Oh, how times have changed.
One year after it was announced that a Texas Collegiate League team would be coming to the Brazos Valley, the Bombers are now the attendance leader in the TCL, a playoff team, and a leading provider of family entertainment during the summer.
One year ago, the announcement was met with a mix of excitement, optimism, and curiosity. Now the Bombers have proven themselves to fans and sponsors that not only is this team for real, but it will only be getting better, for years to come.
Consider some of these achievements from the Bombers inaugural season:
On Opening Night, June 8, Bombers fans broke the TCL single-game attendance record with nearly 1,500 fans in attendance for the historic event. The Bombers drew the largest crowd in league history again on July 20—for a rainout, no less. But none of the 1,801 fans went home disappointed, as the Bombers and Mineral Wells Steam engaged in a home run derby, Reggy! entertained fans throughout the night, and the evening was capped by a stunning fireworks show. Brazos Valley finished the summer as the clear attendance leader for the TCL after the very first season.
Four Bombers picked up weekly league honors during the season: Joseph Towns was named TCL Player of the Week, Casey Whitmer and Clint Helms were each honored as TCL Pitcher of the Week, and Will Basom was tabbed as June TCL’s Player of the Month. Six Bombers participated in the TCL All-Star Game, including Whitmer and Towns, who started for the Speaker Division team, and Mark McGonigle, who participated in the Home Run Derby.
The Bombers finished with a 23-20 record, good for second place in the Speaker Division and earned a playoff spot in their inaugural season. Whitmer received one of the three most prestigious player honors when he earned TCL Freshman of the Year at the conclusion of the season. Closer Tyler Davis was named to the TCL’s All-League team.
And there was fun aplenty in the stands as well. Fans were treated to four spectacular fireworks shows during the summer, capped by the biggest of them all after the Bombers playoff game. The Aggie faithful lined up for a chance to get a limited edition Acie Law bobblehead doll given away by the Bombers on August 4. Ladies were treated to a special promotion as well, when nearly $7,500 in gemstones – including a half-carat diamond worth $2,500 – was given away prior to the playoff game on August 7.
And preparations are already under way to make the 2008 season even better. More promotions and events are being arranged, players are being invited back, and even more improvements are being planned for Brazos Valley Bank Ballpark.
Season ticket holders are being invited to renew for next year, and new season ticket holders will be able to reserve their spot for all the excitement beginning next week.
If you would like to be a part of Bombers baseball in 2008, please contact the Bombers at (979) 779-PLAY, or visit the Bombers official web site at www.bvbombers.com. You don’t want to miss out on a summer that promises to be even more exciting than the last!