With its zany mascots, frequent fireworks, and friendly players, minor league baseball hits a goodtime grand slam. As I found while writing "The Ultimate Minor League Baseball Road Trip," quirky special events and affordable tickets (generally under $10) make the following ballparks especially welcoming to families. To find others, go to minorleaguebaseball.com.

1. MCCOY STADIUM, PAWTUCKET RED SOX (RHODE ISLAND) 
Autograph seekers at McCoy participate in a tradition unique to the stadium: from seats overhanging the home dugout, fan "fishermen" lower their baseballs and baseball cards in milk cartons tied to string, and good-natured players always take the bait. 401-724-7300; pawsox.com.

2. KEYSPAN PARK, BROOKLYN CYCLONES (NEW YORK) 
Located right next to the amusement park rides, beaches, and boardwalks of Coney Island, the home of the Cyclones (pictured) adds to the fun with its museum dedicated to the history of baseball in Brooklyn, and the occasional post-game movie. After games on Sundays, kids get to run the bases. 718-449-8497; brooklyncyclones.com.

3. FIRSTENERGY STADIUM, READING (PENNSYLVANIA) 
Phillies A game in the Reading ballpark features not one, but five mascots: Quack, Screwball, Change-Up, Bucky, and Blooper. Beginning May 9, this quintet also performs family concerts before Saturday games. 610-370- 2255; readingphillies.com.

4. FRAWLEY STADIUM, WILMINGTON BLUE ROCKS (DELAWARE) 
On the Blue Rocks' Web site, parents can sign up their kids for a chance to be part of the action: painting home plate white; shouting "Play ball!" after the national anthem; serving as the home dugout mini manager; or announcing batters over the PA system. 302-888-2015; bluerocks.com.

5. HARRY GROVE STADIUM, FREDERICK KEYS (MARYLAND) 
This stadium's spacious picnic area by left field gives families a unique vantage point for games; next to right field kids can enjoy a playground and carousel. For birthday girls and boys, the party package offers a cake, box seats, souvenirs, and "Happy Birthday" sung by the fans. 301-662-0013; frederickkeys.com.

6. COASTAL FIELD, MYRTLE BEACH PELICANS (SOUTH CAROLINA) 
After a Pelicans win, Deuce, a yellow Lab, does a four-legged victory lap around the bases and rolls over on home plate for a treat. The pup also brings a basket of fresh Carolina League baseballs to the home plate umpire as needed. 877-918-8499; myrtlebeachpelicans.com.

7. MIDWAY STADIUM, ST. PAUL SAINTS (MINNESOTA) 
At Midway, a trained pig (pictured) trots out baseballs to the umpire. On Sundays, the animal antics continue with a petting zoo down the right field line. Look for actor Bill Murray, part-owner of the Saints (an independent team in the American Association), cheering on his team. 651-644-6659; saintsbaseball.com.

8. DELL DIAMOND, ROUND ROCK EXPRESS (TEXAS) 
On the grassy hillside behind the outfield fence, families spread picnic blankets to watch the game and wait for home run balls to come their way. By the berm behind the center field wall, kids can test their throwing arms playing "bermball" (pictured). 512-255-2255; roundrockexpress.com .

9. BANNER ISLAND BALLPARK, STOCKTON PORTS (CALIFORNIA) 
At the newest stadium in the California League (pictured), kids can burn off energy during the seventh inning stretch at a playground offering speed-pitch booths, a bouncey house, and a giant slide. Future sluggers can practice their swings in the park's batting cages. 209-644-1900; stocktonports.com