Everett AquaSox - Our Community Series
Posted by Gary O'Rielly
on Aug 28, 2012
Another really outstanding program August 24, 2012. Tom Backemeyer, Executive Vice President, in his 12th season in Minor League Baseball and 4th season with the AquaSox organization discussed the team, its organization, relationship with the Seattle Mariners and goals of the team. Prior to Everett Tom served as the Vice President of Tickets Sales for the Fresno Grizzlies (AAA-SF Giants) and as the Associate GM for the Rancho Cucamonga Quakers (A-LA Angels) who got his start in minor league baseball with the Nashville Sounds. As the Executive VP, he is in charge of all areas of the Everett operation and reports to the company President in Stockton, California.
So what about the Everett AquaSox? When there is a home game, he is in his office at 8:30am and will likely be there until 1am the next morning. He oversees the operations of AquaSox with eleven full time employees and serves as the liason with the Seattle Mariners. Basically the Everett AquaSox are a sales organization and the nuts and bolts of the operation occur between October and May. Seventh Inning Stretch LLC is the name of the corporation that owns the Sox and two other minor league teams across the country. The goal is affordable family entertainment and for families to enjoy themselves at each home game.
Ticket sales is the number one priorty. The have 89 corporate sponsors. The AquaSox rank third in Corporate sponsors behind Vancouver BC and Spokane. the second source is ticket sales and concessions is the third source of income. Attendance is up 12% this year in spite of two rain-outs. The Seattle Mariners pay all of the coaches, staff and players. Average player salary is around $1,000 except for those that have been signed to huge signing bonuses. The Everett AquaSox have qualified for the playoffs this year beginning in early September. Player development contracts with the Mariners are usually for four years. The AquaSox have just signed a two year extension to affiliate with the Mariners through 2014. The AquaSox have been with the Seattle Mariners since 1994. A little side note....bats and balls are paid 75% by the Mariners and 25% by the AquaSox. Average attendance is 2,500 per game. Last year there was one game with attendance reaching 4,700. Want to enjoy a family outing? Go see the Everett AquaSox team.
Ticket sales is the number one priorty. The have 89 corporate sponsors. The AquaSox rank third in Corporate sponsors behind Vancouver BC and Spokane. the second source is ticket sales and concessions is the third source of income. Attendance is up 12% this year in spite of two rain-outs. The Seattle Mariners pay all of the coaches, staff and players. Average player salary is around $1,000 except for those that have been signed to huge signing bonuses. The Everett AquaSox have qualified for the playoffs this year beginning in early September. Player development contracts with the Mariners are usually for four years. The AquaSox have just signed a two year extension to affiliate with the Mariners through 2014. The AquaSox have been with the Seattle Mariners since 1994. A little side note....bats and balls are paid 75% by the Mariners and 25% by the AquaSox. Average attendance is 2,500 per game. Last year there was one game with attendance reaching 4,700. Want to enjoy a family outing? Go see the Everett AquaSox team.