The Madison Mallards are the most popular summer league college baseball team in the country, and years of attendance, due in part to the Duck Blind team’s ever-growing all-you-can-eat/drink offering and the city’s thirst for live sports, are testament to that.
That said, the Mallards don’t need flashy name changes to attract fans to Duck Pond, so when they make a change, it’s for a good reason. For example, it’s honoring one of Madison’s most famous residents while also donating to the local Recovery Foundation for substance abuse and mental health disorders.
That’s why, friends, every member of the Mallards will be dressed like Matt Foley, the man who lives in a van by the river, when they take the field as Madison Motivational Speakers on July 6.
In one week – on Saturday, July 6th – we will become motivational speakers! 👔
If you don’t have your tickets yet, you’ll be living in a van down by the river 🎟️➡️ https://t.co/LIPFiVNuKF pic.twitter.com/oFOWP5pUtY
— Madison Mallards (@MadisonMallards) June 29, 2024
That’s right. For one night, the Northwoods League will be home to arguably the worst motivational speaker in human history: Farley’s legendary Saturday Night Live character.
This move is being sanctioned by Farley’s family. Here’s what the Mallards told Darren Rovell’s Cllct about their theme night and owning the sketch itself.
Chris Farley’s estate and @mrbobodenkirk do you own the rights to WHICH iconic SNL sketch?@MadisonMallards pic.twitter.com/g2JDO9Nr3o
— cllct (@cllctMedia) July 2, 2024
This is a confluence of influences that can bind generations of Wisconsinites together. Almost everyone who went to the University of Wisconsin or lived in downtown Madison in the early 1990s has a Chris Farley story. Almost everyone who spent the formative years of their adult life in Madison from the mid-2000s onwards has a Duck Blind story. On July 6, these worlds intertwine in a celebration of America, Wisconsin, Madison and the original pioneer of what the youth now call van life.
Official merchandise from the motivational speakers is available here. Worn jerseys will be auctioned after the final on Saturday.
