May (The) 4th Be With You—Star Wars Storms Minor League Parks

As has become customary in recent years at minor league ballparks, promotions focused on the Star Wars saga are unleashed on fans on or around May 4—a wink at the iconic line, “May the Force Be With You.”

Many of the events are designed around dressing as your favorite character, with the usual suspects being Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, the bounty hunter Boba Fett, Chewbacca, and of more recent vintage Darth Maul. Other promotions include the iconic characters throwing out the first pitch, including a “force ball” from Darth Vader.

But how many teams give fans lightsabers? Well, two teams will this year.

Double-A Tennessee (Cubs) will give lightsabers to the first 1,000 fans on Star Wars night on May 13.

“We did it last year, too, and it is a cool sight to see,” said Allie Crane, community relations and promotions manager for the Smokies. “There’s a button on them and it lights up. It’s a cool visual if you look into the seats. It adds something unique.”

Double-A Binghamton (Mets) has lightsabers for fans as well, among other parts of its Star Wars Night, which won’t occur until Sept. 3.

Rumble Ponies fans are encouraged to dress in Star Wars costumes and the ones who do will be invited onto the NYSEG Stadium field for a pregame parade. The Top 10 costumes from the parade will be entered into a contest to win the title of best costume and a prize. Fans in costume will also receive specially priced tickets for future games.

Rumble Ponies players will wear Yoda-inspired jerseys that will be available for auction after the game. The Rumble Ponies are also offering ticket packages for that night that include a hot dog and soda, as well as something far more enticing—their own lightsaber.

And although September might seem like a month far, far away, Rumble Ponies director of marketing and promotions Eddie Saunders said this promotion has the organization very excited now.

“I think the guiding thing is minor league games are all about family, fun and entertainment at the ballpark,” Saunders said. “When we sit down as a staff in the offseason, we’re trying to do something family-friendly, and when we looked at it, Star Wars is all about family.”

Crane agreed.

“It’s definitely a staple. (Star Wars night) is always one of the top attendance nights. It’s got something to do with the movies themselves, and this year in particular with Carrie Fisher passing away added another element.”

Smokies players will wear Leia-inspired uniforms, and no, not Leia-in-a-bikini uniform, Crane said.

“Players all made the same joke. If they’re into Star Wars, they love it,” she said. “If not, it’s just another jersey to wear.”

Saunders said Star Wars promotions are just part of the evolving minor league business model.

“We think about stuff that is going to appeal to all people. Minor League Baseball is always just looking for the next thing, like (Nickelodeon’s) PAW Patrol. Star Wars just has this following, everybody just loves Star Wars.”

Todd “Parney” Parnell, vice president and general manager of Double-A Richmond (Giants), said the universal appeal makes the Star Wars promotion the perfect fit for the minors.

“Whether you’re six or 66, you’re a Star Wars fan,” Parnell said. “It’s the era of the selfie, and Star Wars characters make for the perfect selfie.”

Here are other promotions that Chancellor Palpatine will watch with great interest.

• Low Class A South Bend (Cubs) holds its Star Wars Night on Thursday. A special appearance is scheduled by The Northern Darkness Garrison: 501st Legion—a fan group that wears Imperial Stormtrooper-inspired gear. Fans are welcome to dress as their favorite characters and bid on game-worn Star Wars jerseys.

• High Class A Carolina (Brewers) has a weekend devoted to the space-age soap opera. On May 5, players will wear Leia-themed jerseys, and there will be a souvenir Star Wars-themed arm sleeve giveaway. The next night will be Star Wars Saturday, with appearances by various Star Wars characters.

• Triple-A Omaha (Royals) will have a Star Wars night on May 5 as well with members of the 501st Legion posing for photos, while music from the movies blares in the background. A Star Wars-themed fireworks show caps the evening.

• Double-A Reading (Phillies) has its Star Wars night planned for May 13 in combination with a Mega Blast Fireworks show. Music from the movies will accompany the fireworks, while the movies’ characters will make appearances in and around FirstEnergy Stadium.

• Double-A Akron (Indians) has set aside May 20 for “The Fourth is Strong With This One” Star Wars Night.

• Triple-A Louisville (Reds) also has earmarked May 20 for its tribute at Louisville Slugger Field. The usual accoutrement will accompany Star Wars Night, as well as players wearing Chewbacca jerseys, which will be auctioned after the game.

• Triple-A Toledo (Tigers) will hold its Star Wars Night on May 27. Players and coaches will wear Boba Fett-themed jerseys, which will be auctioned off for charity.

• Low Class A Lake County (Indians) on June 3 will have characters, special on-field games and a fan costume contest. There are two special ticket packages: the Skywalker Package gets you a box seat to the game against South Bend (Cubs), a VIP meet-and-greet with characters, a T-shirt, a lightsaber and an all-you-can-eat buffet; the Leia Package, is more demure, naturally, and includes a box seat and lightsaber. The Captains wrap up Star Wars night with a post-game fireworks show.

• High Class A Fort Myers (Twins) obviously can’t wait for the Star Wars film to drop in December. The Miracle have planned for June 9 a “Halfway to Star Wars” promotion. Various characters scheduled to make an appearance and fireworks set to John Williams’ famous scores are the main attractions.