It’s that time once again, time for a fan’s review of the 2008 Delmarva Shorebirds season. Last season I had five complaints (or pans) about the season and unfortunately they’re all still concerns of mine. I knew some would be long-term but some can be addressed during the off-season.
- I’ve been told that it’s “on the radar” but the stadium really, really needs a new scoreboard and videoboard. From what I understand they were purchased second-hand for the stadium’s opening 12 years ago so I’m guessing these components are close to 20 years old. If we had to split the deal the scoreboard needs to be replaced first – it would be nice to have an operator who would update player stats and the like too. Along with that it would also be helpful to get an auxiliary scoreboard (just balls, strikes, outs, score) to be placed on the first base side.
- In a way this is related to suggestion number 1. Because of the nature of the stadium’s setup, a fan has to constantly turn around to watch the game while standing in line for food or drink. Why not a CCTV system with a camera in the pressbox following the action? As a trial basis I’d suggest the main first base and third base concession stands be equipped. You already have the TV’s at the third level concession stand, those would just have to be hooked in. Perhaps they can place them at the “season ticket holder express line” they instituted this season.
- There was some of this during this season, but it would be nice to have more player availabilities during the year where kids (and guys who pick Shorebirds of the Week) could get autographs and pictures. Seems like the “Bird Pen” was underutilized last season and even moreso this season. Oh, and a note to 2009 Shorebird players: we know you like the kids and giving out souvenirs, but save those cracked bats! That’s a key revenue source for the Shorebirds Fan Club.
- About fireworks. Yes, I realize they are a huge draw. But I make a plea to 96 Rock or 93.5 the Beach: please outbid Froggy for the fireworks because man, fireworks with country music just don’t get it for me. Especially when they reuse the song list for a couple-three dates in a row.
- Since we’re on music, you know I’m not letting this go by without my pet peeve. Thirsty Thursday is my favorite game day of the week but it’s just not the same as it was in 2005 when they had the local bands play pregame/postgame concerts. I recall it being a decent draw once the weather warmed up and you’ll have ten opportunities next season with seven of them after June 1st.
- The only attraction this year that I didn’t care much for were the Zooperstars, so Chris and staff picked pretty well. Just don’t bring them back unless they update their shtick. It got old pretty fast.
Now to those things I liked about the season and suggestions for next year, in sort of a stream of consciousness order. This was my first season as a “true” season ticket holder, previously my seat was my employer’s but they opted to not renew the tickets so I bought the seat I generally used anyway.
I went to enough games this year to actually get to know some of the fans who sat around me regularly, which was really good. The same goes for the concession stand; it got to be a standing joke between Jessica and I when I walked up and ordered “the usual”, my large diet Pepsi.
They didn’t change the Thirsty Thursday beer price; let’s hope that holds true for 2009.
Aside from the one attraction I ragged on above, the people who they brought in were pretty good. I really enjoyed the Bucket Boys and hopefully they’ll be back again – same goes for the Redskins cheerleaders. It would be nice to have another classic car show at the stadium, I think they did one in ’07 but none this season.
I think they ought to do an ’80’s theme night and while it’s tempting to think about doing a concurrent jersey auction, maybe that’s not such a good idea. Speaking of those, three jersey auctions seems like a nice amount but I’d like to have had another hat auction too. (Like I need another hat or jersey, but they are for a good cause.) You could even tie in an appearance by one of the ’83 Oriole players for an ’80’s theme night. (Gee, I notice we didn’t commemorate the 20th anniversary of that 0-21 Oriole start.)
One great perk of season ticket holding is having the Executive Club available for our use when no one else is using it. That was a great perk in April, let me tell you.
And we definitely need a day themed as a goodbye to Lake County, who we’ve done battle with for several years. I doubt the players or team personnel will miss that frequent eight-hour bus ride after next season. We don’t travel to Bowling Green, Kentucky next season so that’s no issue for us. (Both teams are switching from the South Atlantic League to the Midwest League for 2010.)
On the whole, I enjoyed all of the 55 or so games I made it to, even if I did freeze half to death a couple times and sat through an April doubleheader where we committed eleven errors. But there were a lot of fun moments too. The Shorebirds this season drew just a smidge more fans than last year’s edition in real numbers (this season’s total was 226,754) but the average attendance actually decreased very slightly because we managed 66 home dates this season compared to 64 last year. The average dropped by four fans, from 3,440 to 3,436. If it were a poll, we’re within the margin of error.
But I’m already saving my pennies for renewing my season ticket, hopefully next season in time to get a seat sticker. I never received one this season because I bought my ticket so late, the day before Opening Day. It’s an oversight I plan on rectifying for 2009.
And so I’m going to put my Shorebirds posts to bed for 2008, unless something major develops. I do encourage those interested to join our Fan Club, we do meet monthly during the off-season and those meetings are generally held the third Tuesday each month (this month is an exception, we meet September 23rd.) It’s not expensive and you get more opportunities to meet the players who could be the Orioles of the future.
Aside from that, I’ll finish watching the big leaguers play, start paying attention to the NFL and my Miami RedHawks after the World Series is over, and count the days until April 16, 2009 when we crank it up all over again at Perdue Stadium.
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