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'Horshack' makes appearance in promo preview 08/22/2006 9:00 AM ETBy Benjamin Hill / Special to MLB.com
Minor League Baseball teams are known for their game promotions. Every Tuesday, we preview 10 of the best for the upcoming week.
If you would like an upcoming promotion to be considered for this feature in the future, please send it to "benjamin.hill@mlb.com" with the subject line: promo preview.
Idaho Falls Chukars (Pioneer League)
Lynyrd Skynyrd Night
Tuesday, August 22 vs. Helena Brewers
On September 7, the immortal classic-rock act Lynyrd Skynyrd will play the Eastern Idaho State Fair. This surely ranks as one of the highlights of Idaho's 2006 concert calendar, and the Chukars want to make sure their fans are prepared for such a momentous rock event. On Tuesday, the club will be playing Skynyrd's music all game long, and fans will have the chance to win the band's CDs as well as tickets to the hotly anticipated state-fair performance.
Buffalo Bisons (International League)
Dunn Tire Park Replica Stadium Giveaway
Wednesday, August 23 vs. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons
On April 14, 1988, Buffalo's Dunn Tire Park opened for business. Over the ensuing 19 seasons, the stadium has hosted more than 1,300 Bisons games and been home to innumerable memorable moments (including the time in 1994 when actor John Stamos played drums during a Beach Boys concert). On Wednesday, the first 4,000 fans to enter the stadium's Swann Street entrance will receive a minutely detailed Dunn Tire Park replica. Even Stamos will want one.
Trenton Thunder (Eastern League)
Nicole Sherry Bobblehead Giveaway
Wednesday, August 23 vs. Erie SeaWolves
As the Trenton Thunder's head groundskeeper, Nicole Sherry is entrusted with the challenging task of keeping Mercer County Waterfront Park in tip-top shape. It's the sort of job that usually doesn't get much recognition, but on Wednesday the Thunder are honoring Ms. Sherry with her very own bobblehead doll. It's about time that groundskeepers got some respect. Without them, a baseball field would be nothing more than an overgrown vacant lot.
Oklahoma RedHawks (Pacific Coast League)
Latin Night featuring captured Chupacabra
Thursday, August 24 vs. Omaha Royals
Over the past 50 years, the Chupacabra (Spanish for "goat-sucker") has feasted on farm animals throughout Puerto Rico, Mexico and the United States. The hideous beast -- rumored to be some sort of alien/reptile/kangaroo hybrid -- saw its reign of terror come to an end last week, as RedHawks groundskeeper Monte McCoy captured the creature with a batting-practice net and knocked it out with a rake. On Thursday, the team is inviting all curious fans to come out and see the Chupacabra, live and in the flesh. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity that should not be missed at any cost -- just leave your goats at home.
Wilmington Blue Rocks (Carolina League)
Sal Fasano Bobblehead Giveaway
Thursday, August 24 vs. Myrtle Beach Pelicans
Here's the question on everyone's lips regarding the Blue Rocks' upcoming Sal Fasano bobblehead giveaway: what kind of facial hair will the doll have? Will it be the Fu Manchu that the 34-year-old sported when he was with the Philadelphia Phillies? Or will it be the more conservative 'stache he currently maintains as a member of the New York Yankees? The only way to find out for sure is to attend Thursday's game in Wilmington.
Columbus Catfish (South Atlantic League)
Insert Your Name Here Night
Friday, August 25 vs. Charleston RiverDogs
Who among us hasn't dreamed of being the guest of honor at a Minor League Baseball game? The Catfish know that this is a commonly held fantasy, so last month they asked fans to explain, in 100 words or less, why they deserve a special night at Columbus' Golden Park. The winner has yet to be announced, but he or she will be celebrated throughout Friday's game against the RiverDogs. In addition to receiving a Catfish jersey and cap, this fortunate individual will throw out the first pitch, select the music between innings, participate in on-field entertainment and join the grounds crew. Could life get any better than that?
Brevard County Manatees (Florida State League)
Plunger Giveaway
Saturday, August 26 vs. Palm Beach Cardinals
Sometimes it's best to do away with witty remarks and historical anecdotes and simply report the facts: on Saturday, the Brevard County Manatees will be giving away plungers. Unfortunately, that is currently all that is known about this unprecedented promo. Will it be a sink plunger? A toilet plunger? Will it be embossed with the Manatees logo? The world wants to know, but details are maddeningly vague at this point. You'll simply have to attend Saturday's game to find out.
Orem Owlz (Pioneer League)
Steve Sax Night
Saturday, August 26 vs. Billings Mustangs
NHL great Luc Robitaille and Olympic wrestler Rulon Gardner have already visited the home of the Owlz this season. Now, it's Steve Sax's turn. On Saturday, the former Major League All-Star (and one-time "Simpsons" guest voice) will grace Orem with his presence. Sax -- an alumnus of the Pioneer League -- will be on hand to sign autographs, throw out the first pitch and engage in mundane baseball-related conversation with all who tentatively approach him.
Yakima Bears (Northwest League)
Music Appreciation Night
Sunday, August 27 vs. Boise Hawks
The kazoo is the most democratic of musical instruments. A simple device that cuts across race, class and gender divisions, it unites all of humankind in the simple enjoyment of a hummed melody. The Bears recognize the kazoo's simple but profound revolutionary power and on Sunday will give them away to the first 500 fans in attendance. The kazoo giveaway is part of the club's "Music Appreciation Night," during which music will be appreciated.
Altoona Curve (Eastern League)
Ron "Horshack" Palillo Appearance
Monday, August 28 vs. Akron Aeros
"Welcome Back, Kotter" is probably best known for launching the career of John Travolta, but the show had many memorable characters. Chief among them was Arnold Horshack, a wheezing nerd with an annoying laugh. During the show's four-year run, the role of Horshack was ably handled by legendary thespian Ron Palillo, a Connecticut native who will be in Altoona on Monday night as part of the Curve's ongoing "Retro Celebrity Series." Palillo will infuse the role of "autograph signer" and "first-pitch thrower" with the same class and dignity that he brought to Horshack.
Upcoming Promos: Efren Ramirez Appearance (State College, August 31), Baseball for Babies Night (Boise, September 1), Appearance by Sgt. Slaughter and George "The Animal" Steele (Columbus, September 1), Shirt Off Our Back Promotion (Lowell, September 1), Jimmie Walker Appearance (Altoona, September 2), Fan Appreciation Night (Boise, September 2), World Record First Pitch Attempt (Brevard County, September 2), Skydivers! (Kane County, September 2), Movies on the Green (Mississippi, September 2), Anger Management Night (Augusta, September 3), World's Largest Game of 'Duck-Duck-Goose' (Hagerstown, September 3), Shirt Off Our Back (San Antonio, September 3), Fleece Blanket Giveaway (Brooklyn, September 7).
This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.
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