EL1 Altoona Curve

With the Oven Mitts Stranded at Sea, Curve Call An Audible

Published on May 29, 2014 under Eastern League (EL1)
Altoona Curve News Release


CURVE, Pa. - A ship's mechanical failure has left the highly-anticipated Starling Marte Oven Mitts stranded at sea. So, the Altoona Curve (Pittsburgh Pirates' Double-A affiliate) and their vendor for the project, Promotional Adventures, are attempting to make the best of it. On Sunday, fans will receive another kitchen item themed on the former Curve/current Pirates' outfielder's accomplishments.

The first 1,500 fans to Sunday afternoon's game against New Hampshire will now receive a Starling Marte Outfield Assist Record Holder Pot Holder. The 2011 Eastern League Rookie of the Year and Batting Champion also claimed a club record that season with 18 outfield assists. The pot holder has that number, a printed copy of Marte's signature, and reference to it being an "I.O.U" for the Oven Mitts when they arrive. Gates open at 12 p.m. on Sunday, an hour before the 1 p.m. first pitch between the Curve and Fisher Cats.

"These Oven Mitts are so sought after that the boat didn't want to give them up in time for Sunday's giveaway," said Curve General Manager Rob Egan. "Seriously, though, there's no sense in dwelling on the problem, so we instead came up with a fun solution and the first 1,500 fans will wind up getting something extra and a fun story to tell. At the end of the day, it's another promotion that's got an interesting Minor League memory attached to it."

The oven mitt giveaway was inspired by the protective shield Marte wore on his right hand late last season after sustaining an injury to it. The shield, affectionately dubbed an "oven mitt" by Pirates' broadcaster Bob Walk, allowed Marte to be inserted into games as a pinch runner late last season until his hand healed fully. In its own way, the "oven mitt" became a piece of Pittsburgh sports lore as the Pirates went on to their first winning season and post-season berth since 1992.

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Eastern League Stories from May 29, 2014


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