Minor League Baseball Team Plans DeflateGate-Inspired Testicular Cancer Awareness Night

Once the suffix “gate” was applied to whole Patriots deflated balls story (#DeflateGate, ugh), events like the Myrtle Beach Pelicans hosting a #DeflateCancer Night were bound to happen. Fortunately the minor league promotion is for a good cause, raising awareness for testicular cancer.

The Pelicans, who are a Class A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, issued a tremendous press release for its game vs. Salem Red Sox on April 15. Whomever hatched this idea in the put a lot of thought into it.

Let’s begin:

"In light of the NFL and New England Patriots “Deflate-gate” scandal, #DeflateCancer Night will focus on raising awareness for testicular cancer and feature an inflatable baseball giveaway to the first 1200 fans through the gates. Eleven of every 12 fans will receive a deflated ball, while one in every 12 will receive a “properly” inflated ball."

But what if I get hungry or bored by game?

"Once inside the ballpark, fans can take advantage of concessions discounts on meatball sandwiches, chicken bog balls, roasted and boiled nuts, and of course, discounted hot dogs as a part of the yearlong Weiner Wednesday promotion. The team also plans to conduct a Rocky Mountain oyster-eating contest between Pelicans Vice President and General Manager Andy Milovich and one “lucky” fan as a between inning game. Fans can also take deflated hot-air balloon “rides” at the park."

I’ll pass on the Rocky Mountain oysters. Got any tunes for the PA system?

"Music for the night is sure to feature famous ball-related tunes like “Great Balls of Fire,” “Cannonball,” “Wrecking Ball,” and “Balls to the Wall.”"

Who else is coming? Any celebs?

"Important to note for concerned parents, the Pelicans have opted not to invite the New England Patriots equipment manager to run the Kids Zone. The bounce house, speed-pitch, and obstacle course will, as always, be inflated to the specified safety levels outlined in their respective manuals. Finally, the Pelicans plan to formally invite Walt Anderson and his officiating crew from the AFC Championship Game to inspect the game balls prior to first pitch."

Jokes aside, let’s applaud the Pelicans for being creative and doing it for a worthy cause such as cancer awareness. You’d have to wonder if by April 12 anyone will even remember this whole #Deflategate thing.