Defenders to host 2007 EL All-Star Game
Published on September 2, 2006 under Eastern League (EL1)
Connecticut Defenders News Release
(Norwich, Conn.) -- The 2007 Eastern League All-Star Game, the league's showcase event, will be held at Thomas J. Dodd Memorial Stadium - home of the Connecticut Defenders. The game will take place on Wednesday, July 11, 2007, one day after the Major League All-Star Game in San Francisco. The Defenders officially made the announcement today during a press conference before the Defenders 7:05 p.m. game against the Binghamton Mets and also unveiled the new 2007 Defenders All-Star logo.
"Hosting the All-Star game is a testament to the improvements that we are making here in Norwich with the Connecticut Defenders. We have taken great strides this season and the residents of Norwich and Connecticut are being rewarded with us serving as host for the 2007 Eastern League All-Star Game," said Lou DiBella, President and Managing Partner of the Defenders. "This week alone we had CNBC and ABC World News Tonight at the ballpark producing feature stories on the Defenders that received national coverage. We brought a movie deal to Norwich and Dodd Stadium with ESPN. Exciting things are happening here and none of it would be possible without the support of our fans and the Norwich community."
The All-Star game features players from each of the 12 teams and pits the Northern Division against the Southern Division. The team is voted by league managers, media, and fans. A few of the players in recent years have included Major Leaguers Ryan Howard, Brian Bannister, Aaron Hill, Kevin Youkilis, Todd Helton, Vladimir Guerrero, Nick Johnson and Alfonso Soriano.
This will be the second time Dodd Stadium has been host to an All-Star event. In 2002 Norwich was host to the final Double-A Association All-Star Game which featured players from all three Double-A leagues (Eastern, Texas and Southern). "The experience from 2002 will be invaluable," said Jim Beaudoin, Defenders General Manager. "Once again we look forward to showcasing the best of Southeastern Connecticut."
Also present was Catherine Marx, from the office of Governor M. Jodi Rell, Norwich Mayor Ben Lathrop and Eastern League President Joe McEacharn. "Bringing the 2007 Eastern League All-Star game to Norwich is an extension of the commitment the Defenders' ownership group and City of Norwich have made to making Double-A Baseball a success in the region," McEacharn said. "We look forward to showcasing the Major League stars of tomorrow to the Eastern Connecticut region and are equally pleased to showcase new and improved Dodd Stadium and the surrounding area to the entire league. This game represents a great opportunity to thank the fans and partners of the Defenders for their on-going support."
The parent club of the Defenders, the San Francisco Giants, will host the Major League All-Star game in 2007. The Defenders and Giants renewed their Player Development Contract July 20 through the 2008 season. "We just want to congratulate the Connecticut Defenders on the honor of hosting the 2007 Eastern League All-star game," said Bobby Evans, the Giants Director of Player Personnel. "It is a big event and one that will make the state of Connecticut proud."
Tickets will first go on sale during the Defenders annual World Series Party Wednesday, October 25 at the Hard Rock Cafe.
USS MEMPHIS HONORED
The Defenders honored the crew of the USS Memphis, renaming Luxury Skybox #18 at Dodd Stadium in honor of the submarine. This June the Memphis, a fast-attack submarine based in Groton, was awarded the Battenberg Cup by the United States Navy as the best all-around warship in the Atlantic Fleet. It is only the second time a submarine has been honored (the USS Miami was honored in 1999). Commander Glenn Pendrick, Commanding Officer of the Memphis, was present to accept the honor and represent the crew.
FLAGS ACROSS AMERICA
Artist Scott LoBaido is traveling the United States and painting an American Flag on one rooftop in every state in the country. He has chosen Dodd Stadium to represent the state of Connecticut and his endeavor will be featured on ABC News. "I am trying to thank the veterans and support our troops," LoBaido said. "I love my freedom. This day is everything that I'm about."
The Connecticut Defenders are the Class Double A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, and a member of the 12-team Eastern League. Fans can purchase new team merchandise, individual game tickets, group outings, corporate picnics and skyboxes by visiting our website at www.ctdefenders.com or by calling (860) 887-7962.
Eastern League Stories from September 2, 2006
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- Fisher Cats win 1-0 marathon for 7th straight - New Hampshire Fisher Cats
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- Kevin Millar and Bob Ganley Inducted into Sea Dogs Hall of Fame - Portland Sea Dogs
- Heavy rains force postponement of Saturday Curve doubleheader - Altoona Curve
- Tonight's SeaWolves Game Postponed - Erie SeaWolves
- Defenders to host 2007 EL All-Star Game - Connecticut Defenders
- Defenders drop fifth straight game to Mets - Connecticut Defenders
- 9/2 B-Mets Game Notes @ Connecticut - Binghamton Rumble Ponies
- Portland Sea Dogs Recap - Portland Sea Dogs
- Brandon Moss Named Allied Home Mortgage Big Dog of the Year - Portland Sea Dogs
- 2007 Eastern League All-Star Game - Connecticut Defenders
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