Dutchess Stadium During the Off-Season12/17/2007 12:12 PM - Renegades Blog
With the holiday season right around the corner most people are thinking about holiday decorations, last minute shopping and what desert to bring to the family holiday party. The baseball season is probably the farthest thing from anyone’s mind except for us here at the Renegades. This time of the year is our time to pound out promotional and marketing ideas for the season. We have just seven months, to the date, to get everything squared away before fans start pouring through the turnstiles, on June 17.
I know the baseball season only spans a few months out of the year but we are here at Dutchess Stadium all year long getting things ready. Most people think we sit around the office talking sports and playing video games during the off-season but that is only half right. We come in and do a honest day work from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. and than the video games and sports talk breaks out, I’m just joking of course. But seriously, I always get the same question from everyone during the holiday season. What do you guys do this time of the year? Everyone always assumes we are just sitting around the office with our feet up having a jolly old time. I can’t say we don’t enjoy the off-season but it is used to prepare for the next season.
All of those promotions and between inning games that you, the fans, love are all conjured up this time of the year. Every week we gather in the conference room and go over possible games, promotions and ideas that will make the game more enjoyable for the fans. The meetings start out with us shouting out ideas, some good ones and some not so good. These ideas come from all over; maybe we saw it at another ballpark, maybe we dreamed about it the night before or it could be something that just seems crazy enough to be fun. No matter what the idea is or where it came from no idea is shot down, at first. Some of the simplest or craziest ideas have turned out to be some of the greatest promotions of the year.
Here is a quick example of how a simple idea turned out to be a great hit.
Whoever would have thought that holding a TiVo over your head would be a great promotional idea? No one at first but after the season everyone loved it. The game consisted of four fans holding a TiVo box over their heads for as long as possible. The fan that was able to hold the box up the longest won the TiVo along with a year subscription. When the idea first came up it sounded to simple and stupid to even try. By the end of the season fans and employees couldn’t wait for the TiVo game. The crowd would actually cheer for the individual they wanted to win. This is why no idea is ever turned down, because the crazier the idea the better chance of it being a success.
The TiVo game was just one idea of how a simple idea can turn into a great hit. Our list of promotional ideas is filled with ideas that seem a little out there and some that even I can’t mention. The list is extremely long but by the time the season comes around we have trimmed that list down to only the ideas that are for sure winners and maybe a few that will leave you thinking; how on earth did they come up with that idea.
Those crazy ideas are the key to minor league baseball, the ones that leave you thinking. Any club with a million dollar budget can come up with a promotion idea that everyone will love but being able to come up with a promotion that will only coast a few thousand dollars and will be enjoyable for the fans is a little tougher.
That is why we start the process as soon as possible. The meetings start several weeks after the season has ended but the idea process is an ongoing affair. We listen to the fans’ comments during the season and keep our eyes and ears open all year round in hopes of running across the next big promotion idea, even bigger than the bobblehead.
So when all of you, our fans, are getting in that holiday spirit and worrying about what dish to bring to the holiday party; we are sitting here racking our brains trying to come up with the next big promotional idea. Sure we might take a few minutes out of the day to have snowball fights and make snow angels but mostly it’s all business at Dutchess Stadium. Just incase the boss happens to read this I was joking about the snowball fights and snow angels.
Winter Meetings12/03/2007 12:47 PM - Renegades Blog
The Winter Meetings have begun and trade rumors are flying all over the place. Which team will end up with two-time Cy Young winner Johan Santana? Which jersey will Miguel Cabrera sport this upcoming season? The answers to these questions and much more will be discussed during the Winter Meetings this week in Nashville.
Once a year the baseball community meets to discuss possible trades, new rules and look at ways to better enhance the game for the fans. If all the action leading up to the Winter Meetings is any indication of how the meetings will go don’t forget to pack your shorts and a Hawaiian shirt because it’s going to be a hot one.
Leading the way in trade rumors is Minnesota’s ace Santana. Late last week it looked as though the Yankees were leading the pack for possible teams that would get Santana, but just as the winds do things have away of changing. As of this weekend the Red Sox made an unexpected jump to the front of the pack offering Jacoby Ellsbury, minor league shortstop Jed Lowrie and a pitching prospect, such as Justin Masterson or Michael Bowden. Ellsbury would be a good fit for the Twins who just recently lost center fielder Torii Hunter to the Angels. The Twins will have to think quick on their feet this week as the Yankees have given the Twins until the end on the day Monday to make a decision on the Yankees offer, right-hander Phil Hughes, Melky Cabrera and a prospect.
The astonishing third baseman Miguel Cabrera will also be a hot commodity that any team would like to have. Last season he put up all-star numbers that would make any team stretch their pocket book to sign him. He slugged 34 homeruns along with 119 RBI, on his way to a .320 batting average. His 34 HRs and 119 RBI were good enough for first on the Marlines in 2007 and his .320 BA was only .012 away from leading the team. Right now the Angels are actively seeking Cabrera. The Angels are ready to offer four players for Cabrera; Howie Kendrick, Ervin Santana, Nick Adenhart and another position player (probably someone who can play the hot corner). As of right now nothing has been etched in stone; so make sure to pay close attention because Cabrera is an infielder that will move fast.
The Winter Meetings are not only for talking trades with other clubs but away for the baseball community to gather in one place and discuss ways to improve the game. One topic that has caught everyone’s eye has been the discussion of instant replay. Right now nothing is certain but it was seriously discussed at the GM meetings a few weeks back and has only gained support since than. Instant replays could help make sure those border line plays are always called correctly but who is to say that instant replay will make sure the correct call is being made. We have all watched the NFL and instant replay doesn’t always mean the correct call. I think it is something that is worth looking at as long as it doesn’t interfere with the pace of the game and there are very tight guidelines on what can and cannot be reviewed. Keep a close eye on the Winter Meetings for any breakthroughs.
The trades and new rules talks are always what the fans find most interesting about the Winter Meetings but the meetings are also home to the largest baseball trade show. Teams from all over visit the Winter Meetings not for the trades but for the merchandise. Everything from promotion, video boards and new merchandise is on display at the Winter Meetings. This is a great one-stop shop for minor league teams to acquire the newest merchandise and bone up on some of the latest technology that is out there. Fans might enjoy reading about the day-to-day trade talks in Nashville right now but come summer time it will be everything else that went on during the Winter Meetings that will make the crowds cheer.
Check in next week and will give you all an insiders view of what goes on at Dutchess Stadium during the off-season.
The Season is Just Around the Corner01/15/2008 8:31 AM - Renegades Blog
Just when you think that summer is just around the corner winter peeks its head around the corner one more time. Just yesterday I was outside tossing the ball around in shorts and a long sleeve shirt. I’m ready for those late night games, peanuts until you burst, the smell of freshly cut grass, long fly balls flying over the outfield wall and the sound of Zolz announcing the starting lineup. Like most of you I have the baseball itch worst than a case of Poisson Ivy
No need to worry because the great spring camp is almost here, Spring Training. To every baseball fan out there Spring Training holds a special place in their hearts. It’s a time for your team to start over and forget what happened last season and focus on the upcoming season. I know it might be cliché but it’s a fresh start and everyone starts the season in first place. I’m a Twins fan and every spring I look forward to seeing the young and upcoming talent. The Twins much like the Rays rely on their farm systems to help keep them competitive. So those young stars that are invited to Spring Training as non-roster invitees might just end up making the difference come October. It’s always nice to say that I knew that kid would be good when I saw him during Spring Training. Being able to scout out the young talent and second-guess the manager always makes a fan feel closer to the game.
Besides being able to see the future big league sluggers before there are stars what other place in the world can you find four baseball games within a four-mile radius...no where that I know of. Spring Training is the perfect way to start off the baseball season. You can watch any where from two to five games a day and see anywhere from two to ten future all-star day. Is there any better way to spend a February day…I think not.
A side note for all you Rays fans out there. The Rays pitchers and catchers are scheduled to start practice Feb. 15 and the rest of the team will start Spring Training Feb. 20. All-Star Game08/14/2007 9:20 PM - Renegades Blog
Jeff Goldklang is the President of the Hudson Valley Renegades. I got the opportunity to speak with him about the preparation for the events that took place this week. This is the third year the New York-Penn League is holding the All-Star Game. The Renegades had big shoes to fill after Brooklyn and Aberbeen did spectacular jobs hosting the event. The Renegades organization decided they would make a statement. By doing this, the events took months and months of preparation and brainstorming. Jeff explains the occasion as a “season within a season.” The West Point Tour, Golf Outing, Gala, Fan Fest and Game were the main events that took place this year. The Gala had a lot of praise due to its respectable guests. Bucky Dent, a former NY Yankees shortstop, spoke at the Gala and even did a Q&A. Fans were able to interact with the former major-leaguer which gave the whole evening a more personal and friendly feel. When Jeff Goldklang woke up this morning he was nervous about the days’ events. However, he is now filled with satisfaction, excitement and pride. He thanks his staff and the very loyal fans the Renegades have for producing such a spectacular event. All-Star Game08/14/2007 9:19 PM - Renegades Blog
I have never met a more delightful couple than Lois and Bob. Their love for baseball, especially the Renegades is apparent through their dedication to the team. The All-Star Game included many special events throughout the week, including the Celebratory Gala, which Lois and Bob attended. I spoke with them about their evening with the New York-Penn League community. Lois bought Bob tickets to the Gala as an early Birthday present. They had a spectacular evening! The food was great, the speakers were magnificent and the view of the Hudson River was outstanding. Lois and Bob could not be happier with the event. Although this is their fourth year being a season ticket holder, this is their first All-Star Game. Today, they arrived at three o’clock to watch batting practice (which was Bob’s favorite) and stayed for the entire game and fireworks. This week has been a mini vacation that they greatly enjoyed! Meet Lurch..08/07/2007 7:39 PM - Renegades Blog
If you’ve been to a Renegades game, I am sure you have seen our entertainment guru- Lurch. He’s usually dressed in a Hawaiian shirt and pumping up the crowd! Sky Suites08/05/2007 7:08 PM - Renegades Blog
As I walked into Skybox 3, I saw little kids playing, parents chatting, people eating, kids watching DVDs and people watching the game. This is the atmosphere of a sky suite; they are a great way to enjoy a Renegades game! I had the chance to speak with Mickey Squillante about his experience in the suites. He comes five times a year, which is part of his time-share, to enjoy birthdays and other special occasions with his family and friends. It’s a great time for everyone to get together and watch some baseball! Mickey’s favorite part of the suites is the air conditioning! Who can blame him with this heat? He also enjoys the food, the couches and the relaxed atmosphere. He describes the suite as “awesome, lots of fun and great food.” There are a lot of packages that are offered for the suites. The time-share is the most popular, you get 5 games a season; included is a give-away and firework game. The suites go on sale in November and are usually sold out before March! I enjoyed speaking with Mickey, learning more about the skyboxes and hanging out in the air-conditioned suite! Foam Finger Fun!07/29/2007 1:59 PM - Renegades Blog
Wandering around the stadium, I see foam fingers waving, brand new t-shirts being worn and programs being signed by the mascots. So many fans buy Renegades items to show their support, but who’s the person behind the trendy products? Adam Altwerger is the manager of merchandise for the Renegades. He is a full-time intern and a 5th year employee at the Stadium. The store has had incredible success this year, so I spoke with Adam to find out why, what are they doing differently? To start off with, the Renegades Go Mini Market is brand new (see picture below). They have two of them, one on the first-base side and the other by the main gates. Adam really likes this addition because it allows the fans easy access to their favorite items and minimal lines. We want to make sure the fans don’t miss out on the game by waiting in lines to purchase fun gear, and the markets allow this. Another new addition, and my personal favorite, are the foam fingers!! They are fun and encourage fan participation. As far as I am concerned, the foam fingers are very crucial for the game and our victories. Other new items in the store are: kids hats, ski hats, baby bibs, old player t-shirts and jerseys! The programs also have a new design to incorporate the All-Star game, which we are hosting this year. Bob Blumenfeld, from New City, described the store, “everything is great, this place is great.” To wrap up my interview, I asked Adam what his favorite part of the job is, and he replied, “knowing that our store is so successful this year and our fans love the products, it makes me feel like I am doing my job right and fulfilling the fans needs and wants.” Adam's pride in his store and his workers is certainly obvious. The store and mini markets are always in impeccable condition. Thank you Adam for providing us with great merchandise and a friendly, fun-filled store to buy them in!
The Fronk Fans07/26/2007 5:56 PM - Renegades Blog
Reid Fronk had quite the fan club tonight. Red "Camp Eagle Hill" shirts took over almost an entire section at the stadium and the campers to show their admiration for the player constructed a giant banner. Camp Eagle Hill is in its 45th year of existence. The 180 campers that reside in Elizaville, NY for seven weeks get to make trips every Thursday. This Thursday was Dutchess Stadium to see the Renegades play! I had the pleasure of speaking with several counselors whom filled me in on their love for Fronk and the Renegades. The counselors explained that Reid Fronk is the campers’ favorite player and they were "terribly upset" he was not playing. However, that could not ruin their night, they took full advantage of Speed Pitch and tried their hardest to win a t-shirt (which is their favorite giveaway). Their energy radiated throughout the stadium. The counselors also explained the difference between our stadium and most major league stadiums, "its more fun, cleaner, family friendly and comfortable." We are glad they enjoyed themselves and it was a pleasure speaking with them. See you next year campers!
Christmas in July!07/25/2007 5:22 PM - Renegades Blog
Snow, ornaments, presents, pajamas and Santa! It was just like Christmas day at the Stadium. The spirit of Christmas was alive tonight. We had an energetic crowd that truly enjoyed the songs and decorations. We want to thank the many fans that donated gifts to Pitch For Kids! Instead of writing about the fun, I will let you view it, enjoy the fan photos below!
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