GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – The season is underway for the Green Bay Bullfrogs. The roster is made up of college level players hoping for a break and maybe a ride to the professional level.
But while the players change from year to year, one fixture at Joannes Stadium has been part of the Bulldogs franchise since day one.
It’s opening night and the fans are streaming into Joannes Stadium for another summer of Green Bay Bullfrogs baseball.
There’s an excitement in the air to go along with the smell of brats and burgers.
While the players are getting ready on the field….one fan is settling into his seat on the 1st base side. That’s Larry Smith….in section 104, row 4, seat 25.
“My dad kind of bred it into me. I have 6 olders brothers and we all played baseball”
Larry’s love affair with the game went from there. He played for years as a kid, on this very field, and had major league dreams.
“I was expected to go to the pros when I was young, and I had an injury which negated that. But I still want to follow the game….I still want to be part of the game”
And so he is. Larry Smith has been a season ticket holder at Bullfrogs games since the frogs were tadpoles.
That goes back 11 years. Bullfrogs General Manager Sieera View is amazed.
“He has not missed a game. We play 36 home games. It’s nuts”
He doesn’t sit there quietly either.
“Larry is really the whole part of our fan base on the first base side. He starts the “lets go frogs” chant when we need the most momentum”
And Larry takes that passion with him on the road. He’s not just a homer.
“I’m actually known at some sites. I walk in the gate and they go “hey, there’s the Bullfrog guy, Larry”
Since at this level the players are rarely in town for more than one season, Larry has seen hundreds of Bullfrogs come and go. But he’s got a soft spot for one team
“Actually my very favorite was the first team. They were a great team, great manager. But, every year I start over and watch them progress”
And that’s the foundation of his love affair with the game….watching the players grow and move on… .
“They start out pretty raw because they’re young yet. But these coaches really train them well and they move and they grow up and they do a good job”
So Larry Smith is ready to see where this summer takes the Bullfrogs.
But win or lose, pennant winners or celler dwellers, you’ll find him cheering on the team until a higher authority tells him differently.
“I don’t know, until God stops me. I’m going to keep coming as long as I can. I love the game”
