Durham Bulls Top 10 Moments of 2016
It’s that time of year. With 2017 just days away, we take a look back at some of the biggest moments/memories of the year that was for the Durham Bulls, including memorable call-ups, Twitter feuds and Wool E. Bull.
10. The Best Instagram Photo of All Time
See below. If you don’t understand why it’s perfect, well, we can’t help you. Shout out to @youmygirlblu for an amazing shot.
9. Olympic Gold Medalist Visits the DBAP
After taking home a gold medal alongside Michael Phelps in Rio, NC State junior swimmer Ryan Held stopped by the DBAP for a fun time. Not a bad night when someone who is literally the best in the world at something hangs out at a Bulls game.
8. Our Twitter Account Gets into Fight with Jaguars Lineman
During the ACC Championship an offensive lineman for the Jaguars took a shot at the DBAP. He learned quickly he shouldn’t have done that.
The little back-and-forth was picked up by the likes of USA Today, Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated and more.
7. The DBAP Gets High Praise in Annual Stadium Journey Rankings
Every year Stadium Journey releases its list of top Minor League Ballparks. This year, the DBAP was voted the Best Stadium in the Carolinas (of 13 venues), and the second-best stadium in all of Minor League Baseball. No disrespect to the Fort Wayne TinCaps, but we still think the DBAP is №1.
6. Dylan Floro Gets Special Promotion to the Majors
Don’t get us wrong — any time a player gets promoted to the bigs it’s a special moment. And certainly any time a player gets promoted to the bigs for the FIRST TIME it’s a special moment. But this… this was just plain cool. Pitcher Dylan Floro was told by manager Jared Sandberg he was going to Tampa Bay in the middle of working one of the Bulls’ summer camps in front of all the campers.
5. Bulls’ Pokémon GO Event Raises $3,000 for Charity
A lot to be said about this event. Remember that like, two-week span where everyone was going crazy over Pokémon GO? Well the Bulls capitalized on it for charity by holding a first-of-its-kind event at the DBAP. The event raised $3,000 for Second Chance Pet Adoptions in Raleigh, and was certainly an interesting day at the ballpark.
The event garnered the attention of Bleacher Report, Sporting News, Yahoo! Sports, FOX Sports, New York Daily News and more.
4. Charlie Montoyo Inducted into IL Hall of Fame, Has Number Retired
It was announced in January that former Bulls manager Charlie Montoyo had been elected to the International League Hall of Fame. In May, the winningest manager in team history returned to the DBAP for his induction, and the team also surprised him by retiring his №25.
3. Justin Marks Throws Nine-Inning No-Hitter
On July 16 in Syracuse, NY, LHP Justin Marks tossed a nine-inning no-hitter to beat the Chiefs 2–0. The southpaw tossed 130 pitches, 70 for strikes, en route to throwing the first nine-inning no-hitter by one player in the franchise’s Triple-A history.
2. First #DURMnight is Massive Success
In 2016 the Bulls teamed up with RUNAWAY to bring the city #DURMnight, celebrating all that is the Bull City. The clothing company designed the team’s jerseys, hats and socks for the game on June 9, which turned in to a sold out crowd at the DBAP. All jerseys from the game were auctioned off, with over $5,000 going to the Durham Bulls Youth Athletic League.
- Wool E. Bull Named Best Mascot in Minor League Baseball
Just prior to Opening Day, Baseball America unveiled that Wool E. Bull had been voted the Best Mascot in Minor League Baseball by a number of General Managers, radio broadcasters and other front office executives. While we here in the Triangle have known for a while Wool E. is the best out there, it was certainly nice to see everyone else take notice as well.
Honorable Mention:
- Duke Baseball makes the DBAP its home
- Bulls become first Minor League Baseball team verified on Twitter
- Bulls hats are featured on the Today Show in February
- Bulls Twitter and Denver Broncos fans get into an argument for no reason
- Three former Bulls play huge parts in Game 7 of the World Series
- Bulls broadcaster Patrick Kinas works the Rio Olympics
- An unlikely connection between the Bulls and ‘Gilmore Girls’ is uncovered
