If you're out and about on Sunday, you might notice a slight uptick in Wookies, Jawas, Jedis, Siths, Droids and a slew of other intergalactic characters.
May 4 -- or May The Fourth, as in "May the Fourth be with you" -- is known in some circles as Star Wars Day. It's a holiday created by fans, purely to celebrate a beloved piece of culture in a spirit of fun and silliness. In other words, it's perfect fodder for a promo theme at a Minor League ballpark.
Just about every Minor League team has a Star Wars-related promo at some point on the calendar, so be sure to check out what your local club has planned. Here's a look at what a few teams have on the docket for this weekend -- and this month.
May 3
Clearwater Threshers (Single-A PHI)
vs. Bradenton Marauders (PIT), 6:30 p.m.
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The Threshers -- whose roster includes two of MLB Pipeline's Top 100 prospects in right-hander Andrew Painter (No. 7) and Eduardo Tait (No. 89) -- are auctioning off their game-worn custom jerseys to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Show up early dressed as your favorite character and stay until the postgame fireworks show ends.
Durham Bulls (Triple-A TB)
vs. Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (MIA), 6:35 p.m.
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You don't want to miss a promo presented by arguably the Minor Leagues' most iconic franchise in honor of arguably Hollywood's most iconic franchise. The Durham squad will take the field in Star Wars-themed "Bull City" jerseys featuring the Death Star, an X-wing fighter and the Rebel Alliance starbird. Replicas are for sale, and authentic game-worn jerseys will go on auction at the park to benefit Duke Children's.
Las Vegas Aviators (Triple-A ATH)
vs. Tacoma Rainiers (SEA), 7:05 p.m.
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Las Vegas is a city that sometimes seems like it would fit right into the universe of this film franchise, and it's also a city that knows how to put on a show. There's a strong chance the Aviators' home of Las Vegas Ballpark is going to host one of the liveliest, best-dressed Star Wars crowds in the Minors.
May 4
Hartford Yard Goats (Double-A COL)
vs. Chesapeake Baysox (BAL), 1:10 p.m.
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The Yard Goats, who have a reputation for fully embracing offbeat ideas at Dunkin' Park, are bringing out specialty lightsaber churros and offering Jedi training at this matinee. It's likely to be the only Star Wars promo in baseball at which live goats will be present.
Fort Wayne TinCaps (High-A SD)
vs. Dayton Dragons (CIN), 1:05 p.m.
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The TinCaps' mascot -- Johnny TinCap -- goes around with his head encased in a makeshift helmet every day, so he's ready to hold his own should the ballpark be besieged by other chrome-domed characters such as stormtroopers, Darth Vader or Boba Fett. Fort Wayne's Clone Trooper jerseys are being auctioned off to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and you can stick around for a postgame autograph session organized by the club.
Vancouver Canadians (High-A TOR)
vs. Hillsboro Hops (AZ), 1:05 p.m.
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The epic space opera franchise set in a galaxy far, far away is, of course, an international hit. Canada's only Minor League Baseball team gets in on the Star Wars Day action with a "light sword" giveaway for the first 1,000 fans under 12. Fans of all ages are encouraged to turn up in costume -- wearing Star Wars apparel gets you 50% off a grandstand ticket purchased at the box office on May 4.
And beyond...
Fayetteville Woodpeckers (Single-A HOU)
vs. Salem (BOS), May 9, 7:05 p.m.
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Here's your chance to take a trip to Hoth without all the ice and Tauntaun stench, as the Woodpeckers are dedicating this year's iteration of Fayetteville's annual Star Wars Night specifically to "The Empire Strikes Back," the second film of the original trilogy. The team's custom jerseys, featuring Luke Skywalker on the front and AT-AT Walkers across the back, will go up for auction, and there are specialty ticket packages, including a lightsaber and a pregame costume parade. The Woodpeckers' postgame Star Wars-themed fireworks show will be "bigger and better than you've ever seen," per the club.
Buffalo Bisons (Triple-A TOR)
vs. Charlotte Knights (CWS), May 31, 6:05 p.m.
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The Bisons' have a family ticket special running through May the Fourth for this end-of-the-month game, at which Lucas Films-certified Fan Costumers -- include a life-sized Jabba the Hutt -- are scheduled to make appearances throughout the concourse. The team will also sell laser swords in a fundraising effort for Compass House, a shelter service for homeless, runaway and at-risk youth. Buffalo has a 15-year history of custom Star Wars Night jerseys. This year's feature Clone Wars hero Ahsoka Tano.
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