Curve Canine to Retrieve Bats, Perform On-Field Skit During 7:05 PM Game vs. Bowie
Published on August 2, 2008 under Eastern League (EL1)
Altoona Curve News Release
ALTOONA- Altoona Curve fans attending Saturday's 7:05 p.m. game at Blair County Ballpark will be in for a treat -- a dog treat, that is! Bob the Baseball Dog, the Curve's loveable, eight-month-old Yellow Labrador Retriever who has greeted thousands of fans at each 2008 home game and at many community appearances, will make his in-game debut during Saturday's contest against the Bowie Baysox.
"Bob", who has already shown off his skills at retrieving baseballs and bats and interacting with players, umpires and fans on the field prior to games, will put his training to the test Saturday evening when he will perform a pre-game skit and also make two on-field appearances during the game.
Prior to the start of Saturday's game, Bob will debut by performing a choreographed routine to the song "Centerfield". His in-game debut will come in the bottom of the first inning, when he will serve as the Curve's "Bat Dog" by retrieving player bats after their turns at the plate are over. In the sixth inning, Bob will assist the umpires by delivering a fresh supply of baseballs to home plate.
Bob the Baseball Dog was officially "called up" Saturday morning by Curve General Manager Todd Parnell, who has high hopes for the canine star, but wants to remind fans that he's still just a rookie.
"While Bob the Baseball Dog is more than prepared for his big debut, we all have to remember that very few players hit a home run in their first at-bat," said Parnell. "Alex Rodriguez hit .204 in his first taste of the major leagues and John Elway went 1-for-8 with an interception in his first NFL game, so while we expect Bob to become a superstar bat dog for years to come, Saturday is really just about getting his paws wet as an on-field performer."
Bob the Baseball Dog has been working for months learning his new skills with the help of Diane Kowalski, owner of Happy Tails. Diane has been present at most Curve home games this season teaching Bob everything from basic commands to the choreographed skits which he will perform nightly at Blair County Ballpark.
Blair County Ballpark will also go to the dogs later in the homestand, when the Curve host their annual "Hank's Bark in the Park Night" on Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. Fans are invited to bring their four-legged friends to the game and will have the opportunity to take part in several fun dog-related promotions. The first 500 dogs in attendance will receive a Bob The Baseball Dog Doggie Dish courtesy of Happy Tails. Plus, the Curve will host a pre-game "Dog Show" and Skyy Dogs USA & Rockin' Ray will entertain throughout the game. Fans interested in attending Tuesday's "Hank's Bark in the Park Night" with their dog can purchase a UPMC Health Plan Home Run Junction Outfield Reserved Bleacher ticket to enjoy the game with their canine companion.
In addition to Bob the Baseball Dog's on-field debut Saturday, the Curve have a jam-packed evening planned for fans attending the 7:05 p.m. game. Ballpark gates open at 5:30 and the first 2,000 fans will receive the third in a series of six collectible Tenth Anniversary Team PhotoBalls. Photoball #3 will feature the likenesses of Curve Tenth Anniversary Team members Josh Bonifay and Ian Snell. Also, the hilarious Reggy will entertain throughout the game and former Curve pitcher Landon Jacobsen will visit BCB to throw out a ceremonial first pitch, meet and greet Curve fans and sign autographs as part of the club's Tenth Anniversary Salute to 2006.
For tickets to any remaining 2008 Altoona Curve home game, fans can visit the Blair County Ballpark Ticket Office, call (877) 99-CURVE or visit AltoonaCurve.com and click one of the "BUY TICKETS" links on the homepage.
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