The Oakland Ballers Partner with Fan Controlled Sports to Make History on Fan Appreciation Day, August 31st

In a groundbreaking move to enhance the game-day experience, the Pioneer Baseball League, an MLB Partner League, the Oakland Ballers, and KPIX are thrilled to announce their partnership with Fan Controlled Sports (FCS) to produce a first of its kind live interactive experience for fans on August 31st at Raimondi Park.

Through a groundbreaking partnership, FCS—the creators of Fan Controlled Football (FCF) and Fan Controlled Racing (FCR)—will offer Ballers fans an unparalleled, interactive experience by giving them a meaningful voice in the fan experience and baseball decisions of a pro baseball game. The vision of the partnership aims to blend the country's most exciting independent baseball franchise with the interactivity of a live video game empowering fans to make real time decisions via the Control App on IOS and Android for all fans in attendance at Raimondi Park and watching from home via Ballers' exclusive broadcast partner CBS KPIX-TV + 44 Cable 12. Fans outside of the Bay Area can catch the game on FloSports. 

The game falls on the Ballers' Fan Appreciation Day and is a regular season match-up between the Oakland Ballers and the Idaho Falls Chukars that will be played at Raimondi Park, Oakland with a 6:35pm start time. 

Starting on Monday, August 12th and throughout the game, fans will engage and vote on strategic decisions via the Control App—decisions traditionally made by the Ballers front office and Manager Aaron Miles. These decisions include selecting the team's jersey design by apparel designer Oaklandish, choosing the Ballers' starting lineup, making pitch selections in key game situations, and helping to set the gameday strategy. Additionally, fans can participate in predictive picks and polls, such as guessing the total number of home runs hit in the game, for a chance to win unique prizes, including signed game merchandise and the opportunity to join the team in the dugout for an inning.

"We set out to build a team that centers fans in every way - because we believe the real value of a sports team is its fanbase.  We are excited to demonstrate this to Oakland by giving fans the opportunity to directly influence both fun and serious game-play decisions. We hope everyone enjoys our new jersey designs, unveiled today, and will join us at Raimondi Park on August 31 for a fan-controlled night of baseball!" said Bryan Carmel, co-founder of the Oakland Ballers. 

"We're so excited to explore this activation for the game of baseball," said Mike Shapiro, President of the Pioneer League.  "As the Pioneer Baseball League, we are always looking for ways to innovate and attract both old and new fans to America's favorite pastime."

"The Ballers were a perfect choice when we were looking for a baseball team that understands the value of empowering and engaging with fans. We're excited to be bringing the Fan Controlled Sports experience to the game of baseball and look forward to seeing Bay Area fans and beyond have fun and enjoy the game of baseball in a revolutionary way," said Andy Dolich, COO of Fan Controlled Sports. 

"We feel this can be a great way to engage a younger audience in televised sports. CBS News Bay Area will cover all the stories, from the fan's reactions, to the feedback from players and coaches. We can't wait to be the first to bring this innovation to the Bay Area," said Scott Warren, President and General Manager KPIX.

Don't miss this historic event, Saturday at 6:30pm on August 31, where your voice can make a difference. Download the Fan Controlled Sports app today and get ready to take control of the game!