After a year away from Johnson City, the former assistant general manager of the Johnson City Cardinals is back for his first season as the general manager, and Zac Clark couldn’t be more excited.
Since he was announced as the new GM last November, Clark has been busy putting together an exciting promotional schedule for the upcoming Appalachian League season and overseeing his team as they completed the laundry list of tasks necessary to get TVA Credit Union Ballpark ready for another summer of minor league baseball. The organization even unveiled new logos over the offseason.
Sunday night’s FanFest was a finish line of sorts for Clark and his team, a chance to watch this year’s team interact with fans a couple days before Opening Day.
“I wish I had a couple more days, but overall, we’re ready,” Clark said. “Once we set up FanFest, we knew the ballpark would be ready to go. We’re excited. This is kind of a cherry on top for us to know we’re ready for the season.”
Clark worked side-by-side with former GM Tyler Parsons, who departed at the end of last season. He has seen his share of good rosters in Johnson City, including a pair of teams that won league championships in 2014 and 2016. With St. Louis’ first-round draft pick Nolan Gorman leading the way, Clark is excited about the talented roster of players that will take the field this season.
“Looking at the roster St. Louis sent us, year in and year out they always send us a really competitive roster,” Clark said. “The product on the field is going to be just as exciting as the product off the field. When that happens, it’s a great marriage.”
Indeed, Clark and his team have put together another fun promotional schedule this season. There will be five postgame fireworks shows (July 3, 13, 27 and Aug. 10, 25) to go along with several giveaways and themed nights. The Cardinals open their home schedule Friday night against the Kingsport Mets. For a full list of promotions and information on tickets, visit www.jccardinals.com.
The Cardinals will offer several fun promotions this season, including five postgame fireworks shows, bobblehead giveaways, Star Wars Night and Margaritaville Beach Bash Night.
The Cardinals signed autographs for fans, who had the opportunity to play games and sample some of the items in the concession stand during the two-hour event.
A young fan sizes up the 2018 Johnson City Cardinals during FanFest at TVA Credit Union Ballpark on Sunday night. PHOTOS BY DAVE ONGIE
