By Maudie Heard
Baseball season is finally here! The Idaho Falls Chukars are excited to reign in the new season with several games, events and promotions. We got to sit down with Chukars General Manager Kevin Greene to get the exclusive scoop of the 2023 season and to get us ready for a summer on the field.
IFM: How many games can we anticipate this season?
KG: We will have a 96-game schedule, which amounts to 48 home games and 48 away games. In addition to that, we have two exhibition games on our schedule this year. We will host our first home game on Saturday, May 20 against the Boise Hawks. That will be the first chance for people to see the Chukars in action this year.
On Monday, May 22, we are having our annual exhibition game against the Idaho Falls Bandits American Legion team, followed by the regular season home opener on Friday, May 26.
IFM: What can we look forward to this season?
KG: The same usual fun when you come out and watch Minor League Baseball. You can expect a great atmosphere and a lot of professional baseball action. The only professional baseball you are going to see live in all of Eastern Idaho and of course, great service, food and beverages, firework shows and great promotions, just like Major League Baseball.
And, this season we are utilizing a pitch clock which is expected to speed the time of the game up by about 30 minutes each game, just like Major League Baseball.
IFM: What are the strengths of the team?
KG: Our team’s strength for the last few years has been hitting. We hit the ball hard and we score a lot of runs. We are looking forward to strengthening our pitching staff and preventing runs but our strength lies in hitting.
IFM: What are some of the events and promotions we can look forward to?
KG: Opening day is on Friday, May 26 and there will be a firework show immediately following the game. This is the first time ever that we do not have a July 4 home game but we will have a firework show on Sunday, July 2. And of course, we will have another firework show to wrap up the season on Saturday, Sept. 9.
Every year we host many events, t-shirt nights, hat nights, team cap giveaway, bobbleheads giveaway, just to name a few. We will also be hosting a first-responders appreciation night, a law enforcement appreciation night and a military appreciation night.
IFM: What are you most looking forward to this season?
KG: I’m a big baseball fan myself so as much as I love running events and promotions, I love watching baseball. I grew up a baseball fan and I’m happy working in a sport that I love. So for me personally, it’s watching baseball.
With the baseball season right around the corner, make sure to reach out to the Chukars to book a group or a barbeque or to inquire about season tickets. Stop by the Melaleuca Field during business hours or call 208-522-8363 for more information or questions.