ESPN the Magazine has named the Savannah Sand Gnats' "Man on Fire to the Circle the Bases" Promotion where Guinness Book of World Record Holder Ted Batchelor the bases while lit aflame on August 14, the Magazine's "Promotion of the Year."

The Magazine's October 4 issue with the NHL Preview on the cover recognized five Minor League Baseball teams for with the annual Veeckie Awards named after the Hall of Fame team owner and promoter Bill Veeck who is best remembered for his publicity stunts. ESPN named Ted Batcherlor's trip around the bases "The Best Torch Ceremony" and the "Promo of the Year." The Magazine also recognized the Omaha Royals for their "Jersey Shore Night," the Iowa Cubs for their "Citizen Naturalization Ceremony," the Eugene Emeralds for "Oregon Trail Night" and the Bowie Bay Sox for their "Big Lebowski Tribute."

The Magazine quoted Savannah Sand Gnats Group Sales Manager Chase Polhemus as saying in part, "Ted's a normal dude who happens to light himself on fire." One lucky fan lit Batchelor on fire after the Gnats' game on Aug. 14th against the Kannapolis Intimidators.

Batchelor then circled the bases before diving headfirst into home plate.