Field of Dreams

It's true that the real name of the game in these parts is basketball -- people take their hoops mighty seriously around here. But thousands of locals and tourists continue to fill the stands each summer as the Durham Bulls play a full season in the Class A Carolina League as an affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. The Bulls shot to fame on the shoulders of Kevin Costner catching for hotshot rookie pitcher Tim Robbins in the 1988 flick Bull Durham. But if you're in town for a game, don't expect to see the wonderful old-time ballpark where the film was actually shot. In 1995, the Bulls abandoned the old ballpark for snazzy new digs on Magnum Street, designed by the same architects who conceived Camden Yards in Baltimore. By the way, the famous snorting bull in the movie was a mere prop that proved such a hit that it's now a Bulls fixture. And there really was a Crash Davis on the team in the 1940s. Other famous alums of the Bulls include Joe Morgan, Mark Lemke, Steve Avery, Ryan Klesko, David Justice, and Rusty Staub. The season runs early April through early September. Unfortunately, tickets are very hard to get. As far in advance as possible, contact the Durham Bulls, 409 Blackwell St., P.O. Box 507, Durham, NC 27702 (tel. 919/956-2855).