The snow is finally gone at Wuerfel Park and the Traverse City Beach Bums are prepping for a new season. Coming off the most successful season in team history, the 2013 Beach Bums will be a mix of talented veterans and promising newcomers.

As the squad held spring training at Wuerfel Park this week, The Ticker caught up with team officials for a preview of what’s new. We asked, “What Are Six Things Fans Need to Know About the 2013 Beach Bums?”

1. “Of course, no team can function without some players and Traverse City returns some of the stars from last year’s team that produced the third highest win total in Frontier League history,” says Chad Cooper, director of media and broadcasting. Jose Vargas, the reigning Frontier League MVP, comes back for his third season in Northern Michigan. Last year, Vargas hit .290 with 29 home runs and a league record-tying 100 RBI. Also back is Chase Burch, the Beach Bums career leader in home runs, RBI, doubles, and games played. The team had a record 10 Beach Bums named to the 2012 All Star Team and was honored with seven post-season league awards including MVP (Jose Vargas), Manager of the Year (Gregg Langbehn) and Frontier League Organization of the Year.

2. The home opener is May 21 against the Evansville Otters. TC will play 54 home games at Wuerfel Park this year.

3. The Bums roster is still being finalized, but along with Vargas and Burch there are several 2012 Beach Bums returning, including position players Sean Gusrang, Ryan Still, Matt Howard, Marcus Nidiffer, along with pitchers Nick Capito, Jason Mattila, Scott Dunn, Michael Devine, Jacob Clem, Scott Mueller, Matt Miller and Jake Sabol.

4. Off the field, the prize wheel is a sure winner for fans, literally and figuratively. Every spin is a winner, even on the ticket prize wheel where all contestants could win as many as four tickets to a Beach Bums game and everyone will walk away with at least a lawn ticket for a future game.

5. Looking for something to eat or drink? New this year, the Bums have partnered with locally-based Northwoods Soda for fountain drinks at Wuerfel Park. Also new this season is Faygo soda for bottled drinks. Faygo is also sponsoring the Faygo Party Patio for 2013.

6. Theme nights will continue to be part of the fun at Wuerfel Park. New this year are “Salute to Soldier Saturdays,” with pregame flyovers, the first pitch being tossed by a veteran or active military person, and the team wearing camo uniforms. The popular Friday night fireworks will return this year.