The Baracklyn Cyclones?

Regular readers may be aware of my admiration for the PR/Fan Relations departments for minor league clubs. Far more so than at the big league level, these people must go beyond conventional means to attract crowds.

So today, imagine my piqued curiosity when I learned that the Brooklyn Cyclones, the Rookie-ball team for the New York Mets (my team, my borough), will be changing their name for one night only to… The Baracklyn Cyclones.

On Tuesday, June 23rd, the Cyclones will “honor” the President-elect with a day of his own (as if the guy hasn’t been honored already enough by the mass populace. I mean, not to downplay the significance, but… am I the only one who thinks that we’re already thinking about his presidency in the past tense?). The event will feature:

• Alternate red, white, and blue jerseys adorned with the team’s new name
• FREE Barack Obama bobbleheads to the first 2,500 fans in attendance, featuring the President in a Baracklyn Cyclones Jersey
• The Economic Stimulus Package: From 10am on January 20th – Inauguration Day – to midnight on January 23rd, ticket prices for the June 23rd game will be “rolled back” to the Cyclones’ inaugural 2001 season rates: $10 Field Box Seats, $8 Box Seats, $5 Bleacher Seats. Beginning January 24th, tickets will be priced at the regular 2009 rates ($15, $12, $8)
• Universal Health Care: Free Band-Aids to the first 1,000 fans
• Naming Rights: Anyone named Barack gets in for free
• Joe the Plumber special: any plumber named Joe gets two free tickets – one for himself, and one to “spread the wealth” with a friend
• Bi-Partisan Consolation Prize: anyone named McCain or Palin will get a free Bleacher Seat
• A clear-cut Exit Strategy: fans will receive American Flags and discount coupons as they leave the ballpark

Me thinks that the dozens of social conservatives in New York will be none too pleased… But hey, they could just pick up a Barack Bobblehead and go nuts, I suppose (everyone wins!).