Analyzing the 2011 Schedule

In the previous post, I briefly examined the process of putting a schedule together. We'll take a look at the finished product in this post.

We have three Monday home games, three Tuesdays, five Wednesdays, three Thursdays, five Fridays, four Saturdays, and lastly- five Sundays. As a General Manager, I am primarily concerned with home games. This gives us an opportunity to showcase our product to our fans throughout the summer. That's a given. So it's important to us to have a favorable schedule that ideally revolves around our fans' activities (e.g. weekend games). I touched upon the most favorable nights in the previous post. For the many not-so-favorable nights (weekdays), we have to make sure that our fans will have reason to come to the ballpark other than to see a baseball game. Ultimately, we provide 'entertainment' which happens to revolve around baseball. Establishing successful promotions to bring more people through the gates requires special attention and thought throughout the off-season. If it's worked in the past, then we usually do the same thing the following season, while upgrading plans for the promotional night. Minor league organizations usually borrow promotional ideas from other teams, because, well, it's a good idea and it's a new market. We'll try and put together a great promotional schedule, especially during the week. Fan input is always greatly appreciated.

Last year we had Military Mondays, in which we wore special camouflage uniforms to honor all members of the military. Fans certainly love different uniforms, but I certainly have nothing against our home whites. They look real sharp. We will certainly add Military Mondays to the 2011 schedule.

Looking at the 2011 schedule, we have seven home stands (two or more games in a row). I don't think I've ever had this many home stands before. We'll certainly be busy during the season. So if you can't find us, we'll probably be at the field! In contrast, we have four road trips and eight off days. Off days are particularly important because our players practically play year round. This gives them an opportunity to relax, recuperate, interact with their host families and teammates, and see the sights in Carteret County.

Some non South Division opponents include Asheville, Wilson, Peninsula, Petersburg, Gastonia, Edenton, and Martinsville. Once again, the schedule is heavily loaded with division opponents, which helps each clubs' travel situation.

The CPL All-Star festivities will take place on July17-18. A host site has yet to be determined, but that is usually a fun time. It's certainly a great honor for all the players. The last four All-Star games were held Forest City, Wilmington, Asheboro, and Columbia.

2011 Schedule Coming Soon

The CPL recently released the preliminary team schedules for the 2011 season. Over the past week, we have been making trades with other teams to acquire specific dates to cut down on travel, increase off days for our players, and to also increase promotional opportunities for next season.

Usually, the most appealing days are Fridays and Saturdays for obvious reasons. Also, Thursday's (Thirsty Thursday) are also seen as appealing as 12 teams in the league can sell alcohol at their respective ballparks. Lastly, July 4th, depending on the city, usually is the biggest night of the year. When I was Wilson and Thomasville, July 4th easily drew the best crowds during the season. Firework shows are commonly known as the best promotion. In most markets, like Wilson and Thomasville, firework shows are generally a successful promotion. That gives some insight to what most teams are thinking of when the schedule is first released. Even though we are a summer collegiate team and not affiliated with minor league baseball, the same philosophy applies to all minor league teams, but on a bigger scale.

This year, the CPL's primary goal is to increase the level of play while decreasing travel. This year, the CPL has gone with an "unbalanced" schedule to help just that. Our fans get to see more out of division teams this year. Some road trips can really be draining for players and coaches, so the unbalanced schedule certainly helps the travel situation. Overall, I believe most teams will benefit from the new schedule structure.

The new completed schedule should be completed during the week and then we'll write a press release announcing the 2011 summer schedule. This is when the fun really begins....we'll start thinking about our promotional calendar. Stay tuned.

Forest City Named Organization of the Year

Every year about this time, many front office staff members of the Coast Plain League get very uneasy. After another summer season of baseball in the books, there is one last thing that needs to be done in order to wrap up the season: announce the organization of the year. Yesterday, the CPL announced the Forest City Owls have won organization of the year. First, I would like to commend Forest City on a job well done and having a fantastic season. James Wolfe and his hard-working staff always do a phenomenal job.

There are many things that go into an evaluation of an organization for this award. Every organization essentially is graded on many different areas. Some of these area include: post game meals, league communication, field preparation, competitiveness, and community relationship. Every organization is graded by all other organizations, specifically in-division teams. For example, it's impossible for our organization to evaluate Wilson if we haven't played them this year. We can however evaluate Wilmington, Fayetteville, Columbia, and Florence. Players, coaches, staff, and umpires fill out evaluation forms toward the end of the season. These are used, along with CPL evaluations to determine organization of the year.

Unfortunately, Morehead City did not win in it's inaugural season. But that doesn't take away from the hard work that was put in by my staff and the players on a daily basis. I want to congratulate everyone for a very successful season. The Marlins are the newest organization in the league and it will take some time to make an impact in the community and in the league. It doesn't happen over night. I think we are certainly headed in the right direction and we were extremely happy with our first season.