Take Me Out to the Ball Game
Comparatively speaking, this past winter wasn’t nearly as bad as what we have grown accustomed to here in Central New York. This, however, doesn’t mean that we weren’t counting down the days until the start of spring. There is no doubt that life changes for the better when the grass is green and the birds are chirping. The sunshine means something a little different to everyone, but in our house, it means that baseball season has finally arrived.
(Photo: Rick Nelson)
As I am apt to tell anyone who is willing to listen, I am in love with the game of baseball. There are plenty of writers who possess the ability to wax poetic about the game far more gracefully than I, but the bottom line is, there are very few things I would rather be doing outdoors than taking in a game with my family. This is due, in large part, to the fact that from a very early age, my parents took me frequently to see the Syracuse Chiefs. Throughout the years, I have attended countless games, although I will readily admit that my interest in the team waned for a brief period not so long ago. The intangible magic that used to reverberate through NBT Bank Stadium had dissipated, and the allure of spending a few hours watching the game I adored began to fade. That all changed when Jason Smorol took over as general manager of the club in October, 2013.
(Photo: Rick Nelson)
The 2016 Syracuse Chiefs season is now under way, and the future is certainly looking bright. While the Chiefs failed to match the success of their magical 81-win campaign from 2014 last year, there is plenty of promise in 2016. Manager Billy Gardner Jr. believes that the team is “top to bottom better than last year,” and once again, the city of Syracuse has the unique opportunity to watch one of Major League Baseball’s most promising prospects take the field on a daily basis. In their time serving as the farm club for the Washington Nationals, the Chiefs have already seen the likes of Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper pass through their ranks. Soon, there may be another name to add to this growing list of superstar alumni. 22-year-old shortstop Trea Turner is considered be one of the best young talents in the game. In fact, according to “Baseball America,” Turner is the 9th ranked prospect in all of Major League Baseball. At the time of this article, through 17 games, Turner is hitting an impressive .364 with 2 home runs and 8 RBI’s.
(Photo: Rick Nelson)
From the time that he joined the team, Smorol has made it his mission to make going to the ballpark fun again. Somehow, this essential factor had fallen by the wayside under previous management, and Mr. Smorol realized that this was an essential element to getting fans back into the seats. Immediately, he instituted a number of promotions and themed-nights, and this tradition continues with a vengeance in 2016. Social Media Monday’s, which is sponsored by BlueRock Energy, boasts plenty of giveaways and prizes. For the first Monday of the 2016 season, a lucky winner received an autographed baseball signed by Hall-of-Fame Manager Bobby Cox. Once again, Dollar Thursday’s (sponsored by 95X) are bound to be a huge hit. For each of the 12 Thursday home games this season, fans can purchase Hoffman Hot Dogs and Coke’s for $1 and Saranac, Labatt, Coors, and 1911 products for $2.
If going to a game on the weekend fits better into your schedule, every Friday night game features fireworks after the final out (sponsored by 93Q). If you have young children, there is not a better bargain in town than going to see the Chiefs play on a Sunday, which is Family Day. Not only are tickets for children 12-and-under only $2, but after the game, they get to go down onto the field and run the bases. One of the great joys of my life was watching my kids beam as they rounded the bases for the very first time on a sunny Sunday last summer.
On field personality Lena Pringl. (Photo: Rick Nelson)
Aside from the daily promotions at the stadium, there are a number of special events and themed-nights as well. The aforementioned BlueRock Energy (a premiere provider of electricity and natural gas products and services for NY, PA, and CT) stands as a sponsor who has a dynamic partnership with the team. This year, they are presenting two of the have-to-be-there events of the season. The customer service-oriented company, which is headquartered in Franklin Square and who provides their clients (both businesses and individuals) with affordable and manageable solutions to cutting their utility costs, is sponsoring the Father’s Day event on June 19th and “Star Wars” Night on August 20th. On Father’s Day, not only will the first 1000 fans entering the park receive a Trea Turner Garden Gnome, but dads get the chance to go onto the field and play catch with their family. To top it off, because this event falls on a Sunday, all of the typical Family Day perks apply. On “Star Wars” Night, fans are encouraged to dress up as their favorite character and join their fellow followers of the Force for a night of intergalactic fun. The first 1000 fans through the gate receive a light-up sword, and because this falls “Save the Skin” Awareness Day, the Chiefs will be spreading awareness and raising money for Save the Skin, Inc, a nonprofit organization that donated $35,500 to the Melanoma Research Foundation last year. After the colossal success of “The Force Awakens,” there is little doubt that this will be one of the most popular and entertaining promotions of the year. For each home game, the company will have a “Fan Experience Tent” set up outside the front gate, which features a prize wheel and corn-hole to play before you head in to the stadium. Finally, BlueRock will also be holding their “Gnome Hunt” contest from June 1-15th. Each day, a gnome will be hidden somewhere within the Syracuse area, and if you are clever enough to be the first person to solve the clue as to its whereabouts and find the gnome, you’ll win a $100 gift card. If, on any particular day, the little guy isn’t found, the $100 prize will be added to the next day’s reward. Winners will be able to claim their prizes on the pitcher’s mound at NBT Bank Stadium on Father’s Day.
Among the litany of other notable promotions throughout the season, local youth get their time to bask in the spotlight on Girl Scout Night (June 18th) and Boy Scout Night (June 25th). At these events, there will be a pregame parades, and local scouts will be recognized on the field. There will also be an on-field sleep over for the scouts. Head to the Chiefs website to take a look at the full calendar of promotions. Surely, you’re summer will not be complete until you can officially plug Mullet Night into your daily planner.
(Photo: Rick Nelson)
In a world where families are spending more time in front of screens than they are interacting with one another, the Syracuse Chiefs provide an excellent opportunity to pry our eyes away from digitalized images, and spend some quality time together in the open air. Even if you are not the biggest baseball fan, a day out at NBT Bank Stadium provides plenty of avenues of entertainment other than just the action on the field. It stands as a way for families to come together for a few hours at a time, and to have plenty of fun along the way.
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