The sun sets behind the foothills, casting an orange glow over Memorial Stadium. The smell of hot dogs lingers in the air and the crowd buzzes in anticipation of the next pitch. Between innings, a potato race sends fans into a frenzy. When the clock hits eight, Lynyrd Skynyrd’s familiar line “It’s 8 o’clock in Boise, Idaho” rings out over the speakers, drawing cheers and smiles from the stands.
As the 2025 season winds down, fans, staff and players of the Boise Hawks are looking back on what made this year one to remember.
The Hawks built their identity around offense this summer, piling up runs in a way that kept fans on their feet. Hawks broadcaster Garrett Jones noted the lively experience of working with the team and soaking in the gameday atmosphere.
“The Hawks have an incredibly exciting offense,” Jones said. “They are right in the thick of a playoff chase.”
Jones also pointed out breakout performances from hitters Max Jung-Goldberg and Taylor Darden. He recalled several games where the team crossed the 20-run mark, a rare sight that energized both the clubhouse and the stands.
But fans weren’t just cheering for the hits this season, they were soaking in the quirks which make Hawks games special. A highlight from every Boise Hawks game is when a race commences between innings featuring three potato mascots: Syko Spud, Tumbling Tot and Fragile Fry.
Sarah Hix, an influencer known as tryingtreasurevalley on Instagram, said the little moments are what makes Hawks games so great.
“Seeing the potato race for the first time is something I’ll never forget,” Hix added. “I think my favorite tradition is at 8 p.m., when they play ‘What’s Your Name?’ by Lynyrd Skynyrd with the line ‘It’s 8 o’clock in Boise, Idaho’.” Those moments add a layer of charm that goes hand-in-hand with baseball itself, she said.
Every season a team has its defining moment filled with energy that is unmatched. For the Hawks, it came in late June. With two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning, Jung-Goldberg turned on a fastball and launched it over the wall for a walk-off home run. Jones called it the highlight of the summer — the kind of play that shows how quickly a night at the ballpark can become unforgettable.
Unpredictability is what keeps fans engaged. Hix said she’s never had a bad time at Memorial Stadium, no matter the outcome. Even on nights when the Hawks struggled, the crowd energy, promotions and postgame fireworks made it worth the price of admission.
“You get the most bang for your buck at a Hawks game,” Hix said. “Especially for students looking for affordable entertainment.”
The Hawks’ value to Boise doesn’t come from just winning. Off the field, the organization has made community involvement an integral part of its identity. Director of Group Sales Dalton Schutz highlighted community events like 208 Day, where staff and players volunteer across the Treasure Valley to connect with fans in meaningful ways.
“The Hawks try extremely hard to be a part of the community in more ways than just baseball,” he explained.
The emphasis on connection extends to Boise State students. While the season doesn’t always overlap with the school calendar, the Hawks have partnered with campus groups, hosted alumni nights and even worked with NIL athletes like Ashton Jeanty, Abby Muse and Tyson Degenhart. In the past, students joined the team on the field to throw out a ceremonial first pitch, meeting fans on the concourse for a meet-and-greet with autographs and pictures afterwards.
The Hawks put in a lot of effort to make baseball part of the Boise community. During the Hawks’ final homestand of the year, Aug 26-31, Fan Appreciation Week will be celebrated at Memorial Stadium. It will feature giveaways and special promotions every night.
What made the season meaningful wasn’t just the stats or the standings, but the moments fans shared together, the kind of experiences that linger long after the final pitch. Jones said that the greatest aspect of Hawks baseball is how it’s about collective memories, not just the wins and losses.
“We put on a fun, exciting and affordable show 48 nights of the summer,” said Schutz. “I can’t spoil our surprises, but I can tell you there are many exciting things in the pipeline for the Boise Hawks for years to come.”
The 2025 season showed once again why Hawks baseball is an iconic event in Boise. From walk-off wins and high-score innings to the quirky potato race and low-budget deals, the Hawks created moments that will carry into next year.
