Baltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles have launched a campaign called “Operation Orange” which entails a number of discounts, contests, and more. For the most part, “Operation Orange” seems to be geared towards engaging fans through community relations outside of the ballpark. Some recent posts include a happy hour at a bar if you wear Orioles gear, and a meet and greet with a few players at a local mall. All events feature the team mascot as well as the “Operation Orange Rally Crew”.
The Orioles do post some behind the scenes pictures, but not enough as some other teams. The team is also interested in getting fans to show their support through social media, as the page has offered Timeline cover photos featuring players, as well as cell phone backgrounds. Applications hosted include Tickets, Maps, and a poll for fans to vote on which player they want to see on a bobblehead for a future promotion. The poll includes the option to share your vote on Facebook and Twitter, and a link to buy tickets for the day the bobbleheads will be given out.
Boston Red Sox
In addition to the usual game recaps, articles, and videos, the Boston Red Sox have run some interesting promotions so far this year. One gallery created on the page was from the winners of the “Meet Your Sox” promotion, where fans were encouraged to look for giants cardboard heads of the team roster. Once found, fans were rewarded with a pair of tickets to Opening Day. Fans can also have their pictures taken on the field and run the bases during their opening series.
One link that led to a program hosted on the team was an international players map, where fans can learn all about their favorite international players. Information listed includes their stats, which languages they speak, and more. Applications hosted include Tickets and a link to the team’s Twitter.
Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox post a lot of pictures on their players and keep fans updated on pretty much everything going on with members of the team. Whether it be players appearing at local stores, sporting events, March Madness brackets, or giving an inside look at a commercial the team shot, White Sox fans always know what’s going on. In addition to an opening day countdown, Chicago got fans excited for Opening Day by creating a gallery of all the changes to the home stadium, as well as new concessions which will be served this season.
Some of the upgrades included retired numbers, new murals, additional seating, #SoxSocial Lounge. No additional information was available on the lounge, so that could still be under construction. The team uses some Instagram photos. Applications hosted include Maps, Videos, Tickets, and Notes.
Cleveland Indians
The Cleveland Indians promote their hashtag on Facebook, showing that they have a focus on Twitter. Cleveland does not have many unique posts, instead sticking to game recaps, some player news, highlight videos, and the sort. They encourage fans to show opposing teams that their home is “Tribe Town” although no deals or instructions are given. One cool program run by the team is the Littlest Fan, which allows fans to register their newborns to receive a visit from Slider, the moose mascot of the team.
Applications hosted include Tickets and an Indians Fan of the Month Program which allows fans to submit their photos to a slideshow.
Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers Facebook page seems to act like more of a news site, as the primary content is about transactions within the organization, game results, and highlights. There are some posts to get fans excited about the team’s home opening day, but not as much as some other teams. During Spring Training there were recaps for most of the games played. The team has used the hashtag #BaseballisBack over some photos and the slogan is also represented on the timeline cover photo.
Applications hosted include Tickets and Maps.
Kansas City Royals
The Kansas City Royals have used the hashtag #CometoPlayKC in many of their photos, including most pictures about the team leading up to Opening Day and the cover photo. The page is full of pictures and game recaps, as well as lineup cards prior to each game so far this season. There have also been a few posts on new additions to the stadium, including a video tour. The team is also running a contest between Mustard, Ketchup, and Relish to see who will be crowned the Hot Dog Derby Champion, but this contest is being hosted by the team’s website, and only being posted about on Facebook.
Applications hosted include Maps, Tickets, and Royals Blue Crew which is a fan club for kids that gives access to Royals merchandise, stadium tours, and much more.
Los Angeles Angels
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are big into posting galleries. Whether it is action shots from a game, pictures from a training session, or community event, there are plenty of chances for fans to get a look at their favorite players. The team also posts about community events, in addition to game recaps and highlight videos. There have also been some deals leading up to Opening Day, such as a discount on team photos and tickets.
Most posts include a link back to the team’s website. Applications hosted include Tickets and Maps.
Minnesota Twins
For Minnesota Twins fans in attendance at the home games, they can play “At the plate” which is an app for smart phones that allows fans to predict what will happen next in the game. The fan chooses the action and if they are correct they earn points. In addition to photos, game recaps and videos, the team encourages fans to send in their own photos from the game, which are then posted on the page.
The Twins have also put out some longer video clips, some which feature the Twins mascots and their antics at Target Field, and others which focus on the players getting in shape during Spring Training. The team also posts many of their own pictures from around the stadium, including concessions and upgrades. Applications hosted include Tickets and Target Field Events.
New York Yankees
It is not much of a surprise that the New York Yankees have the most Facebook likes of any team, checking in with over 6 million fans. Along with the game recaps, videos and photos, the page also shares news on ticket plans and merchandise deals. The team gave out a cover photo to users with the phrase “Beat Boston!” in preparation to opening day as the Yankees were playing the Red Sox. One of the applications hosted is a Gatorade tab featuring the accomplishment of Derek Jeter getting his 3000th hit, with some other highlights during his career.
This seems somewhat outdated since his 3000th hit occurred two years ago.
Seattle Mariners
Oakland Athletics boasts the most creative cover photo in the league, with “Earned Pie Average” joke headlining the page. The team is also taking a unique approach to Throwback Thursdays, as they are giving away buttons featuring past logos of the franchise to everyone who comes to home games, rather than simply posting an old photo. Throughout the stadium in Oakland there are some cool posters with phrases similar to the pie cover photo, giving the A’s a unique personality.
These posters have also been uploaded onto Facebook. The team posts game recaps and articles, in addition to some off color shots of their fans. Applications hosted include Tickets and Events.
Tampa Bay Rays
The Seattle Mariners Opening Day campaign was somewhat personal, as with each post the team stated “We miss the X” This connected with fans because they were missing the same things that the team was such as the players and their personalities. The Mariners also have a unique look for game recap photos, as they list the score within the picture, while also using a cool graphic to name the player of the game and show his stats.
They also have a couple of community shots, such as a local supermarket arranging soda cases into the team logo. Applications hosted include Tickets, MLB Polls and Quizzes, and King’s Court 2013, which allows fans to see the winning t-shirt design from a previously held contest.
Texas Rangers
The Tampa Bay Rays have been welcoming back fans with some very cool giveaways. Just in the first couple of weeks of the season, fans have already been treated to a David Price figure, an Evan Longoria wall poster, and a Joe Madden gnome is next on the docket. The team also posts game recaps and videos, in addition to some information about charities and shots from the fans. A new mascot has also been introduced to accompany the team’s current mascot, Raymond.
This new mascot, DJ Kitty, caused a little bit of a problem with some fans who thought he was taking over. But the team quickly responded to commenters to let them know that Raymond was still the top “sea dog.” Applications hosted include Tickets and Events.
Toronto Blue Jays
Aside from game recaps and videos, there is not a ton of extra coverage on the Texas Rangers Facebook page. There are posts showing the lineup for that night’s game with a cool picture of the jersey of the starting pitcher. The team also hosted an Opening Day countdown with a different picture each day leading up to the start of the season. One cool feature hosted on the team’s site (which the team provided a link to in a post) was an Instragram contest, where fans could upload their photos with a certain hashtag to be entered into a contest to win tickets and on-field batting practice.
Heisman trophy winner Johnny Manziel threw out the opening day pitch. Applications hosted Tickets and Photos.
Although not as focused on photos as some other teams, the Toronto Blue Jays provide fans with helpful information in text posts, including traffic updates and public transit advice. Also, the team reminded fans to send photos to their Instagram account on Amateur Baseball Photo Day (may have been a team created holiday). The team utilizes their access to the players very well, by giving fans candid shots at their favorite Blue Jays.
One of the better uses of this was in a photo showing Jose Reyes reacting to seeing his giveaway figurine for the first time, which generated even more fan interest. Other candid photos include them talking to members of other teams or just hanging out during practice sessions. In the banner the team uses the hashtag #LoveThisTeam, which is their slogan on Twitter for the season. Applications hosted include Tickets and MLB Polls and Quizzes.
Additional reporting provided by Chester Baker.
The Baltimore Orioles have launched a campaign called “Operation Orange” which entails a number of discounts, contests, and more. For the most part, “Operation Orange” seems to be geared towards engaging fans through community relations outside of the ballpark. Some recent posts include a happy hour at a bar if you wear Orioles gear, and a meet and greet with a few players at a local mall. All events feature the team mascot as well as the “Operation Orange Rally Crew”.
The Orioles do post some behind the scenes pictures, but not enough as some other teams. The team is also interested in getting fans to show their support through social media, as the page has offered Timeline cover photos featuring players, as well as cell phone backgrounds. Applications hosted include Tickets, Maps, and a poll for fans to vote on which player they want to see on a bobblehead for a future promotion. The poll includes the option to share your vote on Facebook and Twitter, and a link to buy tickets for the day the bobbleheads will be given out.
Boston Red Sox
In addition to the usual game recaps, articles, and videos, the Boston Red Sox have run some interesting promotions so far this year. One gallery created on the page was from the winners of the “Meet Your Sox” promotion, where fans were encouraged to look for giants cardboard heads of the team roster. Once found, fans were rewarded with a pair of tickets to Opening Day. Fans can also have their pictures taken on the field and run the bases during their opening series.
One link that led to a program hosted on the team was an international players map, where fans can learn all about their favorite international players. Information listed includes their stats, which languages they speak, and more. Applications hosted include Tickets and a link to the team’s Twitter.
Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox post a lot of pictures on their players and keep fans updated on pretty much everything going on with members of the team. Whether it be players appearing at local stores, sporting events, March Madness brackets, or giving an inside look at a commercial the team shot, White Sox fans always know what’s going on. In addition to an opening day countdown, Chicago got fans excited for Opening Day by creating a gallery of all the changes to the home stadium, as well as new concessions which will be served this season.
Some of the upgrades included retired numbers, new murals, additional seating, #SoxSocial Lounge. No additional information was available on the lounge, so that could still be under construction. The team uses some Instagram photos. Applications hosted include Maps, Videos, Tickets, and Notes.
Cleveland Indians
The Cleveland Indians promote their hashtag on Facebook, showing that they have a focus on Twitter. Cleveland does not have many unique posts, instead sticking to game recaps, some player news, highlight videos, and the sort. They encourage fans to show opposing teams that their home is “Tribe Town” although no deals or instructions are given. One cool program run by the team is the Littlest Fan, which allows fans to register their newborns to receive a visit from Slider, the moose mascot of the team.
Applications hosted include Tickets and an Indians Fan of the Month Program which allows fans to submit their photos to a slideshow.
Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers Facebook page seems to act like more of a news site, as the primary content is about transactions within the organization, game results, and highlights. There are some posts to get fans excited about the team’s home opening day, but not as much as some other teams. During Spring Training there were recaps for most of the games played. The team has used the hashtag #BaseballisBack over some photos and the slogan is also represented on the timeline cover photo.
Applications hosted include Tickets and Maps.
Kansas City Royals
The Kansas City Royals have used the hashtag #CometoPlayKC in many of their photos, including most pictures about the team leading up to Opening Day and the cover photo. The page is full of pictures and game recaps, as well as lineup cards prior to each game so far this season. There have also been a few posts on new additions to the stadium, including a video tour. The team is also running a contest between Mustard, Ketchup, and Relish to see who will be crowned the Hot Dog Derby Champion, but this contest is being hosted by the team’s website, and only being posted about on Facebook.
Applications hosted include Maps, Tickets, and Royals Blue Crew which is a fan club for kids that gives access to Royals merchandise, stadium tours, and much more.
Los Angeles Angels
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are big into posting galleries. Whether it is action shots from a game, pictures from a training session, or community event, there are plenty of chances for fans to get a look at their favorite players. The team also posts about community events, in addition to game recaps and highlight videos. There have also been some deals leading up to Opening Day, such as a discount on team photos and tickets.
Most posts include a link back to the team’s website. Applications hosted include Tickets and Maps.
Minnesota Twins
For Minnesota Twins fans in attendance at the home games, they can play “At the plate” which is an app for smart phones that allows fans to predict what will happen next in the game. The fan chooses the action and if they are correct they earn points. In addition to photos, game recaps and videos, the team encourages fans to send in their own photos from the game, which are then posted on the page.
The Twins have also put out some longer video clips, some which feature the Twins mascots and their antics at Target Field, and others which focus on the players getting in shape during Spring Training. The team also posts many of their own pictures from around the stadium, including concessions and upgrades. Applications hosted include Tickets and Target Field Events.
New York Yankees
It is not much of a surprise that the New York Yankees have the most Facebook likes of any team, checking in with over 6 million fans. Along with the game recaps, videos and photos, the page also shares news on ticket plans and merchandise deals. The team gave out a cover photo to users with the phrase “Beat Boston!” in preparation to opening day as the Yankees were playing the Red Sox. One of the applications hosted is a Gatorade tab featuring the accomplishment of Derek Jeter getting his 3000th hit, with some other highlights during his career.
This seems somewhat outdated since his 3000th hit occurred two years ago.
Seattle Mariners
Oakland Athletics boasts the most creative cover photo in the league, with “Earned Pie Average” joke headlining the page. The team is also taking a unique approach to Throwback Thursdays, as they are giving away buttons featuring past logos of the franchise to everyone who comes to home games, rather than simply posting an old photo. Throughout the stadium in Oakland there are some cool posters with phrases similar to the pie cover photo, giving the A’s a unique personality.
These posters have also been uploaded onto Facebook. The team posts game recaps and articles, in addition to some off color shots of their fans. Applications hosted include Tickets and Events.
Tampa Bay Rays
The Seattle Mariners Opening Day campaign was somewhat personal, as with each post the team stated “We miss the X” This connected with fans because they were missing the same things that the team was such as the players and their personalities. The Mariners also have a unique look for game recap photos, as they list the score within the picture, while also using a cool graphic to name the player of the game and show his stats.
They also have a couple of community shots, such as a local supermarket arranging soda cases into the team logo. Applications hosted include Tickets, MLB Polls and Quizzes, and King’s Court 2013, which allows fans to see the winning t-shirt design from a previously held contest.
Texas Rangers
The Tampa Bay Rays have been welcoming back fans with some very cool giveaways. Just in the first couple of weeks of the season, fans have already been treated to a David Price figure, an Evan Longoria wall poster, and a Joe Madden gnome is next on the docket. The team also posts game recaps and videos, in addition to some information about charities and shots from the fans. A new mascot has also been introduced to accompany the team’s current mascot, Raymond.
This new mascot, DJ Kitty, caused a little bit of a problem with some fans who thought he was taking over. But the team quickly responded to commenters to let them know that Raymond was still the top “sea dog.” Applications hosted include Tickets and Events.
Toronto Blue Jays
Aside from game recaps and videos, there is not a ton of extra coverage on the Texas Rangers Facebook page. There are posts showing the lineup for that night’s game with a cool picture of the jersey of the starting pitcher. The team also hosted an Opening Day countdown with a different picture each day leading up to the start of the season. One cool feature hosted on the team’s site (which the team provided a link to in a post) was an Instragram contest, where fans could upload their photos with a certain hashtag to be entered into a contest to win tickets and on-field batting practice.
Heisman trophy winner Johnny Manziel threw out the opening day pitch. Applications hosted Tickets and Photos.
Although not as focused on photos as some other teams, the Toronto Blue Jays provide fans with helpful information in text posts, including traffic updates and public transit advice. Also, the team reminded fans to send photos to their Instagram account on Amateur Baseball Photo Day (may have been a team created holiday). The team utilizes their access to the players very well, by giving fans candid shots at their favorite Blue Jays.
One of the better uses of this was in a photo showing Jose Reyes reacting to seeing his giveaway figurine for the first time, which generated even more fan interest. Other candid photos include them talking to members of other teams or just hanging out during practice sessions. In the banner the team uses the hashtag #LoveThisTeam, which is their slogan on Twitter for the season. Applications hosted include Tickets and MLB Polls and Quizzes.
Additional reporting provided by Chester Baker.
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