Fresno Grizzlies Mailbag: Affiliation Edition
Since September, we've received and ran into a lot of questions regarding our future, the upcoming season and everything in between. We're always happy to let people in on what's going on at the Fresno Grizzlies, so we've collected some of the more popular questions and listed answers to them below. If there's something there that doesn't answer a question you may have, email it to [email protected] or tweet it to us on twitter by at mentioning @FresnoGrizzlies.
Q: Who is the team affiliated with?
A: On September 18, 2014, the Fresno Grizzlies signed a two-year player development contract with the Houston Astros that runs through the end of the 2016 season. The Astros compete in the American League West division and enter the 2015 season with the No. 3 ranked farm system, according to Keith Law of ESPN.com.
Q: What level of baseball will we see at Chukchansi Park?
A: The Fresno Grizzlies still compete in the Pacific Coast League, which is one of two leagues in Triple-A Baseball. It is the highest form of minor league baseball, one level beneath Major League Baseball.
Q: Are the Fresno Grizzlies moving to a different city?
A: Absolutely not. The Fresno Grizzlies remain in Downtown Fresno and play their home games at Chukchansi Park.
Q: I heard the Grizzlies are seeking new ownership, what does that mean for me as a fan?
A: Fans can rest assured the organization is not in jeopardy of leaving Fresno. Also, the current ownership group remains committed to baseball in Downtown Fresno and will give their full support through any sale. Fans can expect the same affordable and entertaining experience at Chukchansi Park from April-September.
Q: Wait, you're still going to be called the Grizzlies and have orange as your primary color?
A: Yes and yes. We're entering our 18th season in 2015 as the Fresno Grizzlies with orange as a primary color. You will see a slight alteration in the design of our marketing materials, such as a brighter and cleaner look as we ditch the dark features of years past.
Q: Is Parker still the mascot?
A: Never fear, the bear isn't going anywhere. Expect to see him all around town this offseason making community appearances as he spreads awareness for Fresno Grizzlies baseball. He'll also be featured in an upcoming YouTube video series entitled "The Big Bear Theory" beginning in October, take part in holiday parades, and embark on the Grizzlies Community Fund Wild About Reading campaign starting in December.
Q: When can we expect to see the new home uniform unveiled?
A: Fantastic question! We released an image of the new home uniform here. Closer to the season we'll have an event in Downtown Fresno to celebrate the new jersey that proudly displays FRESNO across the chest.
Q: Please tell me Taco Truck Throwdown is sticking around?!
A: You betcha. The masterminds behind the famous promotion are already brainstorming for the fifth anniversary of the event, which is scheduled for August 6, 2015. We can't fill fans in on all of the details just yet, but expect to see the event grow even larger.
Q: What about Tecate Thursday and all of the other weekly promotions?
A: $2 24-ounce Tecate and Tecate Light return on Thursday's in 2015, but the rest of the midweek promos are currently under renovation. The marketing team is currently brainstorming to make all weekday games affordable and entertaining in their own unique way.
Q: Are ticket prices changing for 2015?
A: Put it this way, fans won't see any increase in the price of season tickets, mini plans or individual tickets for next season. If anything, fans can expect to see more creativity given to each and every home date, which could reflect in lower prices for advanced purchases.
Q: Why didn't the Fresno Grizzlies try to be affiliated with a California team?
A: There are a variety of factors when it comes to signing a player development contract. We pushed hard to keep our relationship with the San Francisco Giants, but they preferred to have their Triple-A team closer to their home ballpark. Also, the Los Angeles Dodgers purchased the Oklahoma City franchise and transferred their affiliation from Albuquerque to Oklahoma City. The San Diego Padres resigned with the El Paso Chihuahuas, the Oakland Athletics made Nashville their top priority, and the Los Angeles Angels remain under contract with Salt Lake City.
Q: How the heck do you expect us to be a fan of the Houston Astros?
A: We never said you had to. Start with being a fan of the Fresno Grizzlies and checking out a game next season. We're one of 30 teams in the world to host the highest level of minor league baseball. Let's all take pride in the fact Fresno gets to see some of the most talented prospects in baseball make their mark at Chukchansi Park before moving up to the big leagues.
Q: Who the heck is worth following in the Houston Astros system?
A: Plenty of guys. Seven of MLB.com's Top 100 Prospects hail from the Houston Astros system, including Domingo Santana (No. 53) and Mike Foltynewicz (No. 60), both of which spent a majority of 2014 at Triple-A. Additional names to plug in the memory bank are Carlos Correa (No. 2), Mark Appel (No. 44), Colin Moran (No. 67), Lance McCullers (No. 79) and Michael Feliz (No. 95).
Q: What are the chances of the Fresno Grizzlies posting a winning record in 2015?
A: Over the last three seasons, Houston has had 10 of their affiliates qualify for the postseason, which ranks second among all 30 Major League organizations. Their Triple-A ballclub is on a streak of three straight winning seasons and most recently qualified for the Pacific Coast League playoffs in 2013.
Q: When can we expect to see a promotional schedule for the upcoming season?
A: Our nationally renowned marketing team is using these last few weeks to lock in one of the more diverse promotional schedules Fresno has ever seen. Expect more food events, premier giveaways, and other unique events to be at Chukchansi Park this spring and summer. A full schedule should be released by the end of February.
Q: Can we purchase tickets for the 2015 season yet?
A: A variety of ticket plans are currently on sale, starting from $99. One of our ticket representatives can assist you in finding the perfect option at 559.320.TIXS.
Have additional questions? Email [email protected] and we'll be able to assist you.