Bubba Watson buys Cincinnati Reds affiliate, celebrates in style
The Cincinnati Reds organization picked up a celebrity owner Monday when PGA star Bubba Watson purchased a share of the Pensacola Blue Wahoos, their Double-A affiliate.
"Ever since I went to my first Blue Wahoos game I have been a big fan of the team," Watson said via a news release from the team. "I love the atmosphere, it's such a great place to go with friends and family."
Formerly the Carolina Mudcats, the franchise has played in Florida and been known as the Blue Wahoos since 2012. The franchise has been an affiliate of the Reds since 2009.
"I wish Pensacola had a team like this when I was growing up," said Watson, who was born in Pensacola and grew up in nearby Bagdad. "There's something special about pulling for the hometown team. It's great that (owners) Quint and Rishy (Studer) were willing to let me be a part of it. I look forward to a long and exciting partnership with them. I just hope Quint doesn't get tired of my crazy ideas because I have been known to have a few. One thing I know for sure is that you won't see me out there in a uniform playing. I already asked, and they said I can't do that even if I own part of the team."
The 36-year-old Watson won his second Masters Tournament last spring and has become one of golf's most popular players in recent years.
Not surprisingly, he brought some flair to the announcement Monday by taking a pair of ceremonial swings from home plate, one with his pink driver and the other with a baseball bat.
Among the plans for his involvement with the Blue Wahoos will be a the introduction of a double-decker grilled cheese sandwich with hash browns inside. That will be known as the "Bubba Dub." Also the restaurant and bar behind home plate at Bayfront Stadium will be renamed Bubba's Sand Trap.
