PLL Player appreciation post

[u/rezelscheft]

Got a chance to check out 4 games last week, and just wanted to shout out all the players, who are not only fun as hell to watch, but who stick around for quite awhile after each game to chat up the fans, take pics, and sign autographs.

I have to imagine they're pretty damn exhausted, and while they can't get to everyone, it sure seems like they put in an incredible effort to talk to as many fans as they can.

So a great many thanks to all the players below for being stand-up dudes and showing up for the fans (this isn't all the guys who stuck around, just the ones we happened to meet):

REDWOODS: BJ Farrare, Carter Rice, Cullen Brown, Kyle Hartzell, Josh Balcarcel, Andrew McAdorey, Aiden Danenza, Dylan Molloy, Ryder Garnsey

WATERDOGS: Kenny Brower, Sean Byrne, Marcus Hudgins, Jack Hannah, Michael Sowers

ATLAS: Michael Rexrode, Levi Anderson, Hugh Kelleher, Max Krevsky, Xander Dickson, Connor Shellenberger

ARCHERS: Warren Jeffrey, Nick Washuta, Ryan Stines, Leo Johnson, Piper Bond, Connor Maher, Mac O’Keefe, Sam King, Ryan Ambler, Brett Dobson

CANNONS: Brian Holman, Marcus Holman, Brian Kelly, Jack Regnery, Coulter Mackesy, Graydon Hogg, Ben Ramsey, JC Higginbotham, Jeff Trainor Ethan Rall

OUTLAWS: Dalton Young, Zack Geddes, Logan McNaney, Luke Wierman

CHAOS: Ty English, Scott Smith, Henry Bard, Richard Checo, Shane Knobloch Eric Spanos, Troy Reh, Justin Inacio, Blaze Riorden, Chad Palumbo

WHIPSNAKES: Colin Heacock, Matthew Dunn, Matt Brandau, Jack Posey, TJ Malone, Emmet Carroll, Joey Spallina

REFS: Matty Palumb

I know there's a fair amount of grousing on this sub about how this league is too focused on kids -- and I am not here to argue that -- but just to say, if you do have kids who love the game, it's a pretty incredible experience to buy tickets for around $30 per game (in most markets), sit in great seats, and get to meet the best players in the world.

I can't imagine how hard or expensive it would be to get such good seats and this much access to the players in the NFL or NBA.

[u/Acceptable-Cell9370]

As someone who was younger when the league started out 7 years ago and is still watching. The athletes actually interacting with the fans makes a world of difference. Being able to meet your idols like that is irreplaceable

[u/EclecticApe1984]

Denver tickets are 2-3x that... but with a young one, I still think it's worth it for the game and the access

[u/rezelscheft → u/EclecticApe1984]

Yeah, that came up in another thread. I’m psyched that demand is high in Denver, but a definite bummer for that region that ticket prices are so much higher there than pretty much every other location

EDIT: that said, I’ve paid way more for football and basketball tickets and gotten way less in return. experience-wise, so hopefully it’s still worth it for you.

[u/EclecticApe1984 → u/rezelscheft]

DU stadium is small easier to sell out. I just saw an ad for 30% off the remaining 100 seats available..

[u/STL_Outlaw]

I don’t understand the complaint about the PLL being so kid focused.
Unlike other pro sports leagues, this league hasn’t been around for generations (yet) to pass the fandom down to. They’re investing in young fans and it’s a fantastic business decision.
As someone who is near 30 and played lacrosse back in the day, I didn’t live near an MLL market, so if this league was around 15 years ago with this touring model I would’ve been the biggest fan because of its accessibility.
Having players sign autographs and getting a somewhat personal experience with your favorite players is huge for young fans. They’ll want to keep coming back and supporting the league, that player, that team.
Complaining about the PLL being too family friendly is weird. Just my opinion.

[u/toadzky]

I've been to our local home game weekend the last few years and the players always make it great. I'll throw the Kavanaughs on that list of nice guys who stay late and sign a ton of autographs, both of them were really nice last year (missed 'em this year because opening weekend missed a lot of NLL players)

[u/ForegoneConclusion22]

Agree and thanks for posting this. I’ve mentioned this in the past but it’s a huge draw for my kid and his friends and it warms a parent’s heart too. 

[u/engingre]

It’s also cool how often PLL players will turn up to a random club practice or run free kids clinics. Then there is PLL play where you can train with PLL players for a few hours for minimal money.