Devil Rays Used Car Night turns magical for one lucky fan
July 27, 2005 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Southwest Michigan Devil Rays News Release
The Southwest Michigan Devil Rays turned July 23, 2005 into a magical night for one Battle Creek family. Tina Smith took home a new car after losing one in a crash the day before. Smith came to the Devil Rays game on Chicago Cubs Tickets/Used Car Giveaway Night in a sad mood and less than a one percent chance of being a winner.
Overcoming the odds is exactly what Smith did when she was the last person selected, of nine contestants after one was a no-show, to come down to the field at C.O. Brown Stadium. Each of the nine picked one envelope that included either a dud or a certificate that was good for keys to the 1993 Cadillac.
"Early in the game, I saw the car outside and didn't think anything of it," Smith said. "I just threw my name in there not even expecting it to be pulled."
Since Smith was the last name called, she was the last person of the nine to pick her envelope. That didn't keep envelope No. 3 from being the winner, or Smith from winning it.
After she pulled the certificate out she was in disbelief. "I was shocked, even after I pulled the winner, I just stood there staring at it saying âoh, I won!'" Everyone at work was talking about it at work. Smith said she fielded questions asking if she would trade in the 226,000-mile car or simply keep it. My kids think it's great. After a 15-hour-drive to South Carolina to visit her 20-year-old daughter, Smith is simply happy to keep the car that will replace the van that was crashed a week prior.
"I think I'll keep it," she said.
The Devil Rays will be giving away another used car on Fan Appreciation Night on Monday, September 5 at 2:05 p.m. Good seats are still available by calling 269-660-2287.
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