PCL1 Fresno Grizzlies

Mayor Autry Committed To Bringing Parker Back

Published on April 10, 2008 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Fresno Grizzlies News Release


FRESNO, CA - As Parker's exile at 1060 Fulton, atop the Security Bank building, enters its fourth day, the City of Fresno has joined the Fresno Grizzlies to get the beloved mascot to Opening Day at Chukchansi Park on Friday, April 11th. Mayor Alan Autry has generously offered to make Parker "Honorary Mayor of Fresno" on Friday if he will appear at Fresno's Sports Town ribbon-cutting festivities on Kern St, and at Chukchansi Park for the Grizzlies home opener later that night.

"Parker is not just a symbol of the Fresno Grizzlies, but he is a symbol of sports in the City of Fresno, and a vital member of our community," said Mayor Autry on Thursday morning. "Opening Day would certainly not be the same without him, and neither would the ‘The Vibe' at Sports Town. I hope that this olive branch from the city, as well as Grizzlies fans packing the Park on Opening Day, will convince him to join us on this wonderful day."

The Fresno mascot walked out on the organization on Monday, less than five days before Opening Day at Chukchansi Park, and challenged Grizzlies fans to ‘Pack the Park' as they did for the Giants exhibition if they wanted him to appear on Friday. Parker has spent more than three days in personal exile at the top of Fresno's tallest building, the Security Bank Building, where he can keep a watchful eye over Chukchansi Park.

"Our fans have responded, and continue to respond, to the challenge that Parker outlined on Monday," said Grizzlies Executive Vice President Mike Maiorana. "I can't blame the big guy for wanting the same atmosphere on Opening Day that we had here for the Giants game, we all want that. We appreciate the City of Fresno, and Mayor Autry, joining our fight to bring Parker home on Friday."

In February, the City of Fresno broke ground on the Sports Town project, a plan to renovate and revitalize the downtown portion of Kern St. that links Chukchansi Park and Selland Arena, the future home of the Fresno Falcons hockey team. The project will be completed on April 11th, and ‘The Vibe' at Sports Town is planned featuring bands, food and drink, a BMX stunt show, and numerous sports-related exhibits from 4:30pm until the start of the Grizzlies' home opener against the Tucson Sidewinders. ‘The Vibe' at Sports Town festivals will take place once per month this summer, with each date coinciding with a Friday night Grizzlies game.

The Grizzlies conclude their eight-game, season-opening road trip on Thursday night in Tacoma, WA. The regular season at Chukchansi Park begins on April 11th when Fresno hosts the Tucson Sidewinders in Pacific Coast League action. For more information on the Grizzlies game schedule and promotional calendar, please call 559.320.HITS or visit fresnogrizzlies.com.

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Pacific Coast League Stories from April 10, 2008


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