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.