The first crack of spring

Friday, 5 April 2013

            Springtime, for most people here in Buffalo that means the first day that we don’t feel winter’s icy chill. For fans of the Buffalo Bisons, spring begins with that first crack of a curveball smashing into a baseball bat.

           

 Opening Day arrived April 4 at Coca-Cola Field, where the Bisons faced the Rochester Red Wings. Fans eagerly streamed into the stadium, excited for a new season and great weather. This will be the Bisons’ first season playing under its new parent team: the Toronto Blue Jays. Enthusiasm for the game cannot be understated. A crowd of around 16,000 strong was in attendance.

“Fans are willing a bit more willing to bundle up a little bit because it’s an exciting time to have baseball back in the area.” said Brad Brisbing, Buffalo Bisons director of public relations. “We normally rank top 10 in attendance in minor league baseball.”

Fans were treated to an extra perk called Buster’s Guarantee. If the Bisons had lost their game to Rochester, they could redeem their Opening Day ticket stubs and pay a dollar for the next day’s game. The Bisons won 12-7, but the beloved mascot Buster was feeling generous and fans April 5 were treated to cheap tickets and another win against Rochester. 

This season is expected to reap more wins, now that the team has severed ties with its previous affiliate, the New York Mets. The Bisons suffered under the management of the Mets. In its four year stint, they only managed one winning season but did not qualify for the playoffs, player performance was poor and fans were dissatisfied. In September 2012, the Bisons parted ways with the Mets and signed a contract with the Toronto Blue Jays and rehired former manager Marty Brown.

“I’ve been working here over 25 years,” said an employee of Coco-Cola Field who identified himself as John. “I’ve been a long-time fan and I think we’re off to a great start.”

The Bisons are turning over a new leaf in this season of new beginnings. With two wins already on the board, fans may get to see their Herd stampede straight to the playoffs.