Don't get me wrong. I'm actually looking forward to this season. Everybody is tightening their belts and getting ready to play poker the way I like to play poker. Back to the wall, short stacked and hungry blinds. Our team is playing some shark dressed like a rock but pretending to be a fish poker. Win a pot here. Bluff a pot there. Don't chase the bad money. Attack the donkeys. Stay clear of the big dogs.
Nevertheless, I'm especially interested in the Padres marketing efforts. Obviously, it's going to be a lean year and they're slowly, but surely, scaling back on the extras to save some chips for the big moves to win this thing. But what exactly can they do? Here... Let us help through a series of potentially ill informed, but hopefully helpful posts.
Post number one. First thing's first. First pitch honorees.
I know what you're saying. First pitch honorees? Who cares about first pitch honorees?
Look at it this way. Do you think that there was a segment of the Padres fan base who showed up a few years back specifically to watch Anna Kournikova throw out the first pitch?
The answer is yes, because jbox and I belonged to that particular fan segment.
Therefore, here's my short list of ceremonial first pitch honorees who I'd like to see at Petco.
#1 Darren Sproles
via brian-oliver.com
I love me some Chargers and I love me some height challenged people and therefore, I love me some Darren Sproles. Sure. We were all disappointed by the playoff exit, but we're still a town that's down with the Chargers. The Padres need to have a series of Chargers throwing out the first pitch at Petco Park and they should start with Darren Sproles. Announce it well ahead of time and use it as an opportunity to get people out to Petco Park to thank the team for another AFC West Championship and to hail our conquering pint sized hero.
#2 Miss California / Pad Squad Carrie Prejean
via www.csus.edu
The owner of the Chargers has had his ups and downs among the Charger fan base, but there's no denying that he's helped put together a winner for us and also been very active in community giving. Recently diagnosed with dementia, I'm sure there are lots of Padre/Charger fans who would want to take the time to show up to a game and express their appreciation for some great Charger seasons.