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The name game

By KEVIN KELLY

© St. Petersburg Times,
published August 12, 2001

When Nick Bierbrodt made his home debut with the Rays on Wednesday, somebody in the marketing office had a clever idea: sell beers and brats at a discounted price. So who else in the majors could warrant a similar promotion based solely on his name? Here are a few suggestions:

CRAIG COUNSELL, INF, DIAMONDBACKS: Free legal advice before and after the game at Bank One Ballpark.

JOSE CRUZ, OF, BLUE JAYS: One lucky fan wins a raffle for a free Carnival Cruise to Cruz's birthplace: Puerto Rico.

OMAR DAAL, P, PHILLIES: The first 7,500 fans get an Omar doll.

JERMAINE DYE, OF, ATHLETICS: In honor of the Grateful Dead and the Lithuanian Olympic basketball team, the A's hand out tie-Dye T-shirts.

BUDDY GROOM, P, ORIOLES: All men who have said "I do" in the past year get in free with their marriage certificate. Wives get a (better) half-priced ticket.

SHANE HALTER, INF, TIGERS: Comerica Park never has seen so much skin on Halter Top Day. Free sunscreen from Coppertone distributed at the gates.

ELVIS PENA, SS, BREWERS: Not only do the Flying Elvises skydive to deliver the first pitch, all Elvis impersonators (pets included) get to run the bases after the game.

BRAD PENNY, P, MARLINS: A tribute to the unwanted and unloved coin. Everything on sale in the ballpark is discounted by 1 cent.

DENNYS REYES, P, REDS: If the Cincinnati pitcher gives up a grand slam, attending fans get a coupon for a Grand Slam Breakfast at participating Denny's restaurants.

ESIX SNEAD, OF, CARDINALS: Free scorebooks to children 15 years old and under. -- Compiled by Kevin Kelly.

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