
AirHogs Fans Fight to Bring Baseball Back to 2020 Olympics
August 2, 2012 - American Association (AA)
Grand Prairie AirHogs News Release
GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas - The Grand Prairie AirHogs are doing more than defending their championship this weekend during a home stand, the team is asking all Olympic baseball and softball fans to sign a petition of support to bring baseball and softball back to the 2020 Olympics. This year's summer games in London mark the first time since 1984, when baseball was officially instated as an Olympic sport, that it is not being played at the Summer Olympics.
"Baseball is more than America's pastime, it is played competitively around the globe," said Scott Berry, president of the Grand Prairie AirHogs. "And, for baseball to not be included in either the 2012 or 2016 Olympics is very upsetting to families and fans across North Texas. We are asking our fans to make a strong statement to the IOC and encourage baseball to be played once again on the world's largest stage."
Starting today until August 12, supporters can visit http://www.airhogsbaseball.com/community/petition/ to sign the petition. Additionally, the team will be taking signatures throughout its next home stand as they face the Laredo Lemurs and Sioux City Explorers Friday, August 3 to Thursday, August 9.
Once the petition to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) closes, the team will send it to both Grand Prairie and Dallas City Halls for records, and then directly to the International Baseball Federation and the IOC in hopes to create change for the 2020 Summer Olympics.
The 2011 American Association Champion Grand Prairie AirHogs conclude their three-game series against the El Paso Diablos on Thursday, August 2, at 8:05 p.m. Central Time. The next home game at QuikTrip Park is Friday, August 3, at 7:05 p.m. against the Laredo Lemurs. That night will feature a team card set giveaway, sponsored by Parkland Community Health Plan. All games are aired live and for free on Ustream by clicking on the link on the AirHogs' home page or visiting http://www.ustream.tv/channel/airhogs-baseball with selected contests aired on Time Warner Cable's Texas Channel. For information on tickets, promotions, advertising, and other opportunities with the AirHogs, check out the Web site at www.airhogsbaseball.com, or call the QuikTrip Park office at (972) 504-9383.
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American Association Stories from August 2, 2012
- Lemurs Try to Rally, Fall Short - Laredo Lemurs
- Hodsdon Brilliant In Complete Game Win Over Airhogs - El Paso Diablos
- Goldeyes Fire on All Cylinders to Take Series - Winnipeg Goldeyes
- Saints' Homestand Ends on a Sour Note with 4-1 Loss to RedHawks - St. Paul Saints
- Explorers Defeat RailCats 6-5 to Take Series - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- AirHogs Fans Fight to Bring Baseball Back to 2020 Olympics - Grand Prairie AirHogs
- Former Diablo Homers in First MLB At-Bat - El Paso Diablos
- RailCats Start Homestand Friday - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- Hockey Night Slated for August 8 - Winnipeg Goldeyes
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
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