$1M Grand Slam Hits Home With Fans, Team

Who would have thought that a fan’s first trip to a ballpark would make her a millionaire? In July, our prize coverage of a million-dollar grand slam proved a wise investment for the Arizona Diamondbacks. The grand slam was not only a life-altering event for Gylene Hoyle of Chandler, Arizona, but also a public-relations home run for the Diamondbacks and co-sponsors Shamrock Farms and KNIX, a Phoenix country music radio station.

Hoyle won the tickets to the game and the right to be the grand slam contestant through KNIX to win the grand prize. Hoyle had to select the player and the inning (Jay Bell in the player and the inning (Jay Bell in the 6th) in which the grand slam would occur in. When D-backs second baseman Jay Bell stepped up to the plate in the bottom of the sixth with bases loaded, the air was charged with excitement. The stadium erupted when he clocked what amounted to a million-dollar pitch.”We package promotional dynamite,” said Bob Hamman, president of SCA.”When major-league sports teams need more visibility, a boost in attendance, or just plain fun for fans, they call us.”

Minutes after Hoyle won the million-dollar prize, she was directed to Jeff Golner, the Diamondbacks’ game operations manager. Golner explained,”I was in total shock that someone won. But once that settled in, I started worrying about when we would receive our check for the million dollars. While Gylene sat beside me, I had my assistant run to the office and grab the SCA file. In the file were easy-to-follow instructions on what to do if there were a winner. I filled out a very simple form and faxed it to SCA. I had my check the next day... no red tape. SCA stands behind their promotions!“

He added,”What I liked about SCA was their ability to add sizzle to the promotion. In our business we need every edge we can get. SCA helped us construct a great promotion.”

When asked what she planned on doing with her winnings, Hoyle said,”I bought a new car and we’ve made plans to go to Disneyland with our children. We’re still trying to let it sink in that we actually won. And to think, I’d never been to a Diamondbacks game before. I believe I’m a fan for life.”