At Home With the Indians

Today we speak with Chris Hemeyer, director of public relations for the Kinston Indians (Class A Advanced Carolina League affiliate of the Cleveland Indians). Professional baseball in the city of Kinston dates back to 1908, while the current incarnation of the club has been in operation since 1987.

MiLB.com: How would characterize your team's fan base? Has it grown or changed in recent years?

CH: Although the majority of our season ticket holders are from Lenoir County, 75 percent of our fans are from outside the county. We draw from all over eastern North Carolina, including Greenville, Jacksonville, Goldsboro and New Bern.

MiLB.com: What type of marketing strategies do the fans respond to?

CH: Fireworks, cheap food, cheap beer and anything great for kids. We focus on the fact that even compared with other Minor League parks, we have great prices. Tickets start at $4, and you won't pay more than $7. We have meal deals (main course, fries, drink) for around $6. We also focus on the big military presence with Military Appreciation Night, where military and their families get in free every Wednesday night during the season.

MiLB.com: Has your team staged any notable promotions in recent years? Any that just didn't work?

CH: Being in North Carolina, NASCAR Night was a big hit. We had on-field related NASCAR games, a show car and we gave away two tickets to a NASCAR race. Delmont Miller night is always a hit as well. Our scoreboard operator, Delmont Miller, has been with the team for 22 years. He signs autographs before the game and even races the mascot.

MiLB.com: How has the internet affected the way your team is run?

CH: Our web site has become a great tool to update people all over Eastern North Carolina about what is going on. They can even purchase and print out tickets online. Our site provides a chat board, history page and tons of other ways for fans to get on-board. We even have a MySpace and Facebook page.

At a Glance: Kinston Indians

• First season: 1987 • Affiliation: Cleveland Indians (1987-present) • Stadium: Grainger Stadium • League Championships: 1988, 1991, 1995, 2004, 2006 • City Population: Approximately 23,000 • Notable Kinston Alumni: Albert Belle Tony Fernandez Manny Ramirez Jim Thome • People who've called Kinston home: Dwight Clark (former NFL player) Maceo Parker (jazz musician) Jerry Stackhouse (NBA player) George Suggs (former Major Leaguer)

MiLB.com: Does your concession stand serve any regional specialties or otherwise remarkable items?

CH: Believe it or not, we have an unbelievable Philly cheese steak. Our hot wings are also very good.

MiLB.com: What type of merchandise sells best at the team store? Are there any unique items available for purchase?

CH: Mini bats and baseballs sell the best. We have some really nice 360-degree photos of the stadium and stands from a couple of different angles.

MiLB.com: How large a role does your mascot play, both at the stadium and within the community?

CH: Our mascot [Scout] is a fan favorite, and although he is less than 10 years old, he is easily identifiable. Our mascot does various visits all around Eastern North Carolina in and out of the season.

MiLB.com: Minor League stadiums often vary greatly from one another. What are the positives of playing in your facility? Any drawbacks?

CH: Our stadium has historic status. It was built back in 1949, and it truly feels like you are in a great historic ballpark. With recent renovations this decade, the seats are comfortable and the concession and bathroom areas are big, but you still feel like you are in an old stadium. The intimate atmosphere can't be matched.

MiLB.com: What are some of your favorite on-field moments since you've been with the team?

CH: The K-Tribe's excellence on the field has made things fun. Winning the Carolina League title in 2006 and the walk-off home run by Josh Rodriguez in Game 2 of the 2007 Southern Division Series were both great moments.