OGDEN, Utah, June 6, 2017 (Gephardt Daily) — After public backlash against a promotion criticized for objectifying women, the Ogden Raptors organization has canceled the “Hourglass Appreciation Night” it announced last weekend.
A news release on the promotion had promised photo opportunities:
“Fans will have the opportunity to pose for pictures with the lovely ladies as we showcase seriously splendid visual appeal: Utah’s legendary mountains, Dodgers and Reds farmhands — and gorgeous women whose curves rival those of any stud pitching prospect!”
Ogden Raptors President Dave Baggott posted an apology Tuesday on social media:
The Ogden Raptors regret that an unauthorized press release was disseminated over the weekend announcing a promotion that was not approved or scheduled by club ownership or management.
This promotion will not take place and steps have been put in place to ensure this will not happen again.
The Ogden Raptors offer a sincere apology to anyone who was offended by the promotion itself and the contents of the press release, and in no way supports or condones the objectification of women.
The Ogden Raptors organization has apologized It is not reflective of the values of the Ogden Raptors, Los Angeles Dodgers organization, the Pioneer Baseball League or Minor League Baseball.
The Raptors will not be taking phone calls or conducting interviews on this matter.
Back in June of 2015, the Orem Owlz minor league baseball team drew similar backlash and international headlines by promoting a “Caucasian Heritage Night.”
The team later issued a statement saying it was intended to be “a lighthearted event,” but canceled the event following a flood of negative public response.
The promotion had been announced a few days after a racially motivated church shooting in South Carolina.
The Ogden Raptors news release:
