Second-Place Bluefish Gear Up for Father’s Day Weekend

By Bob Phillips

BRIDGEPORT – If you are one of the so-called “experts” who say that Bridgeport cannot support a minor league baseball team, put this in your pipe and smoke it: At some point in the upcoming homestand, the four millionth fan in franchise history will make his or her way through the turnstiles in this, the team’s 20th anniversary season. (For the mathematically challenged among ye, that translates into approximately 208,000 paying customers per season—not exactly chopped liver, right?)

The lucky four millionth fan will receive VIP treatment, and will become a lifetime member of the Bluefish. He or she will receive a lifetime pass to all future Bluefish games at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard, a personalized Bluefish jersey, a Bluefish hat, a team-autographed baseball, an interview on the Bluefish webcast during the game, a meet-and-greet with manager Luis Rodriguez following the contest, and the opportunity to throw out a ceremonial first pitch at a future game.

Indeed, the Atlantic League—widely regarded as the top independent circuit in the United States—is having yet another xxx season at the gate, having eclipsed the 2 million mark in paid attendance already. It is the fourth consecutive season the league has drawn 2 million or more fans, and the eighth time in the past 11 seasons it has hit that impressive mark. In general, Atlantic League players are highly experienced professionals, having progressed through professional baseball’s developmental levels (A, AA, AAA). Over 40 percent of Atlantic League players have MLB service. And much like the major leagues (and unlike organized minor-league baseball), the idea is to play to win. In the minors, it’s all about player development, with winning and losing taking a back seat.

“This will be a truly exciting event during our already-historic 20^th Anniversary Season of Bluefish baseball,” says Bluefish General Manager Paul Herrmann. “We would like to thank all the fans that made this possible throughout the years and encourage everyone to take part in Bluefish history this homestand and beyond.”

The Bluefish are currently amid a six-game homestand, and will entertain the Lancaster Barnstormers tonight and tomorrow night. First pitch for both games will be at 7:12 p.m. Over the weekend, the ’Fish will entertain the Atlantic League’s lone representative from the Lone Star State—the defending champion Sugar Land Skeeters. Bridgeport is currently in second place in the Liberty Division race, just 2.5 games behind the Somerset Patriots who, with a 31-20 record, own the best record in the Atlantic League.

Promotions Galore

Tonight’s game (Wednesday) will be Military Appreciation Night. All active-duty and retired military pesons can purchase tickets for just $7. In addition, the first 250 fans through the turnstiles will receive a free Pete Rose bobblehead. For ticket information, CLICK HERE.

The rest of the upcoming promotions:

• Thursday will be “Thirsty Thursday”—just as every Thursday is at the Ballpark at Harbor Yard. This week’s special is Brewport 12-ounce drafts for $4.25. For ticket information, CLICK HERE.
• Friday will be “Freebie Friday.” The first 500 fans will receive a Bluefish card set when entering the ballpark. For more information, CLICK HERE. First pitch is at 7:12 p.m.
• Saturday will be Summer Saturday/Superheroes Night, and will be followed by a fireworks display. For ticket information, CLICK HERE. Game starts at 6:12 p.m.
• Sunday, of course, will be Father’s Day at the ballpark. All fathers are invited to participate in a pre-game Fantasy Camp & BBQ. The fantasy camp will take run from 9 a.m.-noon, and will be followed by an all-you-can eat barbeque in the Harbor Club luxury suite, upstairs behind home plate. Menu items include salad, buffalo wings, barbeque ribs, hamburgers, coleslaw, and cookies and brownies for dessert. For family members (and fathers not participating in the fantasy camp), admission is $35 which includes the Bluefish-Skeeters game, as well as the all-you-can-eat BBQ and luxury seating in the Harbor Club. Fathers participating in the Fantasy Camp will be announced on the P.A. system during the game and will see their name on the Bluefish Video Board. To make a Father’s Day reservation, call 203-210-BLUE (2583), or email tickets@bridgeportbluefish.com. First pitch will be at 1:12 p.m.

—With Staff Reports