This week all three Beacon batters sit down with Columbus Clippers General Manager Tyler Parsons to talk about baseball’s past, present, and future in Central Ohio.
Kevin sets the stage with a quick history of Columbus baseball, tracing the journey from Cooper Stadium and the Redbirds to today’s Huntington Park and the Clippers’ 12(ish) championships. From there, Parsons shares his own baseball roots. He grew up a Detroit Tigers fan, worked his first job in baseball as “Director of Fun” in the Coastal Plain League, and carried those lessons in fan experience through to leadership roles in Durham and now Columbus.
The conversation touches on the developing balance between competition and entertainment. Parsons explains that minor league baseball is as much about experience as it is about wins and highlights promotions like Dime-a-Dog Night and the Clippers’ efforts to create affordable, family-friendly fun. With player decisions controlled by the Cleveland Guardians, the Clippers’ job is to make Huntington Park the best environment possible for both players and fans.
Parsons also covers Columbus’ unique ownership structure: the Clippers are county-owned, making them one of the rare professional sports franchises operated as a true community asset. That means keeping ticket prices low, focusing on accessibility, and serving as an anchor in the Arena District’s growth.
From rule changes like the extra-inning “ghost runner,” to the cultural mix of pro wrestling, Savannah Bananas–style showmanship, with baseball traditions, the discussion paints a picture of a sport constantly evolving. For Parsons, the joy is simple: bringing thousands of people together on a summer night to share a game and maybe a scoop or two.
This Podcast and Music were Produced by Tim Hofmann and recorded at Franklin Street Creative (doot-dah-doot-dah-doot-dah-dooooooo)
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