A unique throwback promotion will take place at the college level on April 14, when Navy baseball turns the clock back to 1893.
Throwback nights have long been a promotional staple in baseball, particularly at the professional ranks. That trend is continuing at the major league and minor league levels this season, and Navy’s promotion accounts for at least one unique take on the event from the college level. On Saturday, April 14, Navy will host a doubleheader against the Lehigh Mountain Hawks beginning at 12:00 p.m., with the afternoon serving as a tribute to 1893–Navy’s first collegiate season.
As part of 1893 Throwback Day, the first 100 fans in attendance will receive free mauve-colored Navy Baseball tee-shirts, a nod to the 1890’s status as the Mauve Decade. In addition, fans in attendance will receive free samples of Cracker Jack, Lipton Tea, and 1893-style Pepsi.
There will also be some touches on the videoboard at Terwilliger Brothers Field at Max Bishop Stadium, including famous paintings, and birthday celebrations of notable Americans born in 1893. In addition, musical symphonies from the year will be played intermittently on the ballpark’s public address system.
Other happenings in 1893, include the U.S. Navy establishing the rank of Chief Petty Officer and the launching of the first battleship in the Navy comparable to foreign battleships of the time, the U.S.S. Indiana (BB-1).