By Victoria Wittenbrock
Intern
ASHWAUBENON – The Green Bay Rockers are all in with its new ‘rock’ theme.
The Northwoods League team recently unveiled its new uniforms and mascot at Capital Credit Union Park.
Among those in attendance were loyal fans and season ticket holders, all eager to show their support for the franchise and the local community.
This is the second rebranding the team has undergone, the first being the transition from the Green Bay Bullfrogs to the Booyah in 2019.
Vice President and General Manager John Fanta said the Rockers philosophy is that “Music is an important part of the experience.”
“When the gates open, the show’s gonna start,” he said.
The mascot
The hype leading up to the mascot unveiling featured a video highlighting the feet of the team’s new mascot traipsing all around the City of Green Bay with stops at Lambeau Field, the Resch Center and finally, out from behind the curtains, he emerged – Rhodie.
For those unfamiliar with the entertainment industry, the road crew, or roadies, are support personnel who travel with a band on tour.
Director of Partnerships Brian Kuklinski said Rhodie always wanted to be a performer but ended up getting stuck as a roadie – until now.
Kuklinski said at each Rockers home game, Rhodie will have an opportunity to take the stage and entertain the crowd, while living out his dream.
Uniforms
In addition, the team unveiled its 2022 uniforms.
The home jersey and pants feature royal blue pinstripes, while the road uniforms incorporate a royal blue jersey and gray pants with a royal stripe.
An alternate jersey, designed by Rockers graphic designer Alyssa Halverson, features a guitar with baseball laces around the left shoulder.
The guitar neck extends down the left pant leg, acting as the stripe for the pants.
The team said players will wear both the pinstripes and alternate jerseys throughout the summer.
Bat dog
The newest member of the team, Luke, also made his debut.
Luke, a chocolate lab puppy, is being trained by Lindsay Johnson of Miller Heights K9 Academy in Green Bay to take on the role of bat dog this year.
He’ll be close to six months old by the time Opening Day arrives and will be in charge of grabbing each Rocker player’s bat after they complete their at-bat.
Roster additions
The team also announced five new roster additions.
• OF Marcos Castillo, Coppin State
• RHP Rashad Ruff, Coppin State
• RHP Giovani Canales, Coppin State
• IF/C Nainoa Cardinez, University of Hawaii
• OF/P Keaton Anthony, University of Iowa
“These five players provide a great base to go along with the four returning guys,” Rockers Field Manager Chris Krepline said. “The pitchers are power arms sitting in the low to mid-90s, a couple of dynamic hitters and a former Conference Player of the Year.”
The Rockers season is scheduled to begin May 30 against Wisconsin Rapids.