Bill Hass on Baseball:Biggest crowd of season likely on July 4

Biggest crowd of season likely on July 4
from Bill Hass with Bill on Baseball(Greensboro Grasshoppers) at www.gsohoppers.com….

Heading to the traditional July 4 Hoppers game at NewBridge Bank Park?

If you’ve been to one before, you know what to expect. If this will be your first time, be prepared — the house will be packed.

In the 11-season history of the park, this will mark the 10th time the Hoppers will have played at home on July 4. The only year they missed was in 2012, when they were at Kannapolis.

As part of the festivities of the holiday, baseball is just a natural fit. Hot dogs, beer and a double dose of fireworks. What’s not to like?

But don’t expect to get there at 7 o’clock and just walk right in. You need to allow extra time to get parked and navigate through the crowd just to get to your seat, whether it’s in the stands or on one of the banks. And there will be standing room only. This is annually the biggest crowd of the year, sometimes reaching five figures.

Here are the attendance figures of the previous nine July 4 games, ranked from lowest to highest: No. 9 — 8,925 in 2005; No. 8 — 9,309 in 2007; No. 7 — 9,443 in 2011; No. 6 — 9,573 in 2010; No. 5 — 9,680 in 2013; No. 4 — 9,855 in 2014; No. 3 — 10,031 in 2009; No. 2 — 10,034 in 2008; No 1 — 10,260 in 2006.

If you’re curious, the Hoppers have won four and lost five on the July 4 games.

ROSTER CHANGES: The roster will contain a lot of players who weren’t with the Hoppers when the team broke for the SAL All-Star game two weeks ago.

Who’s new? First baseman Erwin Almonte, infielder Taylor Munden, outfielder Travis Brewster and pitchers Jose Velez, Kelvin Rivas and Nick Fuller. In addition, pitcher Kyle Fischer has rejoined the team from the Jacksonville Suns.

Who’s gone? Pitchers Jorgan Cavanerio, Drew Steckenrider and C.J. Robinson to Jupiter and pitcher Scott Squier to Batavia.

Who’s hurt? Catcher Felix Castillo (leg) and second baseman-center fielder Mason Davis (groin) are on the disabled list.

Others? First baseman K.J. Woods is serving a 10-game suspension for a violation of team rules. He missed the nine-game road trip and the 10th game will be July 4.