Shuckers among top 25 teams in Minor League Baseball in Licensed Merchandise Sales
Biloxi, MS and St. Petersburg, FL - Minor League Baseball today announced its list of Top 25 teams in licensed merchandise sales for 2015, with the combined totals of all 160 teams setting a Minor League Baseball record with more than $65.1 million in retail sales. The Biloxi Shuckers were one of just eight teams below the Triple-A level and the only Southern League club that made the cut.
"Our merchandise continues to fly off the shelves and we ship it around the world," said Kara Hayes, Senior Director of Retail for the Shuckers. "The fact that we made the Top 25 and only played a half season at MGM Park in 2015 is a remarkable achievement."
The $65.1 million total marks a 7.9 percent increase over 2014's total of $60.3 million, which had been the highest total recorded since Minor League Baseball's licensing program began in 1992. The numbers are based on total licensed merchandise sales from January 1 - December 31, 2015, and include the 160 teams in the domestic-based leagues that charge admission to their games.
Alphabetically, the Top 25 list includes: the Albuquerque Isotopes, Biloxi Shuckers, Charlotte Knights, Columbus Clippers, Dayton Dragons, Durham Bulls, El Paso Chihuahuas, Fort Wayne TinCaps, Frisco RoughRiders, Indianapolis Indians, Lake Elsinore Storm, Lakewood BlueClaws, Lehigh Valley IronPigs, Louisville Bats, Nashville Sounds, Oklahoma City Dodgers, Pawtucket Red Sox, Reno Aces, Sacramento River Cats, Salt Lake Bees, San Antonio Missions, South Bend Cubs, Tacoma Rainiers, Toledo Mud Hens and Trenton Thunder.
"Minor League Baseball team names and logos are quirky, fun and contemporary, but they are also incredible marketing tools for the clubs they represent," said Sandie Hebert, Minor League Baseball's Director of Licensing. "Each year, we see familiar logos on the Top 25 list, and some newcomers, showing both the longevity and modern appeal of our trademarks. It's interesting to see how clubs choose to brand their identities, and how that translates into merchandise sales."
Online sales have also played a significant role in the steady growth of merchandise sales, as Minor League Baseball experienced a 9.4 percent increase over 2014. Of the Top 25 teams, 23 have online stores using the MiLBStore.com platform.
"Our clubs continue to record online sales from around the world in addition to strong sales at their ballparks," added Hebert. "The increasing popularity of Minor League Baseball, combined with the ease of online ordering, has created a tremendous amount of growth for our merchandise."
Biloxi will attempt to tie a season-high with a fourth-consecutive win on Monday night at MGM Park. RHP Jorge Ortega (0-5, 3.79) seeks his first win of the season for the Shuckers, while LHP David Holmberg (4-4, 3.89) takes the mouond for the Barons. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m., with coverage starting at 6:50 p.m. on the Biloxi Shuckers' Radio Network's flagship station WGCM 1240 AM, 100.9 FM, Pascagoula's WPMO 1580 AM and the TuneIn Radio app.
The promotions finish up in the series finale on Tuesday night for Gulfport Community Night.
Tickets for individual regular season games are currently on-sale and may be purchased by visiting the MGM Park box office or any Ticketmaster outlet. Season Tickets, Shmini Plans, Group Tickets, Party Deck Tickets and Mercedes-Benz Mini Suite Tickets are available by calling the Shuckers at 228-233-3465. For more details, visit biloxishuckers.com.
About Minor League Baseball
Minor League Baseball, headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida, is the governing body for all professional baseball teams in the United States, Canada and the Dominican Republic that are affiliated with Major League Baseball clubs through their farm systems. Fans are coming out in unprecedented numbers to this one-of-a-kind experience that can only be found at Minor League Baseball ballparks. In 2015, Minor League Baseball attracted 42.5 million fans to its ballparks to see the future stars of the sport hone their skills. From the electricity in the stands to the excitement on the field, Minor League Baseball has provided affordable family-friendly entertainment to people of all ages since its founding in 1901. For more information, visit www.MiLB.com.
About the Biloxi Shuckers:
The Biloxi Shuckers are the Double-A Affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers and a member of the Southern League. For up-to-date news and notes throughout the offseason, visit biloxishuckers.com, follow the club on Twitter (@biloxishuckers), Instagram (@officialbiloxishuckers) or like the team on Facebook (facebook.com/biloxishuckers).