MWL1 Quad Cities River Bandits

Meet the Team dinner scheduled for April 3

Published on March 23, 2007 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Quad Cities River Bandits News Release


Future big leaguers will be hanging out with Swing fans at the annual Meet the Team dinner scheduled for Tuesday, April 3, the team announced on Friday. The highly anticipated event is a great way for fans to get to know the players personally as the Swing continue to prepare for their home-opener on Monday, April 9.

"We are always excited to host this event," said Swing President Kevin Krause. "American League batting champion Joe Mauer and American League MVP Justin Morneau have both been at our Meet the Team dinners in recent years. It was really the first chance that fans had to meet them."

There could be a future batting champion or MVP at this year's event as well.

In 2006, fans were able to visit with a team that included eight of the top 10 prospects in the St. Louis Cardinals' organization. Top prospect Colby Rasmus highlighted the group, and he is already being groomed to take over as Jim Edmonds' eventual successor in center field.

The 2007 crop figures to be a talented group as well, with prospects such as athletic outfielder Daryl Jones, strikeout machine Blake King, and a slew of highly touted draft picks from the last two drafts. Baseball America has lauded both prospects, claiming that, "given his youth and passion for the game, Jones has time to make good on Kenny Lofton comparisons." Meanwhile, King's fastball has been clocked at 94 mph and scouts are salivating over his late-breaking slider.

The Swing have already excelled as a team during spring training, and expect to challenge for the Midwest League title this season.

New General Manager Ben Burke is also excited about the event. "It's a great opportunity for local fans to meet and mingle with the players," Burke said. "I'm also looking forward to the chance to meet the great fans that have been supporting the Swing over the years."

Tickets will be available for only $8 to the event, where each of the players and coaches will be formally introduced. Fans will have the opportunity to talk baseball with the team, get autographs, and get to know the players and coaches in a personal setting.

Suiteholders and club seat season ticket holders can attend the event for free, and will also be able to participate in a private party prior to the event that will feature an open bar beginning at 5:00 p.m. Full season ticket holders will be able to purchase tickets at half price, while mini-plan holders and group leaders will be eligible for a $2 discount. There is still time to gain access to such perks by signing up for suites and season ticket plans, which are available by contacting the Swing box office at (563) 328-2000.

The event will take place in John O'Donnell Stadium's Suite Banquet Area, and doors will open at 5:30 p.m. at the Threads Team Store along South Gaines St. A light dinner will be served at 6:00 p.m.

TICKETS: Tickets for all events at John O'Donnell Stadium can be purchased by calling the Swing of the Quad Cities ticket office at (563) 328-2000, coming to the box office located at the stadium along South Gaines Street, or by logging on to www.swingbaseball.com.

UP NEXT: The Swing will open their 2007 home schedule with a day game at John O'Donnell Stadium on Monday, April 9, against Cedar Rapids. After a successful campaign in 2006, manager Keith Mitchell will look to guide the Swing to a second consecutive post-season run.

UPCOMING PROMOTIONS: The 2007 season will be loaded with fun at John O'Donnell Stadium, and each day of the week will feature its own exciting promotion:

Monday - Kids under the age of 12 will receive a hot dog and small soda with the purchase of a child's GA ticket!

Tuesday -Get four box seat tickets, four slices of pizza, four sodas, and a Swing program for just $44!

Wednesday - Join us for lunch as we bring back daytime baseball! $11 will get you a hot dog, soda, and box seat.

Thursday - Enjoy half-price 12 oz. beverages with Dave and Darren, thanks to the Bent River Brewing Company.

Friday - Every Friday night of the 2007 season will feature a dazzling fireworks display sponsored by KWQC.

Saturday - Be one of the first fans through the gates on select Saturdays and receive a special giveaway item.

Sunday - Bring the whole family out for an afternoon featuring clowns, balloons, and games. Stick around after the game and kids can run the bases just like the pros do!

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Midwest League Stories from March 23, 2007


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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