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Charleston RiverDogs

Get to the All-Star Game Early to See All of the Action

June 14, 2012 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Charleston RiverDogs News Release


CHARLESTON, SC - When planning the activities surrounding the 53rd Annual South Atlantic League All-Star Game that is being hosted by the Charleston RiverDogs at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park on June 19, the club rightfully wanted to add a local flavor.

When the gates open at 4 pm, fans who get there early will enjoy a specially-created souvenir ticket and will then become the recipient of free All-Star Game men's boxer briefs, compliments of Gildan Apparel. Then at 5:15, the final round of the Home Run Derby that is sponsored by Miller High Life will be held at Riley Park after the first round was held the day before on the flight deck of the USS Yorktown.

A gigantic America flag, a true replica of the one that once flew over Fort Sumter, will drape the entire infield before the singing of the National Anthem as performed by local singer, songwriter and guitarist Eddie Bush.

After Bush concludes his rendetion of the National Anthem, there will be a flyover as provided by a US Coast Guard helicopter and the the game ball will be delievered to the field by a parachutist from the US Air Force Skydiving Team, known as The Wings of Blue .

The game's two honorary players - US Army National Guard Staff Sergeant Frank Verant and Kevin Stapleton, who is representing the local hospitality industry - will catch the ceremonial first pitches that will be thrown by Gen. Jim Livingston, a local Medal of Honor recipient, and by Steve Carroll, president of the Charleston Restaurant Association.

The game's first pitch is slated for 7:30, and in the middle of the first inning, the newest inductees in the South Atlantic League Hall of Fame that includes RiverDogs co-owner Bill Murray, Charleston Mayor Joe Riley and Asheville Tourists front office executive Carolyn McKee, will be introduced from the field.

While the pregame will have the extravagance reserved for an All-Star Game, the postgame will be highlighted with the selection of the most valuable player and a fireworks display that will be among the largest the RiverDogs have ever hosted.

"We want to reinforce that Charleston is a wonderful destination city and a great place to live," said RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols. "We have a wealth of talent right here in the Lowcountry, and we're eager to remind the fans while letting the All-Stars know what a great place Charleston is."

The All-Star Game is sponsored by General Dynamics - Force Protection Industries, Inc. and the Charleston Restaurant Association.

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