The Brevard County Manatees will attempt to shatter a world record mark with a massive number of honorary first pitches. Manatees GM Buck Rogers said, “last season we threw 5,906 first pitches only to have the game rained out. This season we’re kickin’ things off early before the late season rains move in! Gates will open at 6:00 am for this event”.

If you have ever asked yourself what can I do to throw out a first pitch at a ball game? well here is your chance. The Manatees will provide the baseballs and the catchers all you have to do is provide the arm. Come out and be a part of America’s pastime and help set a world record in the process.

Here’s your chance to throw out a first pitch. Great photo op for kids! Free baseballs to those that participate later in the day (limited supply).

The First Pitch Ceremony will conclude right before the Manatees take to the field at 5:00 pm for a double header against the Port St. Lucie Mets.

Fun promotion from the Manatees, connecting fans, a premium item, a media hook and their game.  After working in sports for years I know the “magic” of walking on the field might be lost for me, this is still a very strong hook for fans.  Promotions like this and post-game run the bases are easy, cost effective and memorable for fans.

–Cudo

To see our promotion database of over 600 promotion ideas (like this one) visit the Gameops.com Promotion Database

A grouchy sports jounrnalist in Montreal and a blogger in Carolina can’t agree on much, but they both think Thunderstix (aka Bam Bams) are among the worst things in the world. 

“There is nothing in the world of sport that is worse than IdiotStix (also known as ThunderStix to whatever marketing type dreamed them up, and may he spend eternity listening to Rosanne’s version of the U.S. anthem).”

The Lord Stanely Blog made it’s case in response to Montreal Gazette columnist Jack Todd last year during the playoffs.

We cite another noted blogger, Mav’s owner Mark Cuban, who (and I paraphrase) says the fans are never wrong.  While there are certainly many fans (including Jack Todd and the blogger above) who hate them, Bam Bams and Thunderstix remain a fan favorite.  Many teams are now treating these as an every game giveaway, at least in endzone seats (for hoops).

I will admit it’s not something I want to hear for 3 hours on some nights, but they are a great interactive element for your production.

The noisemakers didn’t help either team in 2007, as both missed the playoffs…

-Cudo

With the addition of the new York (Penn.) Revolution baseball team to the Atlantic League, a rivalry series called “War of the Roses” has been created between the Revolution and the Lancaster Barnstormers. The teams are located in neighboring counties. York is the White Rose city and Lancaster is known as the Red Rose city, and there used to be baseball teams in each city named the White Roses and Red Roses, respectively.

The teams will meet 18 times this season, playing nine games at their respective ballparks. The winner of the series rivalry will win the “War of the Roses” Community Cup. At each rivalry game this season, the Barnstormers will wear 1958 Red Roses vintage jerseys, while the Revolution will sport 1955 White Roses jerseys. The jerseys will be auctioned off for charity following each game.”

I just love this promotion of a natural rivalry.  I grew up in Minnesota and recall the battle over the “Little Brown Jug (wikipedia entry)” when the University of MN Gophers played Michigan.  What makes this so valuable is it creates the ability to market that game in a unique way.  It also creates a way to promote the importance of the game, even if both teams are not in playoff contention.  Two teams that are 2-8 playing isn’t easy to market…but two team battling over a long-standing trophy can be.  

What’s your rivalry?  What are you playing for?

-Cudo

Other traveling trophies: