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Cheesesteaks And Charlie Brown: Minor League Baseball's Best Jersey Promotions

Minor League Baseball is all about promotions. From Charlie Sheen-co De Mayo Night to Speed Dating Night, minor league clubs showcase ingenuity every year in an attempt to get fans in the park. In particular, special themed jerseys are a time-honored and popular tradition. Only A Game recently lauded the Albuquerque Isotopes and the Omaha Storm Chasers' offerings for 2016. And with the new season on the horizon, it's important to take a look what's to come at minor league ballparks across the country.


Stockton Ports — Asparagus Night (May 21)

Stockton loves its asparagus. The town is home to the annual San Joaquin Asparagus Festival, which bills itself as the biggest asparagus festival in the West. Oakland's Single-A affiliate will represent its regional pride with Asparagus-themed jerseys.

Harrisburg Senators -- Home Improvement Night (June 2)

The Washington Nationals' Double-A affiliate will show their affinity for '90s TV shows with their Al Borland-themed "Home Improvement" jerseys. What makes this night unique is a special appearance from Borland himself, actor Richard Karn.

Toledo MudHens -- Geekend Weekend (June 3 - 5)

The MudHens will celebrate classic video games with their Legend of Zelda jerseys that they'll debut as part of Geekend Weekend. The weekend will continue with a live orchestra showcasing music from "Star Wars, Harry Potter, Star Trek, Lord of the Rings, Superman, Batman, and a medley of your favorite video game tunes."

Lehigh Valley IronPigs — Salute To Philly Night (June 10)

The IronPigs love food, promotions and especially food-themed promotions. The IronPigs have previously donned bacon-themed jerseys and they’re “raising the steaks” even higher this season. On Salute to Philly Night, the IronPigs will pay tribute to Philadelphia’s most treasured delicacy: the cheesesteak.

[sidebar title="In Search Of Bacon At IronPigs Baseball" width="630" align="right"] Only A Game's own Karen Given took a trip to Allentown, Pennsylvania to sample the IronPigs' sports, entertainment and culinary offerings. [/sidebar]

They'll change their names to the Cheesesteaks while also answering the age-old question: onions or no onions? As of press time, #TeamWit holds a slight lead over #TeamWitout.

Frisco RoughRiders -- 8-Bits And Arcades Night (July 8)

For those looking for more classic game action, the RoughRiders have you covered with their Game Boy-inspired look. On July 8, there will be arcade machines posted throughout the stadium and in-game contests based on old-school video games.

If you can't wait until July to get in the spirit, you can grab your own Game Boy jersey online. That's not the only throwback-themed jersey the RoughRiders have in store as they'll be holding a Salute to "Top Gun" Night on June 24 and a "Ghostbusters" Tribute Night on July 29.

Brooklyn Cyclones -- Full House Tribute Night (July 9)

The Brooklyn Cyclones are all about paying homage to '90s TV shows as they've previously rolled out "Saved By The Bell" and "Seinfeld"-inspired looks. Now, they'll be celebrating the return of "Full House." The Cyclones will be donning special jerseys and the first 2,500 fans will receive Uncle Jesse bobbleheads.

But wait! There's more! The event will feature a Danny Tanner clean-off, a "How Rude" pout-cam, a special appearance by Mr. Woodchuck and other Tanner-themed entertainment.

Fresno Grizzlies — Taco Tuesdays and 30 Amigos Night (July 22)

Last season, the Astros' Triple-A affiliate celebrated their own central Californian regional fare when they became the Fresno Tacos for a night. The event was so successful that the Grizzlies announced that they'll be celebrating Taco Tuesday at every Tuesday home game in 2016.

It looks like there's some friendly food fighting going on between the Grizzlies and the IronPigs. I can only hope that these two sides meet in the Triple-A Championship Game so we can get the Tacos vs. Cheesesteaks matchup we all deserve.

Lake County Captains — Good Grief Night (Aug. 26)

The Cleveland Indians' Single-A affiliate has no shortage of throwback jerseys in store this season. In addition to jerseys celebrating the Republican National Convention (which takes place in nearby Cleveland) and the '90s Nickelodeon show "Legends of the Hidden Temple," the Captains will honor the Peanuts protagonist with a special yellow zig-zagged jersey.

Various Teams -- Star Wars Night

From the aforementioned Storm Chasers to the Durham Bulls to the Buffalo Bisons, it seems as if every minor league team will be traveling to a galaxy far, far, away this season.

Extra points for creativity go to the Altoona Curve, who will attempt to top the success of last season's Jabba the Hutt jerseys. This year, the Curve will wear "annoying" Jar-Jar Binks uniforms on May 21 specifically designed to distract opposing pitchers.

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