Look Out, Here Comes Steamer!
February 15, 2008 - 1:03am — Corys_Stories
One of the last times I was on a quad at the game, right before playoffs. A few seasons ago.
Wow, that's the headline. What happened to the quad I used to drive around? Lots of fans have been inquiring for the past 2 years. We used to have a drawing at the very last home game of the season and give the ATV away. But, from what I understand, we lost the sponsors.
One of the fans told me the funniest pantomiming I did was pre game with me on that bike. That was my favorite part too. I had an hour to have fun and goof off on that baby. Greeting people, performing stupid stunts and trying to make kids laugh was my favorite part. Funny, by the time they sung the Star Spangled Banner, I was pooped. I did hear that we revamped one of our golf carts for me.
Several emails have come in recently, inquiring if I am going to play Steamer again this year. Ya know, at the end of every season, I think to myself, "that's it...that's all I've got...someone else's turn", but then spring training is here, and I start getting the buzz again. For instance, today was the first I've been in the costume since Halloween. I've cut back quite a bit, and am sharing the role a lot more now than ever. We had a bunch of Valentine deliveries, and I had a blast.
In less than 4 hours, we did about 12 appearances and surprisingly, I knew a lot of the recipients. They almost all had kind words of encouragement for me to return again for another season. It is so nice to have feedback from the fans. One of the best compliments I can get, while I’m wearing the green fuzz is for someone to say, “the REAL Steamer “
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Some of my former art students are ready and willing and tall enough now to play Steamer this year and really help me out. To this, I am very thankful. My plan is to play all of the early school games and a handful of weekend games. I will also start doing some more appearances again.
I still love playing Steamer. Next month, we go into the elementary schools for Cat in the Hat National Reading Month. One of our staff members read different baseball stories, while I try to act them out. This is so much fun. How can you tell it’s me in the suit this year? If I’m riding the golf cart, sitting in the stands playing with the kids, or sitting down at the booth signing autographs, well, it’ll be me. Emphasis on the word ‘sitting’.
Photo of me, back in the good old days, when I used to stand, instead of sit. Personal note; I miss that quad as much as I miss the sitcom CHEERS. A whole lot.
Do me a favor, write to the Curve and say, "Bring back the Quad for Steamer" and let's see if we can get a petition going. A rally, yeah, man! www.altoonacurve.com write to GM or Asst. GM.
Comments
What was the sponsorship amount?
How much was the sponsorship amount? I would think it would be something that the Curve could easily sponsor. Did the use of the ATV ruin the playing field?
Probably the next best thing to the ATV is watching steamer ride the Roller Coaster. You can see Steamer waving but the best part are the fans who site around me and talk about Steamer riding the Roller Coaster during the game. The fans around our seats love it. The last game I went to last year, Steamer rode the coaster through one whole inning. It was a long inning and the people around me would say..."I am not kidding! Steamer is on the roller coaster! Watch! Oh man that is too funny. Will he do it again?" Then sure enough in the front seat waving frantically was that Jolly Green furry locomotive.
You can bet I will be watching for Steamer this year. I have access to season tickets and the first game will feature Jerome Bettis throwing out the first pitch. I will be taking a football to a baseball game.
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