Rattlers prefer having bad weather in April than July
Despite having four out of the seven scheduled games and five of those dates postponed or cancelled due to snow or cold, Rattlers president Rob Zerjav said he has no worries when it comes to the business side of his operation.West Tennessee was in Jacksonville, the home of the Jacksonville Jaguars. So, which Diamond Jaxx player gets into Jacksonville.com's notebook? Tuiasosopo bucks a family tradition.
"It's not like from a budget standpoint we were expecting a huge turnout in these early games and now without playing them we've really dug ourselves into a hole," Zerjav said. "As much as we want to play, we also realize with history that early April is always hit and miss. It's not going to hurt us from a budget standpoint."
Zerjav said the team budgets for five rainouts per season, but he also noted attendance for April home games isn't expected to be as high as it will be later in the season, when the warmer weather will attract more fans into Fox Cities Stadium.
As a result, the Rattlers shouldn't have much difficulty coming close, reaching or perhaps even surpassing preseason attendance budgets — unless more poor weather awaits.
Jackson, Tennessee is ready to welcome their Diamond Jaxx in the home opener:
Diamond Jaxx get a fresh start
The time has finally come for fans to see their new-look Jaxx. The team plays its 10th home opener at 7:05 p.m. on Monday against the Mississippi Braves at Pringles Park.
The Jaxx are now the Mariners' Double-A affiliate, after spending the previous nine years with the Chicago Cubs. The Mariners' Double-A team had previously been affiliated with the San Antonio Missions of the Texas League since 2001. The Missions had a 60-78 record last year.
After starting this season with a 4-6 record on the road, the Jaxx open a 10-game homestand Monday. They currently sit in third place in the Southern League's North Division.
This 10th season offers an opportunity to breath some much-needed life into a franchise that has struggled with declining attendance, despite winning teams. The Mariners are strong supporters of community involvement by their players, and Jaxx administrators hope fans will take a renewed interest in the team and its home games.
And here is a Q&A with the owner of the Diamond Jaxx.
Jaxx owner encouraged by renewed enthusiasm
Fresh start in Tacoma at Cheney Stadium as well.
Whole new ballgame - From owners to their stadium, Rainiers get face lift
Pulling into the Cheney Stadium parking lot, one might be startled to see the 47-year-old ballpark, much like seeing an aging actress returning from hiatus after a visit to the plastic surgeon.
A new and classy wrought-iron fence surrounds the stadium, replacing the rusted chain link. Catchy graphics of baseball players in action fill once-bare concrete walls. A fresh coat of paint is everywhere, including the lines in the parking lot.
It might not be new, but it is cleaner and more inviting.
"It gives it more curb appeal when you drive by on Highway 16," Lewis said.
The change Lewis and Schlegel suspect will be most fruitful is down the left-field foul line, where the old bleachers have been replaced by massive, descending concrete pads. It's a work in progress, but come the beginning of June, that area will feature private "party decks" that can be rented out. The decks will have canopies and will come with beverage and food service.
More in a bit. The bus to the stadium is taking off at 10:30. I better be on it.
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