Making It in the South Sound Episode 2: Take Me Out to the Ballgame

In this episode of Making It in the South Sound, AJ Gordon, Tacoma Board of Directors Chair, sits down with Kevin Drugge, Senior Corporate Sales Manager for the Tacoma Rainiers at We R Tacoma. 
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Kevin shares some history of Cheney Stadium and Minor League Baseball in Tacoma, starting all the way back in 1960 when Ben Cheney and Clay Huntington brought baseball to Tacoma. From the original Tacoma Giants, to the Tacoma Tigers, and as the Rainiers we know today, Tacoma's minor league team has had a deep and storied history in the community. 

"It's almost everyone's home away from home during the summertime," says Kevin, reflecting on the role the Rainiers and Cheney Stadium play in the community fabric of Tacoma. Kevin reflects on the difficulties of the COVID-19 pandemic and having to go an entire season without baseball. Despite many challenges, he states his belief that We R Tacoma has emerged from the pandemic as a stronger organization. Not only did Cheney Stadium weather the COVID-19 storm, it played a critical role in community health as both a testing site and, later, a vaccine clinic. 

With eyes to the future, Kevin discusses what the 2022 Rainiers season has in store for fans. Season ticket holders should be excited to enjoy the completely renovated and updated Commencement Bank Summit Club, which features luxe furnishings, all-inclusive food and drinks, games and entertainment, and a premium view of the field. 

Kevin and his team are hopeful this season to see the Rainiers defend their winning titles. Triple-A West League Champions in 2021, the Rainiers hope to continue their winning streak as Pacific Coast League Champions in 2022. ​

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