Benevolent Blackmail in Central California

When it rains, it pours.

Earlier this week, I covered the unorthodox mascot trade that took place between the Everett AquaSox and the Tri-City Dust Devils. I followed that up yesterday with news on the public debut of the Quad City River Bandits' new mascot. And, now, today, yet another bit of mascot news has emerged. This needs to be reported on, for it is big:

Parker, the mascot of the Fresno Grizzlies, is on the verge of staging an Opening Day walkout.

You see, just last week the Grizzlies drew a record 14,084 fans to Chukchansi Park for an exhibition game against the parent San Francisco Giants. Parker was so enthralled by the atmosphere at this contest that he wants to see a similar crowd for next Friday's Opening Day game.

"He [Parker] wasn't upset, but he was resolute that if Grizzlies fans could produce the type of atmosphere for an exhibition contest, it should be no problem to do it again for Opening Day," said Scott Carter, the Grizzlies' Vice President of Marketing. "Parker is a baseball purist at heart, and like all fans he realizes the special appeal that Opening Day has. His point was simple: 'Real fans go to Opening Day'".

That sort of stoic, big-picture thinking is certainly one of the reasons that Parker was named the best mascot in all of professional sports by the (highly recommended) industry website gameops.com. He's one the greatest in the game.

But, let's be serious...the best way to insure a packed house in Fresno on Opening Day would be if the Drag Kings made a threat similar to Parker's. People in Fresno will do just about anything in order to make sure that they can continue to enjoy the svelte footwork of the Minor Leagues' Premier Dancing Grounds Crew.

This Weekend in Minor League Promotions

A handy, commentary-free list for your viewing enjoyment.

Friday: Refrigerator Perry Appearance, Refrigerator Giveaway (Altoona Curve); Replica Championship Ring Giveaway (Clearwater Threshers); Tribute to Fallen Lieutenant Mark Niedermayer (Fort Myers Miracle); Russell Martin Bobblehead Giveaway (Las Vegas 51s); Ozzie Smith Appearance (Mobile BayBears)

Saturday: 10th Anniversary Salute to 1999 Night (Altoona Curve); Vintage Baseball Card Set Giveaway (Binghamton Mets); Scarf Giveaway (Iowa Cubs); Mitch Williams Appearance/Buster the Mascot Birthday Celebration and Pillowcase Giveaway (Lakewood BlueClaws); Retro Hat Giveaway (Omaha Royals); Lose Your Blues Night (Quad City River Bandits); Turn Back the Clock Night/Ernie Broglio Figurine (Stockton Ports)

Sunday: Flower Seed Packet Giveaway (Clinton LumberKings); 35th Anniversary of the Designated Hitter (Columbus Catfish); Nolan Ryan Replica Jersey (Corpus Christi Hooks); Stocking Hat Giveaway (Iowa Cubs); Performance by Local American Idol Contestants (Omaha Royals); 2004 and 2007 World Series Trophies on Display (Pawtucket Red Sox); Biggest Bandit Fan Contest (Quad City River Bandits); Star Trek Appreciation Day (Wilmington Blue Rocks).

For more promo info, click here. And, please, email me promo tips, reports, and reviews at milbbusiness@yahoo.com. Have a great weekend, folks.