The Cincinnati Reds are going to put LaRosa’s Pizzerias out of business if their pitchers don’t stop striking out opponents at such an impressive rate. Last season, the local eatery began a promotion where they would give away free eight-inch pizzas with up to four toppings to any ticket holder who attended a Reds game where the Cincy pitching staff struck out at least 11 hitters. It happened 13 times during the team’s 81 home games in 2012.
This season, fans have already been able to cash in on the promotion six times. The free pizzas are valued at $6.79 each, and LaRosa’s has had to give away more than $100,000 in free pizza already. When asked what’s going to happen if the Reds’ pitchers keep striking guys out at such an alarming rate, LaRosa’s executive vice president for marketing Pete Buscani cracked a joke.
“First of all, you’ll be talking to another guy the next time you call,” he told WLWT Cincinnati on Tuesday. “The real reason to do this is to underscore awareness of our brand and get people to visit. This is the best promotion we’ve done in a long time.”
Of course, Buscani noted that most customers buy other items aside from simply the free eight-inch pizza when they redeem their tickets. LaRosa’s has 65 stores, most of which are in the Cincinnati area, so I’m sure they’re making out just fine when families bring their tickets in to claim a free small pizza but realize they need more food and beverages.
“I think the promotion is fantastic,” Reds fan John Rentz said, noting that he cashed in around 10 times last season. “I was actually surprised to see LaRosa’s continue it after the high frequency of times the pitching staff hit 11 strikeouts last year.”
In an era where fans at other ballparks are being treated to horrendous giveaways like this, LaRosa’s has made Reds fans some of the luckiest in the nation.
