Parker Gone! Mascot Exiles Self To Top Of Fresno!
Published on April 7, 2008 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Fresno Grizzlies News Release
FRESNO, CA - The unthinkable has happened. Less than five days prior to the Fresno Grizzlies home opener at Chukchansi Park, the team's beloved mascot has left the team over what he called "reconcilable differences" in a note left behind (attached). Challenging the team and its fans to âPack the Park' on Opening Day, Parker has walked out on the ballclub and retreated to the top of the tallest building in the City of Fresno, 1060 Fulton. The structure is also known to locals and tourists as the Security Bank Building.
"At first we thought Friday's warning that he was thinking of leaving the team was just an empty threat," said Grizzlies Vice President of Marketing Scott Carter. "He wants us to âPack the Park' on Friday against Tucson, and I guess he knows how important he is to the atmosphere at the game. At least he's somewhere we can keep an eye on him, or he can keep an eye on us."
Though Grizzlies management initially worried about Parker's well-being during an extended stay inside an office building, the mascot apparently did his homework before mapping out the plan. The Security Bank Building, originally constructed in the 1920's, and still the tallest building between Los Angeles and San Francisco, has undergone a transformation including living space in the last 12 months. It is unknown whether Parker has taken up residence within The Lofts at 1060 Fulton, or whether he plans to spend his time surveying the City from the building's balcony.
From his perch high above Downtown Fresno, Parker will have a bear's-eye view of Chukchansi Park and whether or not Fresno can âPack the Park' on Friday night. To this point, he has said that he will return to the Grizzlies if they and their fans can re-create the atmosphere of March 26 when the San Francisco Giants visited the Valley.
"There can be no Opening Day without Parker," said Andrew Stuebner, the team's Executive Vice President. "He challenged us last week, and today he's showing how serious he really is. It's up to all of us, the team, the fans, the City, to bring him back for Friday's game."
The Grizzlies continue their eight-game, season-opening road trip on Monday night in Tacoma, WA. The regular season at Chukchansi Park begins on April 11th when Fresno hosts the Tucson Sidewinders in Pacific Coast League action. For more information on the Grizzlies game schedule and promotional calendar, please call 559.320.HITS or visit fresnogrizzlies.com.
Pacific Coast League Stories from April 7, 2008
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- Salt Lake shuts out Sidewinders 4-0 - Tucson Sidewinders
- Redbirds beat Zephyrs 9-1 - New Orleans Baby Cakes
- Iowa doubles up Albuquerque, 8-4 - Iowa Cubs
- Sounds Drop Series Opener In Oklahoma, 6-1 - Nashville Sounds
- Limited Tickets Remain For River Cats' Opening Day - Sacramento River Cats
- Randy Johnson Scheduled To Make Second Start For Tucson Tuesday - Tucson Sidewinders
- RedHawks Game Notes - Oklahoma City Comets
- Royals Game Notes - Omaha Storm Chasers
- Zephyrs Draw 34,000+ For Opening Series - New Orleans Baby Cakes
- Parker Gone! Mascot Exiles Self To Top Of Fresno! - Fresno Grizzlies
- Kids Opening Day on the horizon - Memphis Redbirds
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
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