A somewhat recent phenomenon in minor league, semi-professional, and summer league baseball has been the temporary team name transformation. It’s a fun and effective way to bring fans out to the ballpark and sell some new apparel in the process. Some recent rebrands by Wisconsin-based ball clubs include the Timber Rattlers becoming the Udder Tuggers one day per season and the Milwaukee Milkmen masquerading as the Milwaukee Sweet Teats, and the Kenosha Kingfish paying homage to Home Alone by playing a game as the Kenosha Kickers last year.
With another baseball season on the way and more money to be made, the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers have another rebrand in the works. This time around, the A-ball affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers will be temporarily transforming into the Wisconsin Frozen Pizzas during a June 12 game against the South Bend Cubs. The team announced the promotion Tuesday.
The theme is in reference to the state’s claim of being the “Frozen Pizza Capital of the World,” as well as the fact Wisconsinites reportedly eat more frozen pizza than anywhere else in the country, and five of America’s largest frozen pizza brands originated (and are still headquartered) in Wisconsin. Beyond the Rattlers, er, the Frozen Pizzas wearing new theme-specific uniforms during the game, the first 1,000 fans to enter the ballpark on June 12 will receive a pizza oven bobblehead. And you know Wisconsin Frozen Pizza apparel will be available at the team store. In fact, it’s already available online.
Oh, and in other Wisconsin baseball promo news, the Beloit Sky Carp will take the field as the “Wisconsin Supper Clubbers” during select games this season and the Kingfish are doing a Happy Gilmore thing on June 20.