The Pensacola Blue Wahoos (Class AA; Southern League) are continuing to promote their ties to minority investor, and two-time Masters Tournament Champion, Bubba Watson: Starting tonight, Watson will lend a helping hand around Bayfront Stadium for the next four games while making himself accessible to fans as part of a unique promotion.
Watson— a native of nearby Bagdad, FL who purchased a share of the team in January—will spend the weekend in and around the ballpark performing various jobs for the Blue Wahoos. While the team has not detailed what tasks he will handle, they are incorporating two unique opportunities for the fans to gain up close and personal access: an autograph session during the third inning of Monday’s game, as well as an appearance in a pre-game dunk tank on Saturday.
From 5:30-6:30 on Saturday evening, fans will have the opportunity to douse Watson and majority owner Quint Studer in a dunk tank just outside the stadium. The Blue Wahoos are asking that fans who participate in this offering make a donation to benefit Pensacola’s YMCA.
Having a high-profile athlete or celebrity owner can be a big marketing boost to any team—actor Bill Murray’s contributions to the Goldklang Group’s teams, including the Charleston River Dogs (Class Low A; Sally League) are an excellent example—but the Blue Wahoos and Watson have been aggressive in promoting their ties over the past few months. The team added a Bubba Dubbed grilled cheese sandwhich to its concession menu, and Off the Hook—a bar and restaurant located behind home plate—was renamed Bubba’s Sand Trap. He was also honored with a bobblehead giveaway on May 16.
Before joining their ownership group, Watson’s affection for his hometown team was apparent. He threw out the first pitch at Bayfront stadium after his Masters victories in 2012 and 2014, wearing the iconic green jacket to the ballpark for the latter of those appearances.