Watching the Abilene Flying Bison grow into what it is today has been a roller coaster of adventure. As someone who wasn’t raised in a household that followed sports, I had no interest in attending a game until I saw a news segment with the team’s president, John Stark.
Sure, I heard from friends about the team and I liked the idea of supporting my community but I just didn’t know anything about baseball so I didn’t think I’d have a good time at a game. However, the way John talked about the team and all of the theme days, giveaways, and mini games just piqued my interests and I had to see for myself.
As Opening Night grew closer, I was hyped for my first “real baseball” experience. I found myself trying to learn basic baseball rules and following the team on all social media sites so I could keep up with their announcements. I wanted to know everything about the team.
My favorite part was the feeling I had at Opening Night. I didn’t feel out of place like I thought I would. I felt like I was at home. If I didn’t understand a play, someone next to me would kindly explain it without making me feel dumb like I’d experienced at other types of games I’d been to before. My best friend and I went to Opening Night together and we were hooked almost immediately. Between the fantastic players, awesome organist, and coolest mascot around, I didn’t want the game to end!
As exciting as the first game was, I wondered if the energy was going to change for the following games. I thought the hype was going to be for the first game only and every game after was going to be less fun but that wasn’t the case at all. Every single game had entertaining emcees, an organ player, games for the kids, and amazing giveaways. Somehow they truly thought of a way for people of all ages and interests to have a great time.
We followed the team throughout the whole season whether it was following the score online or attending the games in person.
Watching the team grow from the ground up has truly been a one-of-a-kind experience. Since the team was announced, there was a type of family vibe we had even as fans. My friend and I went to so many games the staff started recognizing us which made us feel like the coolest kids in town. We have so many photos with Bomber and I even brought my family to the games.
I remember sitting in the audience watching the employees having a great time together so often that I started thinking about what it would be like to work with the team. I never thought I would actually get the opportunity to have such a cool job but here I am writing for the coolest baseball team around!
So the moral of this story is: try new things and you never know what life might throw your way.
About Felicity Neptune
Felicity is a Big Country native who works full time at KTXS-TV. As an original member of the Flying Faithful, she brings a unique perspective to the Bison Blog. She has a Masters degree in communication and is excited to use her skills to bring fans even more Flying Bison content.
