Results tagged ‘ Star Wars ’
Space N’ Vaders at the Ballpark
“Star Wars Night” promotions, an idea first conceived by the West Michigan Whitecaps, have become an annual staple throughout the industry. I’m not a fan of the films (blasphemy, I know) but there is absolutely no disputing the fact that “Star Wars Night” results in a high level of fan engagement which, in turn, leads to some fantastic ballpark visuals.
For proof of all this, let’s take a look at the Toledo Mud Hens (semi) recent “May the Fourth Be With You” extravaganza.
The team advertised festivities such as the following, bullet-pointed for your pleasure:
- LED Light Stick Giveaway (first 2,000 fans)
- Appearances by Star Wars characters, including Darth Vader, Chewbacca, Storm Troopers, and more
- Star Wars costume contest (with prizes!) and on-field parade
- Chewbacca to throw out ceremonial first pitch
- Star Wars-themed food and beverage items
- Star Wars sound effects and music throughout the game
- Kazoo Giveaway (first 5,000 fans) to be used in a Star Wars ‘kazoo-along’ prior to postgame fireworks
- Star Wars-themed “May the Fourth Be With You” postgame fireworks
And, indeed, such festivities did occur. Here are some gems from the team’s Facebook page:
Hey, Yoda, turn around and look at the camera!
There you go:
If the above six pictures were worth approximately 6000 words, then this video recap should be good for about 35k more (I did the math). Chewbacca toes the slab!
Finally, the team asked fans to provide a caption for this first-pitch photo (as the video above amply illustrates, Chewy fired a strike).
The results were decidedly mixed, as they often are with this kind of thing (one fan simply wrote: “I was in the elevator with him!”) I think my favorite was “The San Diego Chicken has really let himself go.”
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Before I shuffle off of this mortal coil (that’s slang for “end a blog post”), I’ll share a video of (relatively) recent vintage.
This one, produced for Richmond’s “Flying Squirrels Insider” show, is great. Broadcaster Jon Laaser instructs Giants catching prospect Tommy Joseph on how not to build upper body strength and being unready at the plate.
“You gotta get noodly with the legs!”
And since we’re kinda-sorta on the topic of “amateur attempts to do the job of a professional,” here’s an audio link to my inning on the air with Brice Zimmerman of the Fort Myers Miracle. I’m actually kind of proud of it, because if you’re going to fail you may as well do so spectacularly.
Listen HERE, and, please, let me know if you have any advice on how I could do a better job next time.
benjamin.hill@mlb.com
twitter.com/bensbiz
The Imperial Stormtroopers of Love Take Omaha
The West Michigan Whitecaps staged the first “Star Wars Night” in 2007, and since then the promotion has spread throughout the Minor League galaxy. And for good reason — it brings large groups of hardcore sci-fi enthusiasts to the ballpark (many who would not attend a game otherwise) while still remaining plenty accessible to the average fan.
The Omaha Royals staged their own version of “Star Wars Night” on Friday, significantly upping Midwest midichlorian levels. Thanks to my unceasing reportorial drive (read: ability to receive emails) I am now able to share some pictures and video.
Here, the evening’s roster of special guests make their way onto the field:
Pay special attention to the couple immediately behind Darth Vader, as they are going to factor into this narrative in a most significant fashion.
But first, Darth was tasked with throwing out the first pitch. The O-Royals player tasked with catching it was pitcher Louis Coleman, who must have felt light years away from Kansas City at that particular moment.
Another first pitch was tossed by Phil, who was there on behalf of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. His wish was to attend National Star Wars Convention in Orlando, and the O-Royals’ promo doubled as a special send-off.
Soon after the first pitch, a most unexpected announcement appeared on the videoboard.
And sure enough, Jason the stormtrooper was down on one knee:
The rest of the evening was perhaps not quite so dramatic, but there was nonetheless a lot going on.
Makin’ Wookiee on the Scoreboard:
A “Where’s Yoda” contest was staged, featuring the renowned Jedi master in a variety of ballpark locations:
Leia and Han go back-to-back:
There were no back-to-back home runs in the ballgame, but Portland’s Sean “Chewbacca” Kazmar (see above) did honor Han with a Solo shot in the third.
Thanks to O-Royals director of creative services Eldon Lindsay for sending the pictures along. If YOU have photos of a Minor League promotion then don’t hesitate to get in touch. Or, just make like the Lake County Captains and assert your promotional supremacy over the stadium PA:
http://www.twitvid.com/player/QNGE6
If you disagree with this assertion, then you know where to find me.
benjamin.hill@mlb.com
twitter.com/bensbiz
BensBiz
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