A Silver Anniversary or 25th Anniversary has always been something to celebrate and look fondly back on, whether it is a wedding anniversary or any other type of anniversary. The Williamsport Crosscutters feel the same about their 25th anniversary as a ballclub and plan on celebrating this milestone in various interesting and unique ways.
The last 25 seasons have seen many thrilling and exciting moments for Crosscutters fans, including two New York-Penn League championships (2001 was a co-championship), five playoff appearances, one of which was an appearance in the first-ever MLB Draft League Championship Series last year, and many players who have gone on to play in the Major Leagues, most notably Andrew McCutcheon, Jose Bautista, Nyjer Morgan, Steve Pearce, Maikel Franco, Rhys Hoskins, Alex Bohm, and Bryson Stott, to name a few.
Webb Weekly, asked Gabe Sinicropi, Vice President and Director of Marketing for the Crosscutters, about this interesting upcoming season, and he provided the answers for us.
What will be new and notable this season?
“We are excited to be opening a new group area, our VIP Field Suite, sponsored by Aquarius Pool & Patio. It’s located at field level just past 3rd base and gives fans a great view of the action. It’s for groups of up to 25 people and includes an all-you-can-eat snack menu of Country Store hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, popcorn, soft drinks, and more. Fans can find all the details at crosscutters.com or call the box office at 570.326.3389.”
Since it is the 25th anniversary season, what are some of the highlights of those 25 seasons?
“The theme of our 2023 season is the celebration of our 25th year. We will be featuring highlights of those 25 years every day on our social media channels as well as at each home game. We will have a card set giveaway on June 14th that features players, teams, and individuals that had an important part in our history. Then on July 18, we will ‘Turn Back the Clock’ to our inaugural year. With 1999 rollback pricing on tickets and select concession items.”
What, if any, will be changes in playing rules this season?
“Well, first, our MLB Draft League Sudden Death rule will still be in effect for the 2023 season. If the game is tied after nine innings of play, a special half-inning Sudden Death will decide the winner. It really worked well last year and was well-received by fans, so we are keeping that for the foreseeable future.
“The league will also be using the new larger bases that were introduced in the Major Leagues this season. This is being done to cut down on the potential for injuries around the bases and promote the running game. A pitch clock, very similar the that on the MLB level, will also be implemented across the MLB Draft League.
“In past years there have been a few scheduled 7-inning games. That is now a thing of the past. There are no 7-inning games moving forward in the MLB Draft League.”
What are you most excited about for the upcoming season?
I’m just excited about celebrating 25 years of Cutters baseball! Overall, it’s been 30 years in Williamsport for our franchise [we were the Williamsport Cubs from 1994-1998]. We will be rebranding as the Potato Capers for every Friday home game this season. Special jerseys and caps commemorating Dave Bresnahan using a potato in a trick play with the Williamsport bills in 1987. Also, we are happy to have the Phillie Phanatic back [June 12th] for his first appearance with us since 2019!”
Promotional Highlights for 2023:
– 5 Fireworks Nights – After every Saturday night home game.
– Free Hot Dog Nights. Every Monday home game (first 500 fans).
– Dick Allen Bobblehead Giveaway – June 30th. Dick is depicted in his 1962 Williamsport Grays’ uniform.
– NY Giant Super Bowl Champion Henry Hynoski appearance on July 13th.
– Blue & White Football Night – July 21st. Penn State Football tickets will be given away EVERY inning, plus an appearance by PSU play-by-play voice Steve Jones.
– Rhashan’s Hall of Fame Bobblehead Giveaway – August 3rd.
As you can see, it promises another interesting and exciting season at Muncy Bank and Trust Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field. Look forward to seeing you at the old ballyard!
