Skunks, horny old folks part of Rogers' beautification project

The Dugout made its first phone call of the season - and possibly ever - to Huntsville, new home of Buck Rogers. One of the masters of baseball promotion is quickly making his mark in the Huntsville area.

One of the first things he wanted to do in Huntsville was refurbish the ballpark. Last month he invited any fans that wanted to help to the ballpark. Rogers expected a few fans. He got 144 people to help paint, rework the landscaping and generally beautify the place.

Rogers is a master at building a fan base. He spent the last few seasons at Brevard County, which is one of the toughest sells in baseball. It sounds like he has the ownership and the city of Huntsville behind him, which means that the Stars, who’ve never been known as anything but a farm club, could become one of the most entertaining minor league teams.

Rogers said ticket sales are up 50 percent over this point last season despite an inclement April. Overall revenue has also increased significantly. Rogers was elated that the new shipment of cowbells just arrived. They will go well with the horns that now populate the ballpark.

Apparently the senior citizens have really taken to horn blowing during ballgames. They make Section E the loudest area in the park. According to Rogers, these senior citizens have given themselves a nickname: The Horn E section. The Dugout doesn’t know whether to laugh or cringe at that thought.

Then there are the skunks. Apparently a family of skunks lives in the ballpark and has been known to take in the action. Several games have been delayed while the skunks migrate across the field.

Rogers said one skunk was hanging out in the concourse the other night, right next to the beer line. Fans sipped their beers while keeping their eyes on the little fellas. After a few minutes the skunk went about its business and the fans wandered back to their seats.
Just another day in a Buck Rogers-fueled ballpark.