Letter from the President

Dear Stockton Ports fans,

As we bring another exciting season of California League competition to a close, I'd like to thank you for your continuing support of the Stockton Ports and reflect with you on all of the terrific things that have been accomplished on and off the field this season.

We opened the season on April 16 with a California League Championship ring ceremony and celebration of the franchise's record-setting 11th league crown, and we were truly honored by the support and excitement of our fans that night.  That support has not wavered once this season, in spite of the adversity that the team faced in the first half of the season.  Our fans clearly demonstrated their high level of dedication and commitment this season, showing why they are the best fans of any team in the California League.  I am joined by all of our front office, on-field personnel, and game day staff when I say thank you for your support this season.  

The atmosphere at any ballpark comes to life with its fans, and you have made Banner Island Ballpark the ideal place to be on any spring or summer night here in Stockton.  One only had to look at the 6,075 fans here on July 3 to see that Stocktonians really enjoy the affordable and fun family entertainment we provide here at the ballpark.

The Ports were also very proud to welcome the one millionth fan in Banner Island Ballpark history this summer, in its fifth season.  It was a pleasure to welcome Randy Friend of Manteca, Calif. as our one millionth fan in Banner Island Ballpark history. 

This accomplishment definitively shows the loyalty of Ports fans and reflects the family-fun atmosphere we produce here at Banner Island Ballpark.  We were truly excited to celebrate this accomplishment as we headed into the final stretch of the season.  We look forward to welcoming the two millionth fan to the ballpark in the future, and to continue to be a part of the lives of so many San Joaquin County residents.

In addition to the successes on the field, like Jemile Week's 22-game hitting streak, Ben Hornbeck's 12 strikeouts in his debut, Matt Spencer's walk-off home run, and much more, the Ports have made several achievements off the field.

The Alumni Club grew in membership, and the continued growth of the Everyday Eddie's Kids Club and Medcore HP Silver Sluggers Club are signs that the additional programs put in place by our staff are effective.  The Ports Anchor Fund generated about $25,000 so far this season, from the generous support of fans at various events.   Every cent of those funds will go to support child-based community outreach programs in Stockton and San Joaquin County.  The Ports have also teamed with Jackson Rancheria and Casino to support the Dameron Hospital Sweet Success Diabetes program this year, along with the Go Foundation to support area charitable programs.  The Ports also hosted a school supply drive and food drive, doing the organization's part to give back to the community.

One of the other off-field highlights was that the Ports were the final stop on the Bob Dylan Show Concert tour, welcoming more than 8,400 fans to Banner Island Ballpark for a concert featuring legendary musicians Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp and Bob Dylan.  The August 15 concert was the first concert in stadium history.  It was a tremendous success, and we look forward to hosting many more special events of that caliber at Banner Island Ballpark in the future. 

This has been an exciting and fun-filled season, both on and off the field for the Stockton Ports.  It's been pleasure to serve our fans and to bring them the best of family entertainment here at Banner Island Ballpark this season! 

Thanks for coming to the ballpark this year, and I look forward to seeing you back here in 2010!

Go Ports!

Sincerely,

Pat Filippone
President and General Manager