With all the talk in the sports world about the LeBron James Decision ™, we here at Bus Leagues Baseball would be remiss if we didn’t at least attempt to find some sort of link from LeBron to the minor leagues. Of course, there have been numerous LeBron-themed promotions.
There was the “Please Stay LeBron Night“.
There was the offer by the Oklahoma City RedHawks to petition the league for LeBron-hit homers to count as 3 runs if LeBron signed with them. (Offer also extended to Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, and Brian Scalabrine.)
There was the Lake Erie Crushers, who also offered LeBron a deal, but only for $1600 a month.
Then finally, there was the Bakerston Blaze, who integrated LeBron’s decision into a promotion, promising different deals and giveaways depending on the team LeBron chose. Due to LeBron’s decision, fans received 23% off all merchandise.
And now to the future, where LeBron James will suit up for the Miami Heat. Much will be made of his arrival, and there may even be a coronation of the self-proclaimed “King”. But the legacy of “Jameses” runs deep in Miami.
Way back in 1962, another James represented Miami in sport. Toiling for the Phillies’ Class D Miami Marlins, right hander Jeff James went 8-9 in his one season in Miami before moving up to Class A Magic Valley, Idaho in 1963.
For basketball fans in Miami, let’s hope their latest James stays more than one year.
