Sea Dogs Opening Day Ceremonies Set
Published on April 8, 2008 under Eastern League (EL1)
Portland Sea Dogs News Release
Portland, Maine- The Portland Sea Dogs have announced their 2008 Opening Day Ceremonies. The Sea Dogs home opener is set for Friday, April 11th at 6:00 PM at Hadlock Field against the New Britain Rock Cats (Twins). The Sea Dogs enter their 15th season of play and sixth as the Class-AA Affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. Celebrating the Sea Dogs' 15th season in Portland, Opening Ceremonies will honor those that transformed Hadlock Field into what it is today.
Throwing out the ceremonial first pitch will be John Rague, the program and administrative services manager for the Public Works Department of the City of Portland. John was instrumental in building Hadlock Field. He quarterbacked the design of the ballpark and worked tirelessly to oversee construction. The Sea Dogs would like to thank John, and all the city employees he represents who helped in the ballpark's construction. Joining Rague on the mound will be his son Scott and his two year old grandson Santino. Further proof that Hadlock Field has become a place to be enjoyed by all generations.
On April 18, 1994 the Portland Sea Dogs played their first game at Hadlock Field. The game was a culmination of a two year effort to upgrade Hadlock Field and bring professional baseball to Portland. Former city manager Bob Ganley marshaled his resources, working closely with Sea Dogs owner Dan Burke, Rague, and city of Portland Employees. Together they exhibited a great deal of imagination, vision, and commitment, to transform Hadlock Field into the home of the Portland Sea Dogs and the place where over 400,000 fans watch their hometown team each summer. As we mark the start of the Sea Dogs 15th season, we wish to salute all those who helped make Hadlock Field what it is today.
Presenting the colors for the game will be members of the United States Army. The National Anthem will be performed by Krista Chisholm. Team introductions will also be part of the Opening Ceremonies.
As fans enter the park they will be greeted by the Bellamy Jazz Band. Gates will open at 4:00 PM. Pre-game ceremonies will begin at approximately 5:50 PM, with the first pitch scheduled for 6:10 PM.
Michael Bowden, the Red Sox seventh ranked prospect according to Baseball America, is the probable starter for Friday's game.
More than 350 Portland school students will attend Opening Day through the Sea Dogs' and the City of Portland's Read Your Way to Opening Day program. The students will be honored in a pre-game parade around the warning track.
Schedule of Events:
4:00 PM Gates Open
5:20 PM Read Your Way to Opening Day parade around the warning track.
5:50 PM Team Introductions
5:58 PM Honor Guard
5:59 PM National Anthem
6:08 PM Ceremonial First-Pitch
6:10 PM Game Starts
Tickets for Opening Day and all other home games are available by calling the Sea Dogs Ticket Office at 207-879-9500 or order online at www.seadogs.com.
A LOOK AT THE SEA DOGS' FIRST HOMESTAND:
Friday, April 11th @ 6:00 PM vs. New Britain
- Home Opener
Saturday, April 12th @ 1:00 PM vs. New Britain
- Sea Dogs Schedule Magnet Giveaway- first 2,500 fans courtesy of Paul G. White Interior Solutions
- Most Improved Student Day #1 sponsored by the Nextgen College Investing Plan
Sunday, April 13th @ 1:00 PM vs. New Britain
- Kids Run the Bases following the game, weather and field conditions permitting, sponsored by Let's Go.
Monday, April 14th @ 6:00 PM vs. Connecticut Defenders
- Hometown Heroes Night
Tuesday, April 15th @ 6:00 PM vs. Connecticut Defenders
- Barbershop Promotion
Wednesday, April 16th @ 6:00 PM vs. Connecticut Defenders
- Sea Dogs Monthly Luncheon from 12:00-1:00 PM in the Portland Room, sponsored by the Portland Press Herald/ Maine Sunday Telegram. Arnie Beyeler and the Sea Dogs coaching staff will be the featured quests. Tickets are $8.00, please RSVP to Chris Cameron at 207-874-9300 or ccameron@seadogs.com.
- College Fair from 3:00-5:00 in the concourse.
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