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SL1 Mississippi Braves

M-Braves Win Southern League Promotional Award

September 5, 2014 - Southern League (SL1)
Mississippi Braves News Release


PEARL, MS -- The Southern League of Professional Baseball Clubs has announced its year-end awards, thus honoring the Mississippi Braves with the Southern League Promotional Award. With the league victory, the M-Braves will also be nominated for the Larry MacPhail Award which honors the Minor League Baseball team demonstrating the most outstanding promotional work. The award is presented annually at the Baseball Winter Meetings.

"We are truly humbled and honored that our peers would select the Mississippi Braves for this prestigious award," said M-Braves General Manager Steve DeSalvo. "Our entire staff worked tirelessly to make the 2014 season a banner year and quite a memorable one."

The Mississippi Braves celebrated its 10th season in Mississippi throughout 2014, setting numerous records along the way. For the third straight season, the M-Braves increased overall attendance-welcoming 211,200 fans through the gates despite losing three dates due to rain. It was the Braves' best attendance figure since the M-Braves 2008 championship season.

Promotions for the 2014 season were amped up to celebrate the past decade of Double-A baseball in Mississippi. As DeSalvo mentioned, the loaded promotional calendar was the largest in M-Braves history. "Of course the success from these promotions would not be possible without the tremendous sponsor, season ticket holder and fan support we received this season and every season we have been in Mississippi," he said.

The Braves packed the 2014 promotional calendar with tons of giveaways including a series of five bobbleheads. Former M-Braves Freddie Freeman, Evan Gattis, Jason Heyward, Craig Kimbrel and Andrelton Simmons all had a bobblehead night. From foam tomahawks, water bottles, jerseys, tshirts and balls to calendars, posters, caps and towels, the M-Braves gave away a ton of various free souvenir items at the gates.

Mascot acts returned to Trustmark Park this past season in full force. Most acts performed on back-to-back nights. From the well-known Birdzerk, Reggy, Myron Noodleman and the Zooperstars to Rally, the Inflatamaniacs and The SweetRight Brothers, fans were sure to catch great, entertaining acts between innings.

Many former Atlanta Braves stopped by for A-Braves Alumni Nights this year. Sid Bream, Chris Chambliss, Marquis Grissom, Brian Jordan, Ryan Klesko, Leo Mazzone, Dale Murphy and Mark Wohlers all stopped by Trustmark Park at various times throughout the season. All of the former Braves threw out ceremonial pitches and signed autographs for fans. Duck Dynasty star Mountain Man, Tim Guraedy, also dropped by in early June to meet M-Braves fans.

Weekly promotions also filled the calendar. Once again, the M-Braves shot fireworks every Friday home game in addition to giving away numerous flat screen televisions as part of Flat Screen Friday. Thirsty Thursday returned along with Sunday's mega FamilyFest package. Kids were also invited to run the bases every Sunday. On Tuesdays, Trustmark sponsored a "Terrific 10 Tuesday" where fans were able to take part in huge deals themed around the number 10. At the final Tuesday game, lucky fans from previous Tuesday night games were able to participate in a $10,000 Cash Drop.

In 2015, the Mississippi Braves look to continue to build on its past success. Planning is already underway, and the M-Braves hope to make 2015 even better. Opening Day is set for Thursday, April 9 against the Tennessee Smokies at Trustmark Park.

The Mississippi Braves baseball team is the Double-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. Since making the move from Greenville, SC, in 2005, over 85 M-Braves have gone on to play in the big leagues. The M-Braves have made postseason play three times and went on to win the Southern League Championship in 2008. The M-Braves open the 2015 season on Thursday, April 9 against the Tennessee Smokies. Season tickets are on sale now. Stop by Trustmark Park or call 888-BRAVES4 Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. For the latest news and updates, visit mississippibraves.com, facebook.com/mbraves and twitter.com/mbraves.

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