Wisconsin was one of the only states I haven’t ventured to yet, but a good Alternate Identity has been known to get me off the couch.

I ventured up to wonderful Appleton, Wisconsin for a quick weekend full of…..new experiences (to say the least, at the moment). After a briefing from the T-Rats Vice President of operations Ryan Moede (which you can listen to down below), I was quickly greeted with a giant inflatable cow named “Buttermilk”, as well as a petting zoo full of real baby cows. Reason being? It was Wisconsin Udder Tuggers night at the Timber Rattlers’ Fox City Stadium!

The vibes were set from the second you walked onto the property, tailgaters filling rows of the parking lot hours before first pitch, little inflatable cows hanging from the ceiling all over the stadium, as well as a giant milk carton photo-op, set up near the gate.

My first thought of the night was how great these alternate uniforms were designed. These, in my opinion are the best you can come by right now. The jerseys were cow print, with blue jean overall pattern printed on the front. The pants continued with the same dark blue jean pattern, making it look like a very realistic set of overalls. The Udder Tuggers really brought it home to the farms of Wisconsin with this uniform.

My second note, also in high regards, is to the game presentation & overall experience – I promise it’s NOT just because they were playing all my favorite bands, which you rarely hear at stadiums (such as Primus), BUT also because there was a plethora of interactive promos and original concessions and stadium amenities.

For example, I’ve never seen go cart races, a BRATZOOKA, or a giant dancing cow, as most MiLB teams don’t have the more modern alternative Inflatable mascots.

The concession options were also out of this world, with offerings such as the “Venom Burger” (in reference to the teams full time name being the Timber Rattlers) which consisted of Jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, spicy mayo, and a rub to give it a little extra heat.

I’d also find hard to believe you’ve seen a 47ft Ticonderoga Pencil at a baseball game before…unless you’ve been to a T-Rats game because apparently they do have one.

On a final presentation note, they have one of the coolest mid-inning races out of any team. You know the races that you see at every game where the mascot races a fan or another mascot. But the Udder Tuggers really threw it out of the park with this one. They had multiple engine powered go-carts decorated as different types of vehicle that raced very very quickly along the outside perimeter of the track. 

Lastly, as always, the merchandise. They had a very good selection from all their different names, as well as a corner for game-used merch at reasonable prices. ($50 for game used bats). My only complaint was I wish they had an on field replica of the Udder Tuggers, and T-Rats, 9seventy’s. They do offer non on field 9seventy’s, so that will have to do.

With a reported attendance of 1,240 fans, I’d say Udder Tuggers weekend was a success! Till next time, Appleton! And we’re not done with you yet Wisconsin! We’ll see y’all again tomorrow afternoon in Beloit, WI!