"SNL Night" a Finalist for Minor League Baseball's Best Theme Night of 2015

FORT WAYNE, Ind. - The most creative minds in baseball have gathered together in Columbus, Ohio, and they could be giving gold to the TinCaps.

Minor League Baseball's annual Promotional Seminar began in Ohio's capital Tuesday and concludes Thursday. More than 300 executives, including a delegation from Fort Wayne's front office, have assembled for an idea-exchanging forum.

The MiLB Promotional Seminar wraps up with the Golden Bobblehead Awards - Minor League Baseball's version of The Oscars (or maybe more similar to The Dundies from The Office). The TinCaps' "SNL Night" is one of five finalists for Best Theme Night.

Parkview Field hosted "Live from Fort Wayne, It's Saturday Night" on June 20. On the field, the TinCaps wore jerseys inspired by the popular "Spartan Cheerleaders" sketch. Meanwhile, as an ode to the "More Cowbell" skit, fans were given free cowbells.

Other highlights from the Saturday night game included an SNL-style opening for player introductions, player headshots on the video board in the likenesses of SNL characters, and music from SNL. Entertainment between innings also took on an SNL twist (e.g. the Hans and Franz Flex Cam and Super Fans Musical Chairs). TinCaps staff members were in on the fun as well, dressing up as SNL characters.

Golden Bobbleheads also will be awarded for Best In-Game Promotion, Best Non-Gameday Event, and Best Charity Promotion or Event. Best Overall Promotion will be selected from among all the finalists.

Each finalist is set to present to the rest of the crowd this morning. After that, seminar attendees will vote and the winners will be announced Thursday night during a reception at Huntington Park, home of the Triple-A Columbus Clippers.   

The TinCaps won the Best Theme Night and Best Overall Promotion Golden Bobbleheads in 2011 for "Opening Night in 3D." In 2012, the TinCaps were a Best Non-Gameday Event finalist for the Special Olympics Polar Plunge at Parkview Field.

Coming off a season with record-setting attendance and a seventh consecutive playoff appearance, the TinCaps already have garnered several accolades.

2015 Organizational Honors for the TinCaps

• No. 1 Minor League Ballpark Experience (Stadium Journey)
• Midwest League Executive of the Year - Mike Nutter
• Midwest League Grounds Crew of the Year
• Midwest League Nominee for MiLB's John Henry Moss Community Service Award
• Finalist for Best Theme Night (SNL Night) in Minor League Baseball