was lots of fun, and a highlight of the week.

Duane Meneely

Congratulations to the Isotopes for being named the best Triple-A franchise. Not surprising due to top-notch employees, community involvement, and a great general manager with attention to detail. Strong attendance despite being in a comparatively small market for Triple-A. Best looking ballpark in the minors with a bit of the look of Petco Park in San Diego. Groundskeepers keep the field looking like major league even with the United sharing the field temporarily. Great venue to see quality baseball while taking in a monsoon lightning show over the Sandias or frequent post-game fireworks while sipping a cold draft beer. Wonderful community asset.

Bob Norman

My family and I have been fans of Albuquerque baseball since the Dukes organization. We have been mini-plan season ticket holders of the Isotopes since the beginning.

Why are they the best? Because of the employees! From ticket-takers to top-line management, everyone goes out of their way to make it the best baseball experience you’ve ever had.

Assistant GM Adam Beggs is by far one of the nicest people around. My great nephew is special needs and confined to a wheelchair. Adam assisted his baseball experience this past season by ensuring that Max could “run the bases” after the games like every other kid. He was enchanted!

The mini plan allowed ticket holders to exchange tickets for any Sunday to Thursday game. When called upon to take care of this exchange, it was handled with efficiency and courtesy every time.

During a rain storm, our usher, Jennifer, ran to get a large trash bag to cover my great nephew’s wheelchair before it got soaked.

These are just a few of the examples I could provide of the the caring, professional, loving people employed by the Isotopes.

Sherrie Simek