SAL1 Asheville Tourists

Tourists Snuff Greenville's Attempt at Jinxing Asheville's Playoff Drive

Published on August 27, 2010 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Asheville Tourists News Release


Pennant races can produce a plethora of promotions at the minor league level, particularly when prodded by the opponent. With the first-place Asheville Tourists battling the second-place Greenville Drive this weekend at Fluor Field for what could decide supremancy in the South Atlantic League's second-half Southern Division race, the current leaders have announced from the mountain top some updates to their playoff plans in hopes of uplifting the spirts of those from the Upstate.

After the Drive announced on Thursday the team is now selling "Asheville Tourists playoff tickets" in hopes of jinxing the Asheville nine, the Tourists have expanded their post-season plans to incorporate Greenville baseball fans since baseball will still be played McCormick Field once the regular season concludes. The Tourists will honor all unused Drive season tickets and playoff game tickets at McCormick Field for post-season action. Also, in an effort to help Greenville unload its remaining 2010 apparel, the Tourists will offer any fan wearing this year's Drive regalia free admission to the hallowed grounds known as McCormick Field for the first round of the playoffs.

"We know what we're doing in terms of selling playoff tickets since this will be the third straight year we've reached post-season play," said Tourists general manager Larry Hawkins. "Based on what the Drive announced yesterday, it appears that our friends to the south are facing reality so that they can move on from their disappointing but well-fought season. We too are trying to ease their pain and will welcome them with open arms once the playoffs begin on Wednesday, September 8."

For Drive fans looking to watch playoff baseball on a budget, the Tourists also have created a special 99-cent Greenville ticket package. By presenting their South Carolina drivers license, for less than one George Washington, Drive fans can enjoy the view of the September 8 contest from the Memorial Stadium bleachers that reside above McCormick Field. Included in the package is a bag of soggy boiled peanuts to make Greenville fans feel at home. The Tourists have also arranged for an English professor from UNC Asheville to be on hand to address the group on the usage of "drive" as a noun and a verb.

"We're just trying to help in any way we can," said Tourists president Brian DeWine. "I'm sure their disappointment will be substantial but I know a trip to McCormick Field will help ease their tremendous letdown."

Tourists playoff tickets are the same price as regular-season tickets, with adult advance prices only $7 for general admission and $10 for box seats. Children, military and senior prices in advance are $6 for general admission and $8 for box seats. For the team's first playoff game, the Tourists will admit kids 12 and under free of charge for general admission seating.

"We're really encouraging baseball fans to buy their playoff tickets from the Tourists," said Patrick Spence, Asheville's box office manager. "Let's face facts. The Drive are selling $5 tickets that allow you to dodge hard-hit line drives while sliding around on mud and wet grass at Fluor Field. At McCormick Field, we provide fans with an actual seat and protective netting in order to catch lazy foul balls as souvenirs."

The Tourists are also delaying the Drive's impending doom of the season's end by making life easier for their neighbors in these tough economic times. The Tourists are offering to employ some of the Drive's part-time game-day staff for the playoffs. The team is also willing to sign Greenville on-field personality J Dew to a one-day contract to serve as Pudge The Wonderboy's sidekick while showing him some new tricks to the entertainment trade.

Meanwhile, Asheville's beloved mascot and biggest fan, Ted E. Tourist, has decided to throw caution to the wind despite the Drive's suggestion that jinxes play a role in the outcome of baseball games. He was spotted earlier today standing on the foul lines at McCormick Field while practicing some of his playoff pantomimes. He also walked under a ladder on the concourse and carried a lost black cat to safer surroundings. Ever the courteous bear, Ted E. also has made arrangements to deliver the game ball for the opening playoff contest in a BMW to help ease the pain of Drive fans.

"This has been a great pennant race, with perennial South Atlantic League manager of the year Joe Mikulik putting together his traditional second-half run to the playoffs and our players displaying more heart and effort than any team we've had in recent history," Hawkins said. "We appreciate the Drive using their innovative ideas to provide competition, and we want to welcome them to the party that we call the playoffs. Hopefully we'll see lots of fans at McCormick Field once the postseason begins on September 8."

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South Atlantic League Stories from August 27, 2010


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