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January 6, 2009 |
Fresno Grizzlies Offer Unique Opening Day Drama
Mascot "leaves team" over "reconcilable differences"
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
The Fresno Grizzlies have received a fair bit of national attention over their home opener on Friday, April 11. Through a series of press releases, the Grizzlies have announced that their team mascot “Parker” would go on strike unless fans filled Chukchansi Park for the home opener against the Tucson Sidewinders. Currently, Parker has left the team and is rumored to be occupying the top of the tallest building in Fresno, known locally at the Security Bank Building. The 1920’s era building has recently been renovated with lofts, so Parker should be comfortable during his seclusion. Parker has said that he will return to the Grizzlies if they and their fans can re-create the atmosphere of March 26 exhibition game when the San Francisco Giants visited the Valley. From his vantage point, Parker, should have a good view of the stadium, and can decide then whether to return to the park for opening day.
According to Paul Kennedy, a spokesman with the Grizzlies, the promotion has received national attention, being reported on milb.com and other media outlets. I am the one calling it a “promotion.” Kennedy did a good job of not breaking character throughout the conversation, giving no indication of what Parker’s plans were for Friday and only saying that he really had no idea if Parker will make it to the game or not.
Adding to the story is the City of Fresno, which is trying to entice Parker down by promising to name him “Honorary Mayor for the Day.” The honorary appointment coincides with Fresno’s plans of turning part of Kern Street, which is interrupted by Chukchansi Park, into “Sports Town.” The road/walkway will feature improvements including new landscaping and stars for Fresno’s Hall of Fame athletes. The changes are part of the city’s ongoing downtown revitalization of which Chukchansi Park has been a centerpiece.
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