Players come and go, but fans are key to Omaha Storm Chasers growth

Debbie Halley has watched them take the field at both Rosenblatt Stadium and Papillion’s Werner Park. Hundreds, maybe closer to 1,000 players, each with a dream to make it to the Majors. Or make it back. The Bellevue resident has taken her seat each home game nearly 2,000 times, give or take a few games off.

She has remained a loyal Omaha minor league baseball fan regardless of the teams the Kansas City Royals fielded at the Triple-A

level.  She’s seen some great players come through Omaha, as well as some duds. But, she loves baseball and enjoys her visits to the ballpark. Among the players who have taken the field during her 30+ seasons as a season ticket holder include the likes of Charlie Leibrandt, Luke Hochevar, Kevin Appier, Jeff Conine, Joe Randa, as World Series champions Eric Hosmer and Mike Moustakas. She’s even watched current Omaha Storm Chasers Manager Brian Poldberg when he was an up-and-coming catcher in 1985.

While she has liked lots of Omaha baseball players, Jed Hansen – who spent the bulk of his professional career in Omaha – remains her all-time favorite player. While he spent 87 games at the Major League level, he played 13 seasons of ball, retiring in 2006.

“He was always upbeat,” Halley said. “He was a player of faith.”

It’s season ticket holders like Halley and Mike Wachdorf who give Omaha a strong fan base. Wachdorf, a retiree whose family history includes his dad playing catch with the great Satchel Paige, while the pitcher was still playing in Negro Leagues Baseball, has been a season ticket holder for the Royals/Storm Chasers since 1995.

Halley and Wachdorf (Disclosure: Mike is Lisa’s step-grandpa) have been friends for years and have their seats behind home plate near each other. They are a popular duo, with both team officials and other fans. Following a recent health issue, people stopped to welcome Wachdorf back to the games after missing several weeks of action. Team officials recognize season ticket holders by name. It makes fans appreciate supporting the team, Wachdorf said. Season ticket holders can buy an extra package that gives them coffee during each game, as well as a season-ending picnic.

They can tell you the best items to eat on the menu. Try the brisket nachos, but have them with tator tots, Halley suggests. She’s spot on! Topped with nacho cheese, it’s a tasty treat.

“I eat here a lot,” Wachdorf said. “I really like the hot dog nights, when they’re 25 cents a dog.”

Beyond the food and season ticket perks, the duo appreciates the play on the field.

“I love baseball,” Halley said. “I like watching in person. Seeing the crowds, the action. I enjoy watching the players develop.”

While the Storm Chasers have seen a marked increase in attendance since moving to Werner Park in 2011, there’s always room for improvement, she said.

“I’d like to see a lot of people come out and support the team,” she said.

Wachdorf enjoys watching the game, and he also understands the need for the team to build future support by encouraging families with small children to participate in the team’s play area, which includes a carousel, bounce houses and other attractions. Team mascots – like Casey and Stormy – help, too, he said.

“It gets them to the ballpark,” Wachdorf said. Anything can happen once they’re at the park.

As the Storm Chasers continue to build fan support, they don’t forget about the ones who have been at the games through the good times and not-so-good times. The next time you come to a game at Werner Park, make sure you stop by and say hi to Mike and Debbie. They’ll love talking baseball with you.

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