Many folks wanted to dislike the Edmonton Riverhawks when they arrived in Edmonton in 2020. Reason being the inauspicious start when Managing Director Dr. Randy Gregg was quoted in the Edmonton Journal stating "his groups is looking to add a second Edmonton-based Western Canadian Baseball League Team." which forced that league to issue a statement protecting their current team: "the League has communicated the franchise and territorial information to both Mr. Gregg and the City of Edmonton".
It has been the only mis-step the franchise has made.
A year after their introduction came this picture of the Stanley Cup winning doctor painting the benches at Re/Max Field. It would still be another full year before the Edmonton Riverhawks franchise actually got to play their first baseball game in the West Coast League (WCL).
That season the Riverhawks introduced fans in Edmonton to "Fireworks Fridays", "Hawks and Hounds", and "beer bats". In a stroke of different, the between inning games did not cater to kids but to adults. "Dizzy bat" after chugging a beer will always be a favourite.
That stroke of different the Riverhawks were giving Edmontonians included the ceremonial opening pitch to their June 16, 2023 Salute the Military night delivered by helicopter. Still recall the PA Announcer, "Players on both teams, this is not an ordinary first pitch, please get off the field as we await the arrival of the ball".
"We like to party"
This new way of promoting a good time that just happens to have a baseball game playing has got the attention of Edmonton. Cranky folk like the author of this article have let go of grudges. Baseball fans who wish to focus on the game of baseball were treated to the playoffs last season. And people who just want a good time on any night of the week are realizing that a night at Re/Max Field, even if baseball is not your favourite sport (this is Edmonton after all), can be fun!
Wait what!? The baseball team now has a hockey rink in their stadium!! You win Riverhawks! You have covered all the bases. You have scored on every shot you have taken. See you in June!
