GRAND CHUTE, WI – Have you always dreamt of being part of a professional baseball team? The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers are here to help you fulfill that dream.
The Timber Rattlers are one of a handful of community-owned Minor League Baseball teams and they are currently offering individuals the opportunity to purchase Membership Certificates in the team. Membership in the Rattlers is through Appleton Baseball Club, Inc., a non-stock and not-for-profit corporation, that operates the Midwest League franchise. Proceeds raised by the sale of Memberships will help ensure the baseball team is around for years to come and to assist the club while waiting and hoping to play baseball during the 2020 season. “We appreciate the fan support we have always received, but during these truly trying times, we are fighting for our survival,” said Rob Zerjav, the team’s President and General Manager, “Government programs and aid will only go so far and this Membership offering provides value to our fan base and a unique opportunity to any sports fan that has always wanted to have a closer relationship with a professional sports team.”
Appleton Baseball Club, Inc. is governed by a volunteer board of directors and Members receive voting rights, a commemorative Membership Certificate, a complimentary ticket to Opening Day as well as a ticket, picnic and photo with the team at the game on Sunday, August 23.
The Membership Certificates cost $50 plus a handling charge and are currently available through this link on the Timber Rattlers website. There is a $25 renewal fee each year if fans wish to continue as Members on an annual basis. Newly purchased certificates can be given as gifts.
All money raised will go toward business operations and stadium improvements. As a Minor League Baseball team, the team is not responsible for paying the players and coaches, but is responsible for all functions of running the baseball club including ticket sales, marketing, stadium operations, food and beverage, employee compensation and benefits, team travel and other team related expenses. The Timber Rattlers employ 29 full-time staff as well as over 400 seasonal staff. The team plays in a privately financed stadium owned by a private, not-for-profit foundation. The Timber Rattlers do not receive municipal support for the stadium or business operations. The team is completely self-sustaining.
The Appleton Baseball Club, Inc. has been in existence since 1891. There have been several teams operated by Appleton Baseball since that time, including the Appleton Papermakers of the Wisconsin State League from 1940 through 1953. The Timber Rattlers were started when the Fox Cities Foxes were Appleton Baseball’s entry into the Three-I League in 1958. That legacy continued through a switch to the Midwest League in 1962, a name change to the Appleton Foxes, and another name change to the Timber Rattlers with a move to a new stadium in 1995. The franchise has won ten championships in their history. That number includes a Three-I League pennant in 1960 by a team led by manager Earl Weaver and a record nine Midwest League championships.
The club has received several off-field awards over the past 25 seasons, too. Those prestigious awards include: Baseball America’s Bob Freitas Award, Minor League Baseball’s Larry MacPhail Promotional Award, numerous Midwest League awards, and Minor League Baseball’s Golden Bobblehead Award for Promotion of the Year. Timber Rattlers Membership is not stock. The value does not go up and there are no dividends.
