The best Minor League ballpark promotions happening in June
Welcome to Promo Preview, a monthly round-up of Minor League Baseball promotions to look forward to. June highlights include iconic socks, bipedal cows, regional food battles and, of course, much more. Dive in.
BBQs
Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (Single-A LAD), June 8
The Quakes are the only team in Minor League Baseball whose name starts with a Q. They may, in fact, be the only team in the world whose name starts with a Q. Their new alternate identity also makes use of this oft-neglected letter, as the longtime Dodgers affiliate will play its first game as the BBQs on June 8. There isn't a convoluted backstory with this one, as the Quakes are simply offering "a salute to California BBQs." (Which differ from other BBQs in that they take place in California.) The team also pointed out that BBQ is an acronym, as BB=Baseball and Q=Quakes. Come see them in action. It'll be fire. BBQs tickets and merch »
Jersey Diners
Somerset Patriots (Double-A NYY), June 8
New Jersey is the diner capital of the world, and the Somerset Patriots are in the center of it all. In short order they came up with a Jersey Diners alternate identity, which makes its on-field debut this coming weekend. The Diners wordmark is spelled out in "pink poodle" neon, situated within a "stainless silver" approximation of a prefabricated boxcar diner. The team will serve a variety of Blue Plate Specials when they play as the Diners, including Disco Fries (topped with cheese and gravy) and the Happy Waitress (a grilled cheese sandwich with bacon and tomato). Hopefully the Somerset players who make it to the Major Leagues will get more than a cup of coffee. Get tickets »
Ronald Acuña Sr. & Luisangel Acuña Bobblehead
Binghamton Mets (Double-A NYM), June 16
The sight of Ronald Acuña in a Mets uniform may seem odd, but note that the Acuña in question is Ronald Sr. He was a member of the Double-A Binghamton Mets in 2003-04, and his son Luisangel (Ronald Jr.’s younger brother) played for the Binghamton Rumble Ponies in 2023. Father and son will be honored in dual bobblehead form on June 16. And, wouldn't you know it? That just happens to be Father's Day. Get tickets »
Erik the Peanut Guy replica socks giveaway
Tri-City Dust Devils (High-A SD), June 21
Erik the Peanut Guy is a Tri-City Dust Devils icon, having worked for the team since Day 1 as an on-field emcee and, yes, peanut vendor. He is also a man of high fashion, a sartorial standout in our nation's Northwest region, always decked out in a bow tie, apron, a crisp white shirt and blue-and-white striped socks. The Dust Devils are giving away "replicas" of these socks, and Erik is psyched. "I'm honored and humbled to know a defining feature of my game uniform is now a promo giveaway," he said. "On June 21st, come rock your socks off at the Dust Devils game! And then put mine on!" Get tickets »
Steamed Cheeseburgers vs. Chicken Tenders, with Pajama Party
Hartford Yard Goats (Double-A COL), June 28
The Hartford Yard Goats debuted their Steamed Cheeseburgers identity in 2018, an homage to Connecticut's preferred method of meat patty preparation. They'll play as such on June 28, taking on the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. Except, no, the Fisher Cats will play as the Manchester Chicken Tenders, because chicken tenders were first served at Manchester's Puritan Backroom Diner. As if this clash of New England culinary titans wasn't enough, the Yard Goats are staging a ballpark pajama party (wear your PJs to the game, win prizes). Do pajamas have anything to do with cheeseburgers and chicken tenders? No. Does that matter? Also no. Just go out there and have fun. Life is short. Get tickets »
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Udder Tuggers Weekend
Wisconsin Timber Rattlers (High-A MIL), June 28-30
The Appleton-based Wisconsin Timber Rattlers take great pride in their region's dairy industry, a pride which reached an apex in 2019 with the debut of their eye-catching Udder Tuggers identity. Last year's uniforms approximated denim overalls worn over a cow-patterned white top, an appropriately agricultural aesthetic. This year's Udder Tuggers weekend features three unique giveaways over the course of three games: Jacob Misiorowski bobbleheads (featuring the pitcher in the aforementioned uniform), a cereal bowl and, finally, an ornament featuring cow mascot Buddercup. Udder-ly ridiculous all around. Get tickets »
Quick Hits
Four more upcoming promotions of note, recapped in 25 words or less.
Daisies Throwback Night
Fort Wayne TinCaps (High-A SD), June 8
The TinCaps salute their city's All-American Girls Professional Baseball League team, which competed from 1945-54. Team alumni and family members will be in attendance. Get tickets »
King Carl Night
Spokane Indians (High-A TEX), June 19
Carl Maxey was a Gonzaga boxing standout turned prominent Civil Rights lawyer. Spokane's King Carl identity, unveiled this past offseason, pays homage. Get tickets »
Chas McCormick Wall Flip Bobblehead
Corpus Christi Hooks (Double-A HOU), June 22
In 2019, the Hooks' Chas McCormick flipped over the wall after making a home run-robbing catch. The team is immortalizing this moment in bobblehead form. Get tickets »
'The Office' Night
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Triple-A NYY), June 29
"The Office" was set in Scranton, making an annual theme night practically mandatory. Leslie David Baker (Stanley) is this year's guest (and bobblehead honoree). Get tickets »