Logistics professionals know OnTrac as a package delivery company serving the Western U.S., but the Phoenix-based firm may soon be known for delivering another important item—relief pitchers. OnTrac recently announced that it would sponsor the Arizona Diamondbacks' bullpen cart, a souped-up golf cart that carries pitchers from the bullpen to the field during home games.
The new cart, which is emblazoned with the OnTrac logo, will renew a baseball tradition that dates back to 1950, when the Cleveland Indians first used a "little red wagon," according to a history of the vehicle compiled by Major League Baseball (MLB). By the 1960s, the carts had become commonplace throughout the sport. But they eventually fell out of favor and by the mid-1990s had vanished from the scene.
"We have been working on this idea for several years, and there's no more appropriate time to bring back the bullpen cart than this season, as we celebrate our 20th anniversary," Diamondbacks team President and CEO Derrick Hall said in a statement. "Fans of baseball in the 1950s, '60s, '70s, '80s, and even the '90s enjoyed watching their favorite players emerge from the bullpen in various vehicles, and we're excited for this special delivery to come to Chase Field."
In fact the Diamondbacks were so excited, they tweeted about the cart:
You can see the bullpen cart at Diamondbacks home games this season.
Wreaths Across America