EL1 Binghamton Rumble Ponies

Home opener features free food, fundraising, fun

Published on April 14, 2009 under Eastern League (EL1)
Binghamton Rumble Ponies News Release


The celebration to open the Binghamton Mets 18th season of existence kicks off with a tailgate party in the NYSEG Stadium parking lot from 3:30 to 5 pm on Thirsty Thursday, April 16th complete with FREE Lupo's chicken spiedies, Mrs. T's Pierogies and Hatfield Hot Dogs while supplies last.

After a week-long road trip, fans can catch their first glimpse of the 2009 B-Mets on the field when the gates open at 5 o'clock. All fans entering the ballpark will receive a FREE team schedule magnet courtesy of Lupo's. Thirsty Thursday means all fans can buy fountain Coke products, select draught beer brands and hot drinks like coffees and hot chocolates at 2-for-1 prices.

The home opener marks almost two weeks since the shooting tragedy at Binghamton's American Civic Association that resulted in the deaths of 13 innocent victims. The ballclub encourages all fans in attendance to make a donation, large or small, to benefit victims' families as they enter the ballpark for the 1st time this year. The team's new white, sleeveless home jerseys worn by the 2009 B-Mets at the Welcome Home Dinner on April 6th will be on sale at $100 each. All proceeds from both initiatives will go toward an appropriate charitable fund related to supporting the victims' families plus the B-Mets will add a significant contribution.

Much of the suspense surrounding Opening Night centers on the Great Lupo's Spiedie Race among the Chef, Sandwich & Marinade Bottle. Many fans are pulling for the Marinade Bottle to win its first between-innings race in history. As a show of support in the seasonopening race and a way to raise much needed funds, Lupo's will offer its signature Spiedie marinade with a special B-Mets label for $3 per bottle with all proceeds benefiting the Southern Tier Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Starting shortly after 6 o'clock, pre-game festivities commence with the traditional introductions of the Portland Sea Dogs and Binghamton Mets down their respective base lines. With both teams lined up, the Binghamton Mets will pay a video tribute to the victims and first responders to the crime scene at the American Civic Association. A moment of silence will precede the live National Anthem performance by Kim Weinstein.

Binghamton Police Chief Joe Zikuski, a longtime friend of the B-Mets and the law enforcement representative of our community that served as the spokesperson to the nation and the world throughout the recent crisis, will throw out the season's ceremonial 1st pitch. The New York State Police, another agency at the center of the rapid response to the shooting, will present our nation's and state's colors.

Another New York State agency, the Comptroller's Office, wants to do something at the home opener that may seem a little bit out of character-giving taxpayers money back. Thomas DiNapoli's office holds approximately $9 billion that belongs to you in unclaimed funds. Fans can stop by the New York State Unclaimed Fund Booth behind home plate on the concessions concourse to see if the state holds any money that belongs to them.

All of the hoopla leads to the 6:35 PM start of the game between the Portland Sea Dogs and the Binghamton Mets in the team's latest, scheduled home opener by calendar since the inaugural 1992 season. Tickets are on sale at the NYSEG Stadium ticket office, the B-Mets Oakdale Mall store or on-line at www.bmets.com.

The opening homestand continues with a 7:05 PM game on Friday, April 17th including the debut of the Toyota Fireworks Series followed by 1:05 PM games on Saturday, April 18th and Sunday. April 19th. The Double- A New York Yankees start a three-game set of 6:35 PM games on Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday, April 20th, 21st & 22nd.

Check out the Binghamton Rumble Ponies Statistics

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Eastern League Stories from April 14, 2009


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