Baseball-loving Ninkasi Brewing announces craft beer partnership with The Eugene Emeralds

Sasquatch logos are cool, but what’s even cooler is having a mascot called Sluggo.

Cold beer is required for watching baseball. Do you really need that old, fossilized glove, misshapen ball cap, Big League Chew and that box full of hot dogs? Well, yes you do, but you also need a quality, perfectly chilled brewski to watch a baseball game like a goddamn gentleman or lady.

Sports stadiums, pro clubs and baseball in particular have become increasingly popular venues to find and sell craft beer. Minor league clubs are a cool place to start, especially when supporting the community (Craft Credo No. 2). Take a cue from Ninkasi Brewing Co. The Eugene, Ore.-based brewhouse just recently announced an exclusive craft beer partnership with The Eugene Emeralds, the Class A baseball team of the Chicago Cubs, for the entire 2016 season.

“Ninkasi has been a tremendous partner of the Ems since 2011. Its continued support is an integral part of our success,” said Allan Benavides, general manager for Eugene Emeralds Baseball Club. “The brewery’s vision for innovation, community and passion are all values that we espouse to Ems fans and staff.”

What’s all entailed here?

Well, for the duration of the 2016 season, beer baseball fans will be able to find Ninkasi beer on-tap throughout PK Park, including year-round favorites like Helles Belles, Helles Lager; Total Domination IPA and Dawn of the Red, Red IPA. To truly personify the baseball spirit, Ninkasi even developed an exclusive Ems beer. It’s called the Beer Batter Session Ale, a light-drinking India Pale Ale, which is suitably crushable for a lazy day of game watching and face stuffing.

“Beer and baseball, always a win,” pondered Nikos Ridge, CEO and co-founder of Ninkasi. “Not only are Ems games a lot of fun, we also appreciate the opportunity to partner with another organization who makes it a point to be an active, positive community member here in Eugene.”

Inspired by the fan-favorite Beer Batter promotion taking place at each home game, Beer Batter Session Ale is an easy-drinking India Pale Ale at 4.7 percent ABV. The beer is even promoted using a clever in-game sort of contest.

“If a pre-selected visiting player whiffs and strikes out, we offer a steep discount on pints for 15 minutes,” Benavides sayd. “The signal to fans is the polka classic “Roll Out the Barrels” played as the batter approaches the plate; I love the sheer joy Beer Batter brings our fans.”

The Ems kick off the season with a home debut June 17 versus The Boise Hawks. Tickets are on sale now online at www.EmeraldsBaseball.com or by calling 541-342-5367. We’re calling right now.