Pump Jacks Offer Conan O’Brien His Own Show…In East Texas

PRESS RELEASE – Jay Leno can have the “Tonight Show”. Conan O’Brien will take the East Texas Pump Jacks.  Well, at least the offer is on the table.  The Pump Jacks, a summer collegiate baseball team located in Kilgore, Texas, today offered O’Brien the position of on-field emcee, providing in-game entertainment throughout the team’s 2010 season. Terms of the offer were not disclosed, but it’s believed a team cap was included as a signing bonus.

“Like anyone who’s been following this saga, we feel badly for Conan O’Brien,” said Pump Jacks general manager Mike Lieberman. “His dream job is being stripped away from him by Jay Leno and NBC.

“Working with the Pump Jacks will give Conan a chance to land on his feet. He can display his comedic talents, entertain our fans, and when the time is right, return to television – and maybe win a championship ring in the process!”

Jacks management indicated the team is sensitive to O’Brien’s concern about game times, especially after NBC suggested moving his show back a half hour to make room for Leno. As a result, the team is open to starting games at O’Brien’s “Tonight Show” time slot of 11:35 pm ET, 10:35 in East Texas.

O’Brien’s responsibilities would be to introduce and emcee all in-game contests at every one of the Pump Jacks’ 28 home games this summer. In the past, contests have seen fans dancing for their dinner or racing one of the Pump Jacks mascots, plus the fan-favorite Dizzy Bat Race.

The team added that if he feels more comfortable doing so, O’Brien may entertain fans with an opening monologue prior to the singing of the national anthem.

The Pump Jacks said they are open to O’Brien bringing any of his cohorts from the “Tonight Show”. Triumph, the Insult Comic Dog would be eagerly welcomed by the team’s two mascots, Boomer the fighting donkey and Derrick the Dinosaur. Max Weinberg and the Tonight Show Band are also welcome to join O’Brien for Pump Jacks games.

The team added that although it wouldn’t be able to pay Weinberg’s band or Triumph, the Jacks are willing to feed O’Brien’s entourage after every performance. Representatives from the concessions stand recommended the team’s chicken fajita wraps, adding that the jumbo hot dogs “are quite good too.”

The Pump Jacks’ season will kick off on June 2, giving O’Brien several months to develop material for his new gig.

While the team waits on O’Brien’s answer, management is already busily preparing for the 2010 season. Fireworks, promotions, and giveaways are already being planned for the team’s expanded schedule. Recruiting the roster is in full swing, with player announcements expected next week. Season tickets are also on sale now, with team sponsorships also available.

For more information on the Pump Jacks, to follow all the off-season news, and to get information about season tickets, log on to the team’s official web site at www.pumpjacksbaseball.com.