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Can-Am Brockton Rox

Rox let fans be grandstand managers

August 18, 2004 - Canadian American League (Can-Am)
Brockton Rox News Release


BROCKTON – Borrowing a page from promotions genius Bill Veeck, father of Rox consultant Mike Veeck and the Hall of Fame owner of the Cleveland Indians, St. Louis Browns, and Chicago White Sox, the Rox gave their fans the opportunity to help manager Ed Nottle make decisions in today's game vs. the New Haven County Cutters.

As owner of the Browns, on Aug. 24, 1951 – just five days after he hired midget Eddie Gaedel to bat for the Browns – Bill Veeck staged "Grandstand Manager's Day," perhaps his most elaborate stunt. With Veeck, former Philadelphia Athletics manager Connie Mack, and thousands of fans holding placards that said ‘Yes' on one side and ‘No' on the other, publicity director Bob Fishel held up cards with proposed moves - steal, bunt, change pitchers - to which the grandstand managers flashed their opinions. While manager Zack Taylor puffed a pipe and relaxed in a rocking chair, the fans called an excellent game: The Browns won, 5-3, to stop a four-game losing streak.

Today, Rox fans were able to vote on the lineup and several game decisions. Before the game, Rox fans voted to have second baseman Hector Henriquez bat second. He responded with his first home run of the season, a solo shot to left field, in the first inning. In the seventh inning, the Grandstand Managers decided to have Benji Deguin enter the game in relief of starting pitcher Jon Koch. With a runner on and two outs, Deguin struck out New Haven's Hector Lebron looking, on four pitchers. However, in the eighth inning Deguin allowed four runs. The fans were also able to decide on between-innings promotions, choosing sumo wrestling over the frozen T-shirt contest.

"This is a great way to not only honor Bill Veeck, one of the true visionaries of this game, but also to give our fans the opportunity to really be a part of the game," said Rox president Jim Lucas.

The Rox lost the game, 8-2.

The Rox have seven home games remaining in the regular season. For tickets, visit the Rox box office at Campanelli Stadium, call (508) 559-7070, or visit www.brocktonrox.com.

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