AA St. Paul Saints

Saints And Walser Automotive Put Kids In The Spotlight

Published on April 29, 2010 under American Association (AA)
St. Paul Saints News Release


ST. PAUL, MN (April 28, 2010) - Since 1993, parents have been bringing their kids to St. Paul Saints games. In 2010, the St. Paul Saints, along with the Walser Automotive Group, will return the favor by taking their show on the road and bringing the enjoyment of a Saints game to them with the Saints Youth Spotlight Games.

Beginning in May and continuing throughout the summer, the Saints and their entertainment team will visit ten different youth leagues across the Twin Cities Metro Area. Each stop will bring laughter and smiles with off-the-wall promotions, warm and fuzzy hugs from the Saints two-legged mascot, Mudonna, and the feel of a professional baseball game with pregame ceremonies, a public address announcer and a ballpark organist.

"Nothing beats the look in a young ballplayer's eyes as he hears his name over a sound system while stepping into the batter's box," said Derek Sharrer, Saints Executive Vice President and General Manager. "I can't imagine a better way to give back to the youth sports community that has been so supportive of us for the past 17 years."

Saints fans have enjoyed side-splitting antics for 17 seasons with promotions ranging from the traditional dizzy bat race and sumo wrestling to the sounds of Seigo Masabuchi signing Karaoke with a Real Japanese Guy. The Saints are also the team that introduced the fifth inning drag (by men cleaning the infield wearing women's clothing) and the classic evil goaltender, the St. Paul Sieve. These promotions and more will take place at each Youth Spotlight Game.

The fun doesn't end there. Children have often dreamt about hearing their name called during pre-game introductions and racing out to the field and tipping their cap to a roaring crowd. The Saints will make that dream come true with a pre-game ceremony featuring Saints public address announcer Joe Wiener and organist, Andy Crowley. As each batter makes his way to the plate for their at bats they will once again hear their names over the loud speaker along with their favorite walk-up music.

The feeling of a professional baseball game wouldn't be complete without reading about it afterwards. Each Youth Spotlight game will feature a "Sports Page-esque" write up and box score which will be posted on the Saints web site, saintsbaseball.com.

With the sights and sounds covered, The Walser Automotive Group is ready to take care of tastes. Walser, in their retrofitted 45-foot RV, will be on-site tailgating at each event providing free hot dogs, drinks and prize giveaways to participants, their families and spectators alike.

"We are thrilled to play such a large role in making the St Paul Saints Youth Spotlight Games possible," said Andrea Kopfmann, Manager of the Walser Foundation. "Walser has served the Twin Cities for over 50 years. Every year, we support organizations that are effective at improving the quality of life for Minnesotans."

The Saints Youth Spotlight Game Program is one of the area's most unique partnerships between a sports team and youth sports. The program is entering its fifth season and is considered a signature Saints community initiative.

Below is a schedule of the spotlight games coming to an area near you:

MIRACLE LEAGUE - May 5th, 2010 - 6:00 pm - Bennett Family Park

ST PAUL PARK ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION - May 24th, 2010 - 6:00 pm - Oltman Middle School

BROOKLYN CENTER AMERICAN LITTLE LEAGUE - May 25th, 2010 - 6:00 pm - BCALL Ball Fields

PARKWAY LITTLE LEAGUE - May 26th, 2010 - 6:00 pm - Field #3

LAKEVILLE BASEBALL ASSOCIATION - June 1st, 2010 - 6:15 pm - Quigley Field #1

MIDWAY BASEBALL - June 3rd, 2010 - 6:00 pm - Dunning Field

ROSEVILLE AREA YOUTH BASEBALL - June 8th, 2010 - 6:00 pm - Evergreen Field

EAGAN ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION - June 22nd, 2010 - 6:30 pm - Field TBD

OSSEO MAPLE GROVE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION - June 23rd, 2010 - 6:30 pm - Rice Lake School

BLOOMINGTON ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION - July 1st, 2010 - 6:30 pm - Haddox Field

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