A major reason baseball fans love minor league ball is because of some of the gimmicks and promotional gags they come up with. Well, the Brooklyn Cyclones will change their name for one day to the Baracklyn Cyclones to honor the in-coming U.S. President Barack Obamba.
June 23, 2009 - "Inaugural Tuesday"
The Brooklyn Cyclones announced on January 11, 2009 that they will change their name to the "Baracklyn Cyclones" for one game and give away Barack Obama bobbleheads to the first 2,500 fans in honor of the new president. The big day chosen for the special promotion was June 23, 2009 for the game against the Hudson Valley Renegades, a game which the team is calling its "Inaugural Tuesday".
Jerseys, Flags And Band-Aids
Cyclones players will be wearing commemorative red-white-and-blue jerseys featuring the new name Baracklyn Cyclones, which will be auctioned during the game with proceeds going to the Jackie Robinson Foundation. Fans will receive American flags and discount coupons as they leave the ballpark - what the team calls "a clear-cut Exit Strategy". And as part of the Cyclones' "Universal Health Care", the first 1,000 fans will receive free Band-Aids.
Free Tickets For Baracks, McCains, Palins Or Plumbers Named Joe
The club management was really busy coming up with ideas and did not stop with entrance tickets. Anyone named Barack will get in for free. Fans named McCain or Palin will be given a free bleacher seat while any plumber named Joe gets two free tickets - "One for himself, and one to 'spread the wealth' with a friend," the Cyclones said on their website.
"Economic Stimulus Package" For Tickets
As part of the club's "Economic Stimulus Package", tickets for the June 23 game will be available from 10 a.m. on January 20 - Inauguration Day - to midnight on January 23 for prices "rolled back" to the Cyclones' inaugural 2001 season rates - $10/$8/$5 instead of the regular 2009 rates of $15/$12/$8. Tickets can be bought by calling 718-507-TIXX.
Four Seats Available For First Family
The Cyclones also said they will hold four seats directly behind home plate - Row A, Seats 1-4 - for the First Family, "should they decide to attend the festivities".
Obama Energizing Country
Cyclones GM Steve Cohen described the promotion idea on the website: "Barack Obama has energized and captivated the entire country, and we are proud to support our new president as America enters a new era in its history. The similarities between his name and our home borough opened up avenues for the Cyclones to incorporate that support in interesting and humorous ways." He added: "The President-elect's message is one of change. In an effort to pay homage to that idea, we're changing our prices, our policies, and the name of our team - for one day at least."
New Website
There is also a new website for the club - baracklyncyclones.com - featuring updates, photos, blogs and behind-the-scene insight.
Brief Cyclones History
The team is the New York Mets' short-season Class A New York - Penn League affiliate which plays at KeySpan Park just off the Coney Island boardwalk. The Cyclones name refers to the famous Coney Island Cyclone roller coaster at Coney Island's Astroland amusement park and was determined as part of a name-the-team contest. Among the former Cyclones players to reach the Major Leagues are Danny Garcia, Scott Kazmir, Mike Jacobs, Brian Bannister Joe Smith and Nick Evans.
