The Buffalo Bisons, the Toronto Blue Jays minor league team this year, played their home opener against the Rochester Red Wings on a sunny, but cool afternoon at Coca-Cola field in Buffalo on April 4, 2013.Peter Power/The Globe and Mail
1. Anthony Gose
A top Toronto Blue Jays prospect, catch him before he gets called up to the big-league club. The fleet-footed centre fielder turned a single into a double in his first at-bat in Thursday's home opener, utilizing his great speed. He doubled in a run in the second inning and beat out a bunt single in the sixth in a productive afternoon. He went 3-for-4 and scored twice.
2. Coca-Cola Field
Camden Yards in Baltimore often gets the nod as the trendsetter for retro-styled, baseball-only downtown stadiums, but this ballpark opened in 1988, four years before the Orioles moved into their digs. The largest minor-league park in the U.S. seats 18,025, has a great feel and is the perfect setting to watch a game.
3. Moises Sierra
Like Gose, Sierra also possesses a strong throwing arm and the right fielder showed it in the first inning Thursday, when he gunned down a Rochester base runner who tried to stretch a single into a double. Sierra saw some major-league time last season, belting six home runs in 49 games with the Blue Jays.
4. Ryan Goins
The Bisons starting shortstop impressed Toronto general manager Alex Anthopoulos when he ranged far to his left in the third inning to snag a grounder that appeared headed into centre field. After spinning around to regain his balance, Goins fired a strike over to first base to nab the runner.
5. Pearl Street Grill & Brewery
Located about five minutes from the stadium, this sprawling establishment is a great spot to visit before or after a game. The menu is good and the selection of craft beers brewed on the premises is terrific. Trainwreck German Amber Ale lives up to its name.