It was inevitable that MiLB and indy teams would use the subject of the New England Patriots and Deflategate as the basis for a promo, as teams amuse fans by mocking Tom Brady and Patriots Nation.
The Myrtle Beach Pelicans (High Class A; Carolina League) were all over Deflategate last January, when they announced an April promo, #DeflateCancer Night, as part of their Strike Out Cancer Series. #DeflateCancer Night focused on raising awareness for testicular cancer and featured an inflatable baseball giveaway to the first 1,200 fans through the gates. Eleven of every 12 fans received a deflated ball, while one in every 12 will receive a “properly” inflated ball. Any fan arriving in a vehicle with a Massachusetts license plate can request a complementary tire-pressure check from service technicians from Tire Town, who will also be onsite passing out free tire pressure gauges to fans. And, of course, the team offered free ball inflation at Gate 1 to fans that bring deflated balls in need of inflation. You can read a full account of the promo here.
Two other teams announced upcoming Deflategate promos. The Fort Myers Miracle (High Class A; Florida State League) built a four-game pack special beginning May 19 with an official, regulation “no need to be” inflated autographed baseball for $25. If caught purchasing the four-game pack special in a Tom Brady jersey or a cut-off hoodie, then the price inflates to $36 and there will be no appeals.
Complimenting the anti-deflator diet, the Miracle will take $1 off the infamous Swamp Burger that features a hamburger patty, philly chicken, swamp-steamed cabbage and melted nacho cheese.
All those with deflated sports balls are welcome to bring them to Hammond Stadium, where the Miracle staff will man an “inflator station and inspection” to make sure all game balls are properly, balanced, maintained and fit for regulation play. Fans can volunteer to have their human pounds per square inch tested.
Not to be outdone, the York Revolution (independent; Atlantic League) organized the very first “Deflatriots Day” for Friday, May 22 against the Somerset Patriots. The Revolution will attempt to take the air out of the visiting Somerset club through a “PSI” effort (Patriots of Somerset Intimidation), pumping up the Santander Stadium attendance by deflating every ticket price by 12 percent in honor of Gisele’s husband, in person and online. If purchasing online, use the promo code “deflate12” to take advantage of the discount.
Anyone brave enough to wear a Tom Brady jersey will be admitted free on May 22. However, anyone who is wearing a New England #12 jersey will be banned from the Stauffer’s Playground. (No exceptions). The reasoning is simple: inflatable rides and slides in the playground must be properly inflated at all times, or they’re not safe for the kids.
Image of Tom Brady under Creative Commons license, via flickr.