Flying Tigers Set to Take Flight
Spring Training 2008 has just concluded. The Tigers have left town and the Flying Tigers are ready for the Florida State League season to begin. The Tigers finished the spring training season with a record of 15-14. We surpassed the previous overall attendance record and broke a number of concession records. As you can imagine, we had a great spring training season.
Since I last wrote, I have participated in the production of a commercial and a morning radio show. A few weeks ago, Major League Baseball (MLB) filmed a commercial with Tigers pitcher, Dontrelle Willis in Lakeland. I was asked to supervise the shoot and to help, when needed. The purpose of the commercial was to promote MLB’s RBI program, which stands for Revising Baseball in Inner-Cities. Willis was a great promoter of the program because he was once in RBI. It was neat to view the commercial as it was being filmed. Before the camera crews began shooting, Willis performed voiceovers. Next, he was filmed as a coach talking to his pitcher and catcher on the pitching mound. Then, he was filmed with children from both teams on the pitcher’s mound after the conclusion of the game. The commercial debuted on Opening Night for MLB. It will run on ESPN, TBS, and Fox throughout the remainder of the season.
As I mentioned, I also assisted with the production of a morning radio show. Two radio personalities from Detroit held a live show at Joker Marchant Stadium. I was to make sure both hosts had their scripts prior to the beginning of the show. I enjoyed having the opportunity to view the production of a morning radio show and what was needed for the show to function. Both of the opportunities gave me terrific insight on how vital the media is to sports teams. Now more than ever, I realize how much fans rely on the media for information about their favorite teams and sports.
Tonight the Flying Tigers will square off against Southeastern University in an exhibition game. We will be giving away a free master’s degree to one Polk County elementary school teacher. For teachers to be eligible for the contest, they had to submit their answers to six essay questions stating, “Why I deserve a free master’s degree.” I am really looking forward to the announcement. Imagine receiving a free master’s degree! Wow, if that could only be me!
On Wednesday, the Flying Tigers will open the 2008 season away against the Tampa Yankees. The Flying Tigers home opener is scheduled for Friday against the defending Florida State League Champions, Clearwater Threshers.
Come see the Flying Tigers at Joker Marchant Stadium!
I am really looking forward to the beginning of our minor league season. I am looking forward to our weekly promotions, meeting new people, and continuing my internship in media relations.
My senior paper is due in two weeks! I have been able to work on it, but I still have a great deal to complete. I would like to get a lot done this week, especially with a six game home stand beginning next week. Once I complete my paper, then I will begin working on my senior presentation. After I present, I graduate! Wow, I can’t believe it is right around the corner!