Cubs minor league team to host ‘Deflate Cancer Night’
Hours after a New York Yankees minor league affiliate weighed in on the NFL’s “deflategate” scandal, a Chicago Cubs minor league affiliate has taken it to the next level, announcing a deflategate-themed promotion that will double as a fundraiser in the battle against cancer.
The Myrtle Beach Pelicans, Chicago’s brand new Class A-Advanced team in the Carolina League, will hold Deflate Cancer Night on April 15, which will be the first of six games in the team’s Strike Out Cancer Series. According to the press release, this promotion will specifically focus on raising awareness and funds for testicular cancer, the reasons of which we’re sure you can figure out yourself. The fundraising will include a 50/50 raffle, with proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society.
Additionally, the team will give away inflatable baseballs to the first 1200 fans, but only one of 12 will be properly inflated, because these folks aren’t glossing over any details.
Oh, and the opponents on that evening? You better believe it’s the Salem Red Sox, which is the Boston Red Sox Class A-Advanced squad.
“In honor of the New England sports tradition, the choice of a night in which the Boston Red Sox affiliate was in town was the obvious choice for this night,” explained Pelicans Vice President and General Manager Andy Milovich. “To be able to promote awareness of such a serious disease so early in the season, while having some fun in the process is what we are all about.”
Indeed, the Pelicans are having all kinds of fun with this promotion. This is trolling in its purest form, but you haven’t heard anything yet. Here’s more from the press release.
Important to note for concerned parents, the Pelicans have opted not to invite the New England Patriots equipment manager to run the Kids Zone. The bounce house, speed-pitch, and obstacle course will, as always, be inflated to the specified safety levels outlined in their respective manuals.
Finally, the Pelicans plan to formally invite Walt Anderson and his officiating crew from the AFC Championship Game to inspect the game balls prior to first pitch.
Word from Splash, the Pelicans mascot, is that Mugsy, the Salem Red Sox mascot, has been hatching plans to film the Pelicans practices prior the three-game series, which begins on April 13 at TicketReturn.Com Field at Pelicans Ballpark.
Relentless, but hilarious.
Well played, Pelicans. And good luck!
BLS H/N: Extra Mustard
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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Townie813
