PRESS RELEASE – Pinetoppers are coming to town! Today at the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce, representatives from the Peach State League unveiled the name and identity of Macon’s entry in the new league. The Macon Pinetoppers will call historic Luther Williams Field home during the league’s inaugural 2010 season. The season will begin on Saturday, June 19 at 6:00. The Bucket Boys will perform during and after the game. Their post-game performance will be followed by a fireworks spectacular, and all fans will be invited on the field to run the bases after the fireworks show.
The Macon Pinetoppers name was chosen from over 200 entries in the Name the Team Contest. Cam Jordan of Fitzgerald, GA was the winner of the contest and will receive a pair of season tickets for the 2010 season and will throw out a ceremonial first pitch on Opening Night.<!– In his contest entry, Mr. Jordan explained:
“Otis Redding’s band name connects (the name) to Macon. Connotes towering fly balls clipping Georgia pines.”
The Macon Pinetoppers’ name can be traced to the legendary Macon groups Johnny Jenkins and the Pinetoppers and later Otis Redding and the Pinetoppers.
In the book, “Street Singers, Soul Shakers, Rebels with a Cause: Music from Macon” Author Candice Dyer states:
“Meanwhile, Johnny Jenkins was growing restless. He left the Mighty Panthers to form his own band, which he christened the Pinetoppers, after the warbling birds in the trees, and kept Redding for vocals.”
–>“We received over 200 suggestions for the team name in a little over a week,” said general manager and co-owner Bill Larsen. “While there were a lot of great ideas, we felt the Macon Pinetoppers really stood out. It’s a unique name that Macon can be proud of.”
“The name incorporates the prominent Georgia pine trees that dot the region’s landscape,” Larsen added. “The warbler was a logical choice for a mascot that we believe the fans, and especially kids, will really have fun with.”
The team’s logo was unveiled as well, and it blends the images of a warbler, a baseball, pine needles and the Macon Pinetoppers name.
Other Name the Team Contest entries were recognized including the Most Unique Name. That prize was awarded to Scott Camp of Macon who suggested the Macon Mudfish, honoring Music, the Ocmulgee River, the Douglas Theater, the Fall Line, the Indian Mounds, Sydney Lanier, and the Hay House.
Macon’s John Cole was recognized for the Best Story Behind a Name for his entry the Macon Volunteers, honoring Macon’s oldest National Guard Unit.
“We would like to thank everybody for entering the contest and we hope to see them at the ballpark this summer,” added Larsen.
The Pinetoppers also released the schedule for the 2010 season, beginning with Opening Night on Saturday, June 19, at 6:00. The Bucket Boys will be performing and the game will be followed by a fireworks display. The Macon Pinetoppers will play a 42 game regular-season schedule at Luther Williams Field that will conclude on August 8.
Finally, the Macon Pinetoppers announced the new team website. Visit http://www.pinetoppers.com to view the season schedule and for ticket information. Season-long promotions include:
- Two-for-one burgers, soda and popcorn on Tuesdays
- $1 hot dogs and $1 sodas on Wednesdays
- Half price beer, soda and popcorn on Thursdays
- Entertainers and giveaways on Fridays
- Fireworks on Saturdays
- Family Days on Sundays
- Fans get to run the bases after every game
The finalized entertainment schedule will be announced shortly and will be updated on the team’s website.
Season Tickets remain on sale as well as Early Bird Flex Plans. Call the Macon Pinetoppers Ticket Office at 478-745-0777 for more information.
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