I've
been in holiday hibernation mode - too much snacking and napping - but it's
back-to-work now at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Opening Day is a mere 95 days away. (Monday, April 10th, vs. Charlotte Knights)
Wintertime
baseball begins on February 24th when Duke has it's first home series with Army
on Goodmon Field. So, baseball is really just 50 days away!
Of course, I
have my own list...gotta have the last word...
2016
community projects:
- The
work of Durham's Local Organizing Committee for the ACC Baseball Championship
in May led by Casey Steinbacher and Bill Kalkhof.
- Our
sponsorship of the Jackie Robinson documentary by Ken Burns on WUNC-TV.
- A
partnership with The Museum of Durham History on its vintage baseball card
exhibit.
- Formation
of the Durham Sports Commission.
Always
tweaking the ballpark:
- We
completed a new clubhouse for Duke's baseball team.
- Expanded
our protective netting.
- Built
the Delta Playground 42 game area on Jackie's Landing.
Beyond
the ball yard:
- WRAL
TV5 covered the Rays' historic MLB game in Cuba and the July 3rd Ft. Bragg
game between the Braves and Marlins.
- Here
in the front office, we assisted with Fayetteville's work to land a Minor
League team.
Personal
favorites:
- We
were so proud of Bulls broadcaster Patrick Kinas, tapped to work the Rio
Olympics.
- Durham
police officers dancing on our diamond.
- The
giant Angus Barn steak sandwich and new summertime ice cream floats.
A
final reflection:
Twenty
seasons ago, the Bulls jumped from Class A Advanced in the Carolina League to
Triple A International League baseball. It was a true game changer, another
tipping point for our organization and downtown Durham. We will celebrate that
anniversary - the ball club's 1998 affiliation with the Tampa Bay Rays -
throughout the 2017 season. Join us!
