And the sign said Long-haired freaky people need not apply
So I tucked my hair up under my hat and I went in to ask him why
He said You look like a fine upstanding young man, I think you’ll do
So I took off my hat, I said Imagine that. Huh! Me workin’ for you!
– by The Five Man Electrical Band
For those who don’t recall the song or aren’t quite old enough.. a nice video from YouTube below:
Songs aside, the IronPigs announced a new sign addition to Coca Cola Park for this upcoming season. (Is it April yet?)
From the IronPig’s press release:
A gigantic state-of-the-art LED ribbon board encompassing the entire width of Coca-Cola Park’s iconic scoreboard will be added prior to Opening Day, the club announced today. The LED board, measuring 76-feet wide by 4-feet tall, will run parallel to the line score at the bottom of the scoreboard, feature vivid displays to enhance the fan experience and provide the first true motion advertising opportunity for the club’s marketing partners
My favorite description of what minor league baseball has become is
“A Baseball Themed Pinball Machine.”
This new sign does remind me of a pinball machine. It also reminds me a lot of those signs down in Citizen Bank Park that are constantly streaming advertisements, blinking lights and occasionally the score. Maybe there could be stats up there too? One of my favorites is the sign that accompanies the pitch speed in Philly is the pitch selection. “Curveball 84mph” “Slider 89mph” or even a more detailed scorer’s decision for those who enjoy keeping score. The possibilities are many.
Our friends over at the Hog Blog don’t seem to share our enthusiasm for the new sign:
For those Coca-Cola Park fans who felt they didn’t get enough information for the five existing electronic scoreboards, the IronPigs are adding a new element to the nine-story structure that towers behind the left field lawn seating area.
I can understand that feeling of nostalgia. The ushers and concessions workers calling out each announcement is a site rarely seen anymore. Many baseball traditions are lost to memories. The technology added these days hasn’t changed the game but it has changed the entire experience.
What do I think of the sign?
I like baseball. I like pinball. As long as it doesn’t block my view… I’m happy.
As far as the sign actually singing… I doubt it. For me, I’m hoping we get to hear more of the angel voiced Joanna singing Happy Birthday, no offense Tim C.
One thing for sure is that the IronPigs are re-investing into Coca Cola Park consistantly. I see that as a sign (couldn’t resist) that they do appreciate the support we give them.
noisenation.mlblogs.com 
Love the song Dan brings me back. I’m very nostolgic, enough with the ads and the technology!! Let’s just see some baseball and maybe put that pinball machine to use to see more stats. I think it’ll be cool to see what type of pitch is thrown and how fast provided the speed pitch works, darn technology, and perhaps player stats on both sides and out of town scores. I understand marketing and advertisement is important but it’s a ballpark not a billboard! Hopefully the sign doesn’t sing, I too rather would her Joanna’s angelic voice than some techno babble scoreboard singing Happy Birthday. Anyway more power to the higher ups for doing this, they are making an effort as they always do in enhancing the fan experience. Guess I’m just feeling a little nostalgic lately. That’s Jimmy T’s take.
Oink on!
Agree Jimmy T. Would love to see pitch type and speed. They could even just quickly flash it up on the new ribbon after the pitch and then go right back to the ad.
Yeah it’s more ads, but it’s still a big high-tech, modern addition to CCP. If it’s not already, CCP is quickly becoming the best minor league park in the nation.
If they’re going to show the pitch speed they first have to get someone who knows how to use a radar gun. Seems like they get the speed of the throw from the catcher back to the pitcher more than they get the actual pitch.
Some of the younger fans may remember that Tesla did a “live” version of “Signs” in 1991 and their version also made it into the Billboard Top 10. The original by The Five Man Electrical Band from 1971 is still the definitive version of the song.
Caught a little of the Australian Baseball League championship series on mlb network today. Former Ironpig Travis Blackley started for the Melbourne Aces, went 7 innings and was the losing pitcher as the Aces lost game 1 to the Perth Heat 4-1. Former Phillies product Brad Harman was 1-4 for Melbourne while current Phillies farmhand Tim Kennelly had 2 hits for Perth. Game 2 of the best of 3 series is on the mlb network at noon on Saturday.
The Good: ribbon boards are common in the newer arenas and stadiums. it should give the place a bit of big-league feel. More advertising revenue means, maybe, less price increases elsewhere.
The Bad: more and more and more advertising
The Ugly: I’ve been singing that song for three days now. Thanks. Thanks a lot. 😉