MiLB team ropes in MadBum’s rodeo gig for Mason Saunders Night

It took less than two days for minor-league marketing brains to rope in a good idea stemming from the revelation of Madison Bumgarner’s rodeo alter-ego.

The San Jose Giants, familiar with the former San Francisco starting pitcher, will hold Mason Saunders Night on June 5.

“Mason Saunders” was Bumgarner’s pseudonym used in team roping competitions, as revealed in a story by The Athletic this week. Bumgarner’s interests became a topic of interest not only because it brought the safety of the Arizona Diamondbacks’ new ace into question, but also because it was, well, funny.

San Jose sure thinks so.

“This ain’t our first rodeo,” the team’s vice president of marketing, Matt Alongi, said in a press release. “The San Jose Giants are proud to celebrate one of their all-time greats with a fun-filled entertaining night at the ballpark.

“We want to make sure that Madison is not only remembered for what he did on the baseball field, but also celebrate his unique accomplishments in the rodeo arena. We hope that Mason will be able to join us but understand he may have other commitments at this time of the year.”

As part of Mason Saunders Night, there will be a rodeo shirsey giveaway, themed promotions and special items on the food menu at Excite Ballpark.

Fans are encouraged to dress as their alias or alter-ego with prizes up for grabs. All those who wear a Bumgarner jersey or rodeo outfit will also win two free future game tickets.

Bumgarner played for San Jose, a Single-A squad, briefly in 2009. He also joined them for rehab stints in 2017 and 2018.

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