San Jose Giants Receive Cal League Marketing Award

SAN JOSE, CA- The San Jose Giants have received the California League Excellence in Marketing and Promotions Award for the 2012 season as announced today by league President Charlie Blaney. This is the first time in the organization's history that it has earned this honor. San Jose received the award by a vote of the California League organizations. As a result, the organization has been nominated for the Larry MacPhail Promotional Award. The MacPhail Award is given to one Minor League Baseball club each season that demonstrates outstanding and creative marketing and promotional efforts.

"The San Jose Giants are one of the premier organizations in Minor League Baseball," said Blaney. "With their 2012 attendance and revenue numbers, it is clear that their promotions and marketing efforts have put them in a special place within the San Jose community. They are a deserving recipient of this honor and I am excited to have them as the California League nominee for the MacPhail Award."

2012 marked the San Jose Giants 25th Anniversary of San Francisco Giants affiliation, the longest in the California League. With a mix of community-centered events and exciting theme nights, the organization saw their fourth straight season with more than 200,000 fans coming through the Municipal Stadium gates. In addition, the organization distributed over 1,000 in-kind donations to local non-profits, schools and charities and the team's park packer program raised more than $300,000 for local organizations.

"It is an honor for us to receive the California League Excellence in Marketing and Promotions Award," said Juliana Paoli, San Jose Giants Chief Marketing Officer. "2012 was about our organization bringing fans closer to the team than ever before. Through new technology and media, the San Jose Giants experience was able to expand well beyond the Municipal Stadium gates. This season will serve as a benchmark for future marketing campaigns and we are thrilled to be the California League nominee for Minor League Baseball's Larry MacPhail Promotional Award."

The team set an all-time revenue record during their 25th Anniversary season. Unique fan-favorite promotions such as Smash for Cash, the Beer Batter and kid-friendly Martinelli's Apple Juice Batter were staples of every game played at Municipal Stadium. Meanwhile, special evenings such as Breast Cancer Awareness Night, Salute to the Military Night and Italian Night allowed fans to bid on game-worn and autographed jerseys to benefit their respective organizations. The new addition Strike Out Violence Night, with country recording artist Matt Kennon, focused on an anti-bullying and helped youth understand that the rules learned on the baseball diamond can be applied to everyday life. In addition, the launch of the team's first-ever iPhone and Android App allowed fans to listen to every San Jose Giants game on their mobile phone and stay connected with the team. This included greater access to the San Jose Giants Facebook and Twitter pages, where the team continues to lead the league in "Likes" (over 13,100) and followers (nearly 9,000).

The San Jose Giants begin their 2013 season on Thursday, April 4 at Visalia with the home opener set for Thursday, April 11 against the Rawhide. The Opening Night Extravaganza will include a postgame fireworks show, 2013 magnet schedule giveaway and much more. The Giants will also feature home games on Mother's Day (May 12), Memorial Day (May 27), Independence Day (July 4) and Labor Day (September 2). On June 18, for the first time ever, Municipal Stadium will host the 2013 California-Carolina League All-Star Game. Season tickets are available for purchase online at sjgiants.com, over the phone at (408) 297-1435 and in person at the Municipal Stadium Box Office Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.