In Threes

I just cannot resist the impulse to list a triumvirate of noteworthy Minor League news items:

-- The Florida State League's Dunedin Blue Jays are doing their part to make sure that area Little League teams get to experience a true professional baseball atmosphere, thanks to their "Jays on the Road" program. From the press release:

"The Dunedin staff will be armed with a high-tech sound system, microphones, and in-game promotions that are done nightly at Knology Park. The Jays plan to turn the average little league game into a fun and exciting professional baseball game!"

"Jays on the Road", which may or may not have been inspired by this recent stunt, kicks off tonight, and will continue throughout the season.

A Close Shave -- Last week, Huntsville Stars General Manager Buck Rogers announced that if attendance at Friday's game surpassed 5,000, he would let a lucky (?) fan shave his head at the conclusion of the contest. The night's attendance turned out to be (drumroll, please) 4,812. Come on Huntsville -- if the chance to see a front office executive get a haircut won't bring you out to the ballpark, then what will?

Dodd Stadium Goes Under the Radar -- Last week, the Connecticut Defenders debuted the "General Dynamic Electric Boat Submarine". This underwater military apparatus/t-shirt cannon will patrol the field at Dodd Stadium every home game, piloted by an honorary t-shirt shooting captain. Of course, the submarine is missing just one thing -- another drumroll, please -- a name! The sub's official christening is scheduled to take place on May 9. Until then, the Defenders are running a "Name the Sub" contest at Dodd Stadium.

Promo Of the Day -- At the risk of being redundant, I'm going with the Altoona Curve yet again. Tonight is "Salute to Forgotten Presidents". From the press release (spoiler alert!):

"Fans coming to Blair County Ballpark will be privy to information that nine U.S. Presidents did not attend college (you'd be shocked at the list of names).  Also being revealed this evening will be the factoid that James Buchanan was the only President to originally hail from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the only unmarried man to occupy the White House.  In addition, the most portly of all U.S Presidents, and the first to throw out a ceremonial first pitch prior to a baseball game, William Taft, will make a special appearance during one of the between-inning contests during the game."

Additionally, any fan who shares a last name of a U.S. President will get into the ballpark at half-price. It is worth noting that just one player in tonight's game between the Curve and the Akron Aeros has a presidential last name: Altoona infielder Shelby Ford.