Jeff Dooley, radio broadcast personality for the Hartford Yard Goats (formerly New Britain Rock Cats) was our guest.
Jeff spoke about the team’s transition during the 2015 season. New Ownership, new affiliation with Major League Baseball; the announced move to Hartford – and a new State of the Art ballpark – for the 2016 season; and of course the new team name and logo.
Jeff talked enthusiastically about Dunkin’ Donuts Park with its modern amenities, like 360 sight lines, a kids/fan zone within the stadium, shorter distances to the fences, lower outfield walls and huge video scoreboard. [and no bench style seating!] There is no change in ticket pricing. And, YES! The park will be ready for Opening Day, set as April 7, 2016. And YES! Plenty of affordable pricing is expected.
Momentum and excitement is building since the team completed its Name the Team contest [won by a UConn grad and present New Jersey resident]. Other major sponsors include Travelers, The Hartford and Frontier Communications.
The team recently unveiled their new Logo… a goat chewing on a broken baseball bat … in blue and green colors … borrowing from the tradition of the Hartford Whalers.
The team is now the Double A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies. The Rock Cats had been a minor league affiliate of the Minnesota Twins for 10 years.
Jerry Moss