Can-Am Brockton Rox

Wednesday is Grandstand Manager's Day

August 17, 2004 - Canadian American League (Can-Am)
Brockton Rox News Release


BROCKTON – Giving baseball fans the chance they've always wanted, the Rox will present "Grandstand Manager's Day" Wednesday, Aug. 18, for the noon game vs. the New Haven County Cutters.

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 will give fans the opportunity to help manager Ed Nottle make game decisions.

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.

Rox fans will have the same opportunity on Wednesday at noon. As they enter Campanelli Stadium, they will be given signs with ‘Yes' on one side and ‘No' on the other. During the game, messages will appear on the video scoreboard in center field asking the grandstand managers to vote on a play: Should a pitcher begin warming up in the bullpen? Should the batter attempt a bunt? Should the pitcher intentionally walk the batter? The grandstand managers will then vote on the play by holding up their signs and the Rox will execute the play as determined by the grandstand managers.

"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. "And since they are making the decisions, they can't complain about them afterwards!"

"Grandstand Manger's Day" is Wednesday, Aug. 18. The game has a rare noon start. Tickets for the game are available and can be purchased in person at the Rox box office, by phone at (508) 559-7070, or by visiting www.brocktonrox.com.

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Canadian American League Stories from August 17, 2004


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