It's been seven springs since my hometown of Montreal celebrated an Opening Day. What's a baseball fan to do but take a road trip?

Just four hours south, in downtown Manchester, N.H., is a little gem of a minor-league park, the awkwardly named Northeast Delta Dental Stadium. Only six years old, this 6,500 seat venue is loaded with charm and has that quality most elusive at the major league level: proximity. From any seat, you feel yourself to be an intimate part of the game. And the most expensive ticket is only $12, considerably less than the bleachers at most big-league parks.

On a cool but sunny spring evening, I check into the Hilton Garden Inn, which rises directly above centre field. My field-view room offers a spectacular vantage point and comfortable armchair from which to watch the game in private-box luxury, well worth the nominal surcharge. Besides, is there anything better than pulling back the curtains and looking out a picture window over the perfect dimensions of a baseball diamond?

For a 6:35 p.m. start, the hometown New Hampshire Fisher Cats, AA affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, begin taking the field around 3 for pregame drills. Atop the brick wall in straightaway centre, 405 feet from home plate, is the Patio bar/restaurant, a fun spot for nicely done pub fare, with seating almost on the warning track, close enough that you'd better heed the posted advice to keep alert for flying baseballs, especially during batting practice (three bounced onto the terrace while I was there).

I go around the corner to the park a few minutes before game time. The stands are only about a quarter full. Those who do show up are decked out in team gear and many of the older folks, true baseball connoisseurs, clutch scorecards. Kids anxiously crowd around the dugout, calling out for autographs to players who invariably stop to sign. For many, this will be their only brush with adulation, as they see the skills that brought them so close to the show suddenly unable to keep up with a game that speeds up and grows more nuanced at each level. For a select few, this is a proving ground, on the way to greater glory.

Watching these prospects, you can see who has the smooth ease to keep up with the game, and who is just a step behind and will either find a way to improve or accept that this is as good as he gets. Some of baseball's best have passed through the Eastern League, including 2006 National League MVP Ryan Howard and 2009 American League MVP Joe Mauer. Current Blue Jays who recently starred here include catcher J.P. Arencibia, outfielder Travis Snider and pitchers Ricky Romero and Kyle Drabek, who threw the only nohitter in Fisher Cats history, last July 4.

For the locals, the big attraction this evening was Blue Jays outfielder Rajai Davis, who was rehabilitating from an ankle injury. Both starting pitchers, Chad Beck of the Cats and Robert Carson, a Binghamton Mets prospect, blaze mid-90s fastballs. Since every major-league hitter can catch up to a fastball, their progress will be determined by whether they can keep hitters guessing and missing by snapping off breaking pitches or changing speeds. Catching for New Hampshire is Travis D'Arnaud, the centrepiece in the Roy Halladay trade. He looks comfortable at the plate, but rather clumsy behind it, allowing three passed balls. Adeiny Hechavarria, who was signed to a $10-million bonus, has the soft hands of a natural shortstop. Mike McDade's girth stretches his uniform shirt, but he makes two nimble diving catches at first base and absolutely crushes a home run to seal a 2-0 victory for the Fisher Cats.

Baseball truths have become as clichéd as overquoted lines from Casablanca. It takes conscious effort to appreciate the originality of the source. Because dreams really are made and broken every night here. And the timeless symmetry and rhythm of the game are metaphors for life. Sitting close to the field, you can see how each pitch weighs on these youngsters. How every play carries the opportunity to impress and the risk of revealing an insurmountable flaw. And we enjoy the privilege of witnessing it all unfold before our eyes.

The drama is interrupted by the usual minor-league cheesiness, the dog serving as bat boy, the children running the bases between innings, and the already overweight men adorned in padded suits to do sumo battle. But the spark and sizzle of post-game fireworks, a weekend staple, is enough to kindle the whimsy in anyone's heart.

As for the city of Manchester, it is distinctly lacking in appeal. The main streets are a succession of strip malls, big-box outlets and fast-food chains, capped by the Mall of New Hampshire, the largest shopping centre in New England north of Boston.

But, for baseball fans, it is a destination to remind you of all Montreal has lost. The highlight of the 2011 schedule in Manchester is the Eastern League All-Star Game on July 13.

IF YOU GO

Manchester, N.H., is about four hours by car from Montreal. Take Interstate 89 south from the Vermont border to Interstate 93 south, merge onto I-293 south, exit 5 (Granite Street) is closest to Northeast Delta Dental Stadium (signage refers to it alternately as Riverfront Stadium and Merchantsauto.com Stadium, its previous names).

WHERE TO STAY

There are several major chains in Manchester, but for the best baseball experience, I recommend the Hilton Garden Inn, attached to the ballpark. Depending on the time of year and day of the week, a field view room costs as little as $90. Guests enjoy the convenience of free parking. Go to www.hgi-manchester.com or call 603-669-2222.

Tickets for New Hampshire Fisher Cats games are available at www.nhfishercats.com or by calling 603-641-2005.

FOR MEMORABILIA COLLECTORS

Visit the Fisher Cats store at the main entrance to the stadium. Among its stock, you will find a selection of broken bats signed by the players for only $20. You might get lucky and end up with a valuable souvenir from a future star.