Minors primer: What’s new as MiLB returns in 2021?
FILE - Tulsa Drillers Hueston Morrill waits for his name to be announced at the Double-A baseball team s game against the Frisco RoughRiders in Tulsa, Okla., in this Tuesday, June 30, 2020, file photo. Minor league teams across the country are set to open their seasons Tuesday, May 4, 2021, returning baseball to communities denied the old national pastime during the coronavirus pandemic. (Ian Maule/Tulsa World via AP, File) Ian Maule
FILE - Players stand during the national anthem before the Rosemont Dogs played their baseball home-opener against the Milwaukee Milkmen at Impact Field in Rosemont, Ill., in this Tuesday, July 7, 2020, file photo. Minor league teams across the country are set to open their seasons Tuesday, May 4, 2021, returning baseball to communities denied the old national pastime during the coronavirus pandemic. (John Starks/Daily Herald, via AP, File) John Starks
Minor league teams across the country are set to open their seasons Tuesday, returning baseball to communities denied the old national pastime during the coronavirus pandemic. Capacities will differ by jurisdiction, but for most, it will be the first opportunity to see pro players in person since the entire 2020 season was canceled.
Of course, much has changed since the last affiliated games were played in 2019. There are fewer teams and leagues and Major League Baseball has introduced plans to use the minors as a testing ground for new rules that could improve pace of play or reduce player injuries.
Much will remain the same. Family-friendly prices, offbeat giveaways and outlandish team branding - more on those Trash Pandas below - remain key pillars of the minor league experience.
What’s in a name? For the Trash Pandas, $4 million in merchandise sales before first game
Updated 7:58 AM;
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“Yes, this is our real team name.”
It’s bizarre, crazy, weird … and popular.
That the Rocket City Trash Pandas are a minor league baseball team in Madison starting its first season this week is almost a secondary thought. It’s that nickname that grabs your attention and won’t let go.
That nickname is responsible for more than $4 million in merchandise sales since the team rolled it out in 2018. And whether you love it or hate it, it’s captivating.
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Mad Dog, Catfish and Bear: An all-animal lineup of Giants and A s in honor of #RallyRabbit
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Giants Pablo Sandoval stands in the on deck circle during Game 3 of the NLDS at AT&T Park on Monday, Oct. 6, 2014 in San Francisco, Calif.Carlos Avila Gonzalez / The Chronicle
First of all, apologies up front. We’re taking a little break from our regularly scheduled program to share some silliness a month into the season.
With #RallyRabbit all the rage at Oracle Park Alex the therapy bunny made another appearance Wednesday, this time in the bleachers we figured we’d go hog wild, have a whale of a time and let the cat out of the bag with an animal-driven roster of Giants and A’s. So holy cow, let’s take the bull by the horns and start this wild goose chase: