Take in a Mudcats or Bulls game on Labor Day

Time is running out to see a minor league baseball game. The Carolina Mudcats play their final game of the season Labor Day, tomorrow, at 2 p.m. while the Durham Bulls play their final regular season game of the season on Labor Day at 1:05 p.m.

We're blessed to have two terrific minor league ball parks and two great minor league organizations within driving distance in the Triangle.

On Saturday, all the Durham Bulls coaches and players (except the four called up to the majors) and Wool E. Bull made appearances at a Kia car dealership next to the ball park. The food was good, the coaches were hospitable and the players were personable (except maybe the ones who have a limited grasp of the English language). It was a great event for children and autograph seekers.

On Sunday, Mudcats' coach David Bell was on hand at a festival in Rolesville. Bell, the son of former major leaguer Buddy Bell and a 12-year veteran himself, spoke with folks as a regular person - no prima donna here. A native of Cincinnati, Bell and his lovely wife and daughter looked right at home in the Triangle area. It's his second season at the helm. The Mudcats have a losing record this year but have had a number of players on the roster that are expected to do well at the major league level.

Consider taking the drive to Zebulon to see the Mudcats Monday, especially if you haven't been to a game out there this year. You'll still have a chance to see the Bulls in the post season but the 1:05 p.m. game wouldn't be a bad choice either.