In his column, the ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH's Tom Wheatley
the success of the AAA Louisville Redbirds, who brag "that less
is more." Redbirds GM Dale Owens: "Now our (PBA) logo even
says, Professional Baseball -- The Minor Leagues. There's still
some talk that we shouldn't call ourselves the minor league. Six
years ago, that was a derogatory comment. Now, people say, 'Hey,
that's pretty neat'" (ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH, 6/27).
FAMOUS FOR A DAY: On Father's Day, the Class A Wilmington
Blue Rocks ran a contest where one lucky dad was chosen from to
become a Blue Rock for a day. The winner signed a "one-day
contract" in which he got to dress with the team before the game,
take part in the pre-game warm-up, exchange the line-ups before
the game and sit in the dugout with the players during the game
(Blue Rocks).
DIVINE INTERVENTION HELPFUL, BUT NOT NECESSARY: On July 4,
the Class AA Jacksonville Suns gave four lucky fans the
opportunity to win a $125,000 house. Each fan was given one
chance to hit a ball 280 feet (in center field) through a three
foot hole. The event was sponsored by Coppenbarger Homes, Publix
grocery stores, and WAIA-FM 93.3 (Suns).
BEST BEHAVED CROWD ALL SEASON? July 2 was "All-Faith Day"
in Winston-Salem when the Class A Warthogs battled the Hillcats.
Fans received $2.00 off the price of any ticket by bringing in
their church bulletin (Warthogs).
TAKE A QUACK AT IT: The Class A Prince William Cannons each
game allow fans to "Quack for Your Dinner," sponsored by a local
restaurant known for attracting ducks to its lakeside deck. In
the middle of the first, the PA announcer randomly picks a fan
who gets to wear a Donald Duck hat and apron with the
restaurant's logo. Every time the Cannons score, the fan has to
go down to the front of his section and quack the number of runs
the team has. The quacker is rewarded with a dinner for two to
the restaurant (Cannons).
