By Scott Plack

3/9/2010: New Orleans, LA – Despite the continued downturn in the economy, the Trendsetters organization has once again opened its pockets to complete another expansion to New Frontier Park.  While the expansion is smaller, comprised of a little over a thousand new seats, the front office is pleased that the expansion will allow for a greater number of loyal fans to attend the games.  The expansion is mostly comprised of what fans generally refer to as the “cheap seats”, but Tanner counters that with the fact that more and more people are struggling to afford to take their families to a game, even when setting in the cheaper sections of the ballpark.

“Baseball is one of those constants in life that helps takes troubles off the mind,” philosophizes Tanner, “We want to help fans escape the burdens and tough times by giving them an entertaining experience that won’t cost an arm and a leg.”

With the expansion, the Trendsetters are also announcing plans to lower ticket prices in order to ease the burden on people who are struggling financially along with the economy.  “Frankly,“ stated Tanner, “we are focusing on helping out Joe the Plumber and his family get to see one of the best teams in the PEBA without having to take out a loan to get there.”  Other promotional deals that will be put into effect for the upcoming 2010 season will be free hot dog night and half-price sodas night.

The Trendsetters have not had a busy offseason as far as acquiring players, but worries over the economy and the looming realization of a revenue sharing system has made the front office more conservative in personnel moves.  The Trendsetters picked up only one free agent for the upcoming season, though Tanner indicated that pretty much everyone will be returning.  Given the previous years’ results, the Trendsetters should have another stellar year even without adding an influx of talent as in years’ past.

The Trendsetters have consistently expanded their seating after each season of PEBA play.  While not having the largest market, the New Orleans fans have proved to be extremely loyal, though it should be noted it’s hard to tell when the worst finish for the team has been a first round exit from the playoffs and the Trendsetters have lofted the Rodriguez Cup once already.  One silver lining to the downturn in the economy is that more people are returning to the New Orleans area looking for employment, which has enlarged the number of possible people who will be in attendance at New Frontier Park.  Hopefully the economy will swing back upwards and allow for expanded spending on all fronts.

The Trendsetters were committed to using local workers and companies as they took on the project of expanding the stadium, hoping to make the greatest impact in the local economy.

One twist to this story that makes you shake your head and say what a difference a year can make is the fact that infamous ex-Trendsetter Todd Hansen is now on the other side of the construction.  Hansen, who possessed speed without limit, was a one dimensional singles hitter.  “I wanted to beef up.  Let’s face it; chicks dig the long ball and I was tired of only hitting singles.  Unfortunately I chose to take a short cut and shortened my career rather than working at it and legitimately developing the muscle mass,” Hansen confesses.

Hansen spent the summers during his college years working in construction, and after his steroid debacle found work with his old company.  “Frankly, it sucks.  I mean, I got paid quite well to play a game and have fun, and now I work in the hot sun and damp swamp air for not all that much.  But these days, a job is a job and I am not going to complain one bit.”

Hansen, who treasures his PEBA Championship ring which he won as a Trendsetter, still finds joy in at least being a part of the continued tradition of the Trendsetters – though it is no longer in the same capacity Hansen still contributes.  Thankfully, New Orleans has a tradition of being a forgiving city and Hansen is welcomed at tables and greeted by fans in the local eateries and pubs.  One of his favorite activities is to join Trendsetters fans at his local Buffalo Wild Wings and cheer on the home team.  Here’s to hoping that more often than not in the new season the fans will cheer their home team to victory!