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Monday, Mar 18, 2024

Team Colors Change for JetHawks

As the Lancaster JetHawks dust off their cleats and get ready for their first game on April 6, the minor-league baseball team must deal with some major-league changes in the organization. Prior to spring training, the team changed its affiliation from the Houston Astros to the Colorado Rockies. The new contract for player development will run through the 2018 season. “We are very hopeful it will be a long-term affiliation with the Rockies and are committed as an organization to do everything we can to give them a first-class environment,” said Tom Backemeyer, the JetHawks’ executive vice president. Affiliations in baseball are advantageous for both organizations as the major-league team secures a training ground for future players, while the minor-league team is provided players and coaching personnel – paid for by its affiliate. “Everything on the field from players and coaches to staff are controlled by the Rockies,” Backemeyer explained. “Everything surrounding it, like promotions, giveaways and concessions, are all controlled by the JetHawks.” Geography was a big draw to the deal, he said, as the Astros have spring training in Florida, while the Rockies prepare for the regular season in Arizona. “Shuttling players around can be a task,” said Kevin Reichard, publisher of online publication Ballpark Digest. “You want to stay on a regional basis.” As for coaching, the Rockies have brought in Manager Fred Ocasio, who for the past two seasons led the Modesto Nuts, the Rockies’ former affiliate. With him came Brandon Emanuel, who now serves as the JetHawks’ pitching coach, and Anthony Sanders, the team’s development supervisor. The JetHawks were named after the region’s aerospace industry and play home games at the Hangar stadium in Lancaster. Last year, the team had the largest attendance increase from the 2015 season among all teams in the California League, Backemeyer said, which consists of eight Class A-Advanced minor league baseball teams in the state. The increase was around 5 percent with approximately 2,500 fans attending each game. The stadium can hold up to 4,500 patrons. This year Backemeyer predicts the attendance numbers will increase again as his staff has been hard at work enhancing the fan experience. As in years past, games will include fireworks, special promotions and giveaways but now will have a Rockies’ twist. Attendees can expect more Rockies-branded merchandise as well as certain games where players will wear Rockies-themed tribute jerseys. “Fans really get into the affiliate changes,” Ballpark Digest’s Reichard said. Average ticket prices for JetHawks games range between $9 and $15 with the season lasting through early September. “Sometimes baseball is almost secondary here (at the Hangar) to providing entertainment,” Backemeyer said. “Whether you like baseball or not, we’ll make sure you have a good time.” – Stephanie Henkel

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