Bottom Dollar Food
STAR-STUDDED SEASON FALLS JUST SHORT OF A CHAMPIONSHIP The story of the 2012 season is best summarized by the events at a press conference at Waterfront Park on the final day of the 2012 regular season. Top executives from the New York Yankees visited Trenton to announce that the Thunder and Yankee affiliation would continue through the 2022 season thanks to an unprecedented 10 year Player Development Contract extension. The two franchises have enjoyed a successful 10 year partnership due to their proximity and shared status as premier franchises in their respective levels of professional baseball. The 2012 season was a shining example of the strength of the partnership as Trenton hosted some of the biggest names the Yankees can offer while also finishing in first place and entertaining fans like no other venue in the region. Superstar pitcher Andy Pettitte visited Trenton as he worked back to the Major Leagues after coming out of retirement. Joba Chamberlain and David Phelps, integral parts of the New York bullpen, pitched tune-up games in Trenton uniforms. All-Stars Robinson Cano and David Robertson (both former Trenton standouts) even visited Waterfront Park to raise awareness for their charities and thank the Thunder faithful for their years of support.
In addition to hosting established Yankee stars, the Yankee-Thunder affiliation remained focused on developing the next wave of regulars in the Bronx. Eastern League Manager of the Year, Tony Franklin, guided the Thunder to the EL Championship Series where they finished just a pair of wins shy of the team’s third EL Crown. Along the way, Yankees fans saw the emergence of Brett Marshall, who led the circuit in wins (13) as well as solid seasons from highly touted prospects David Adams (.306 BA) and Zoilo Almonte (21 HR). Fans, partners and sponsors who are familiar with the Thunder know that while the play on the field is important, attending a game is about the experience. This season, fans got the opportunity to meet Spider-Man (from the hit Broadway show), the stars of the children’s movie Diary of a Wimpy Kid, characters from the smash hit children’s TV show Yo Gabba Gabba and even got the chance to get their picture with the Batmobile from the film The Dark Knight Rises. Over 385,000 people attended games because of the championship quality New York Yankees brand of baseball along with unique promotions, fireworks and giveaways, affordable prices and great customer service. As we work towards the team’s 20th season, fans can expect that fun will continue to happen in Trenton!
Fun Happens Here!
The Thunder welcomed a total of 385,934 fans in 2012, averaging 5,411 fans per game during the season. - An additional 30,000+ people visited Waterfront Park for non-Thunder game events. There were 24 crowds over 6,000 fans with 8 of them over 7,000 people (seating capacity is 6,150). 8,146 fans came out to see NY Yankees legend Andy Pettitte in a rehab assignment – the largest attendance of the season and 10th largest in the 19 year franchise history. Of the 90 teams at the “A” and “AA” levels of Professional Baseball, the Thunder ranked 14th in average attendance. Mercer County Waterfront Park was filled to 88% capacity in 2012. By comparison, only 5 Major League Baseball teams filled their stadiums to a higher capacity last year. Last season, the Thunder reached the Eastern League Championship Series for the 4th time in six years. Since 1994, 270 players/coaches have worn the Thunder uniform and a Major League uniform in their careers .
No other Minor League Baseball team in the country is recognized like the Thunder.
During the 2012 season, over 300 media credentials were issued to numerous New York, Philadelphia and national media outlets for stories about the players, rehabbing Major Leaguers and even stories that transcended sports, such as special appearances by Spider-Man on Broadway and the stars from the movie Diary of a Wimpy Kid. This media attention was in addition to regular coverage in the Times of Trenton, The Trentonian, Bucks County Courier Times, Hunterdon County Democrat, News 12 NJ, WPST Radio, NJ 101.5 Radio, WBCB Radio and WIMG Radio.
Famous Faces
Children’s TV stars Yo Gabba Gabba
2012 Special Guests In Trenton
Former Yankee Roy White
Former NY Jet Mark Gastineau
NY Yankees Robinson Cano & David Robertson
Former MLB All-Star Larry Bowa
Spider-Man from “Turn Off The Dark” Diary of a Wimpy Kid author Jeff Kinney with Zach Gordon and Robert Capron from the film “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days”
Former Yankee Bucky Dent
Former Yankee Oscar Gamble
The Batmobile from the films “The Dark Knight” and “The Dark Knight Rises” The Uganda (Africa) Little League team, stars of the 2012 Little League World Series in Williamsport, PA Former NY Giant Super Bowl Champion Sean Landeta
Bottom Dollar Food Outfield Billboard 8’ x 16’ Sign In left Field
LEFT: NY YankeeS Legend Andy Pettitte during A Rehab Appearance in Trenton on April 25 RIGHT: Bottom Dollar Billboard on JULY 4 Bottom: The Thunder Celebrate a “Walk off” Win
Concourse Display
7 Games – Total Attendance of 45,536 (6,505 per game)
Radio Disney Appearance June 9 (attendance of 7,703)
PIGGY BANK BLIMP June 10 (attendance of 5,383)
POST-GAME PROMOTION
Victory Ball Toss - with Accompanying Announcement and Logo on screens after each regular season and playoff Win
40 TOTAL WINS AT HOME
All remaining balls were distributed by mascots during playoff games
In Game Promotion
Bottom Dollar Bottom OF The INNING LUCKY Batter
An announcement was made while the Bottom Dollar Logo was displayed on the screens prior to a select inning each game. Piggy Banks, COFFEE MUGS, Koozies, $5 OFF coupons and more were distributed to a lucky Section if the Leadoff Batter reached base.
Exit Distribution May 11 and 12 (attendance of 13,065)
THANK YOU
For Your Support of the Trenton Thunder