In some ballparks to create a greater connection between the fans and the team they support, teams have created a section where fans can sit (or stand) to support their star pitcher. Seattle has the King’s Court in honor of Felix Hernandez, Texas has the Kia Yuniverse for Yu Darvish, and watching Wednesday’s game I saw a large group of people wearing “Stand for Harvey” where I’m guessing they stand all game long while Matt Harvey is out on the field. That last bit of news is so fresh, I can’t find any articles on it, but I promise I saw it! This bit of marketing got me thinking: which team will do it next, and what will they go with? I feel that the teams that use this strategy (a great one, in my opinion, because you’re following a pitcher, not a batter) do so to boost attendance, and teams with very high attendance would be less likely to do this, but you never know, because there’s probably dollars to be found there.
These ideas will vary in quality. That is your warning.
Apr 17, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Fans in the King
Arizona Diamondbacks — The #IPK hashtag is also used for Ian Kennedy, so how about “I Plus Kennedy”.. no wait, come back!
Atlanta Braves — “Hudson’s Columbus Crew” since Tim Hudson was born in Columbus, Georgia
Baltimore Orioles — “Hammel’s HammerHouse” for Baltimore ace Jason Hammel (or just cut out the “hammer”)
Boston Red Sox — Jon Lester is their ace, so I like another pun for this one in “Lester is More”
Chicago Cubs — Jeff Samardzija can be an impressive pitcher, but he also has an impressive name. “Spelling with Samardzija”
Chicago White Sox — The “Not for Sale” club for Chris Sale!
Cinncinnati Reds — I see Mat Latos as a very serious guy, so I like a section for “Latos’ Lighter Side” for the bleachers
Cleveland Indians — You think I’m going to do something with Justin Masterson‘s name, don’t you. “He’s your Master, Son.” You were right.
Colorado Rockies — I want a “Hip, hip, Jorge” section in the bleachers to catch the homers off of Jorge de la Rosa, but that’s mean. Maybe a section called “Jorge’s Roses” and make it rhyme?
Detroit Tigers — The “JV MVP” club since Justin Verlander wins all the awards.
Houston Astros — Bud Norris is the “ace?” Then I give you “Norris’ Forest” and please get the Knights of Ni involved.
Apr 1, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher James Shields (33) delivers a pitch during the second inning against the Chicago White Sox at US Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Kansas City Royals — James Shields has his nickname done for him, and that gives him his section of “Big Game James” club easy to deliver
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim — For Jered Weaver, I give you “The Wings of Weaver.” Jackpot.
Los Angeles Dodgers — Get the kids involved, Dodgers! Get “Kershaw’s Kidz” going. Don’t do the “s” at the end of “kids” otherwise it’ll sound like Clayton Kershaw is the father of all those children. Would be a really bad hollywood rumor.
Miami Marlins — “Ricky Nooooooooo” would be a very mean thing to create for Ricky Nolasco, so what about “The Tabasco of Nolasco.” Make everybody dress up as the home run sculpture or a bottle of tabasco.
Milwaukee Brewers — With Yovani Gallardo‘s recent DUI, I have to be very careful with this one. If only the “Good Guys” company was still around to sponsor that “Gallardo’s Good Guys!” idea…
Apr 1, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Vance Worley (49) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Minnesota Twins — Vance Worley, like Shields, has his nickname made, so “The Vanimals” would be an easy section to name.
New York Yankees — CC Sabathia should get a section that’s “CC’s City.” I feel like that could actually happen.
Oakland Athletics — They showed they have a great bleacher section when Grant Balfour came in last year. I really want the “Balfour Strike Three” section, but how frequently would that be used?
Philadelphia Phillies — Who can the Phillies get behind right now? Cliff Lee, that’s who. Did you know his middle name is “Phifer?” This is pherfect. “Phifer’s Phanatics.”
Pittsburgh Pirates — Since I just did that with Lee, I’d feel redundant doing “Burnett’s Bucs” for A.J. Burnett… “Baywatching Burnett?” although a river doesn’t really have a bay does it…
Mar 9, 2013; Peoria, AZ, USA; San Diego Padres relief pitcher Huston Street (16) pitches during the sixth inning against the Texas Rangers at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
San Diego Padres — For the rebellious bunch to get behind Huston Street, get a “Huston, we are the problem” section going of rowdy (but respectful) fans. Just wondering how quickly that section will dissolve once Street gets injured.
San Francisco Giants — The Giants give just about anybody they can animal nicknames. They still back Matt Cain (the “horse”), so why not create “The Stable.” If you think this would be their worst idea, it really wouldn’t be.
St. Louis Cardinals — Adam Wainwright? “All Wright” section for the fans.
Tampa Bay Rays — “The Price is Right” would be too easy, and maybe a little painful for David Price supporters, especially if he gets traded mid-season. What if they did “Give Me Moore” for Matt Moore?
Toronto Blue Jays — Now I have to be even more careful with this one. For R.A. Dickey, why not the “R.A.Dickels”
Washington Nationals — Stephen Strasburg, excellent pitcher, I finish this with “The Stras Brass.”
Being a one man idea creator is hard, let me hear what you got!