NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, CFL stats



New Britain Starts 5th Homestand of 2008

May 27, 2008 - Eastern League (EL1)
New Britain Rock Cats News Release


New Britain, CT - With the calendar now reading late "May" - and the Memorial Day Weekend already concluded - the Rock Cats arrive home to New Britain Stadium tonight (5/27) to begin their 5th Homestand of the Eastern League's 2008 Season. And, in addition to the exciting baseball that will commence in the Hardware City this evening, Rock Cats fans of all ages will once again be treated to a wide variety of pre-game entertainment, promotional giveaways, and on-field ceremonies - not to mention a unique post-game Laser Light Show, exciting après-game contests for fans, and smiling Kids Running the Bases! All the ingredients have been assembled so that fans of all ages can have lots of fun over the next six days and nights at New Britain Stadium.

Here are the details related the Rock Cats' 5th Homestand of 2008:

TUESDAY NIGHT, MAY 27th, 6:35 PM: The Rock Cats will kick off the homestand in fine style by welcoming the CT Defenders, Eastern League partners of the National League's San Francisco Giants, to New Britain Stadium for their first meeting of the new year. The team that spawned Matt Cain, Tim Lincecum, and Fred Lewis will be with us for three-games-in-three-days between tonight and Thursday evening. And as both the ‘Cats and Defenders have made moves toward the top of the Northern Division in recent weeks, it also looks to be a highly competitive intrastate match-up! And now that it's at least unofficially Summer, we also start thinking more about that other game - golf - and the Traveler's Championship Tournament to be played in nearby Cromwell between June 16th and 22nd. Accordingly, it's Traveler's Championship Night at the Stadium tonight, whereby the first 1,000 fans through the gates will receive a tote version of the famous Traveler's Red Umbrella. And, as its Tuesday, it's also Kids Eat Free Night in New Britain, sponsored by our friends at Harte Nissan. And last but not least, it's Principal Financial Group Family Fun Fest Night at the Stadium which means that for three hours before game time there will be free interactive games, a Minor League Baseball Museum exhibit, and more - just outside the ball park gates. Bring the kids and come early!

WEDNESDAY MORNING, MAY 28th, 10:35 PM: The Rock Cats will be entertaining the Defenders in another popular Baseball In Education morning game - sponsored this time by Dattco Transportation. Our friends from the Talcott Mountain Science Center will also be with us to explain further the direct relationship between the prevailing Connecticut Valley wind currents and tape-measure home-runs! And all this time we thought it was hanging curve balls! Grab a coffee and join us for some delightful morning baseball.

THURSDAY NIGHT, MAY 29th , 6:35 PM: The Defenders - those talented mini-Giants! - will be back for the series' finale at 6:35 PM on Thursday night. And before the exciting on-field action gets underway - fans of all ages will have a chance to line-up and meet the Rock Cats players between 5:00 and 5:30 PM on the field. Bring your kids, camera and autograph book! And, thanks to Guida's Milk and Ice Cream, we'll have team posters available for each fan coming down to say hello to the young Rock Cats. It's also Health Care Workers Appreciation Night at the Stadium, as the Rock Cats honor Nurses, EMTs and other valued caregivers prior to the game. Moreover - for the adults in the crowd - Thursday is also Coors Light Night at the Stadium, in which the first 1,000 adults (21 and over) through the gates will receive a pint-size glass displaying both the Coors Light and Rock Cats logos. There will be a 5:00 PM Social Hour - at which $1 reductions will be taken on all Coors Light products up to game time - as well as a Buy 1/Get 1 Free on Kayem Hot Dogs before the evening's first pitch. A ball game, a beer and a hot dog...what a great country!

FRIDAY NIGHT, MAY 30th, 6:35 PM: With the Defenders heading East on Route 84, in for the weekend come the Trenton Thunder, Eastern League partners of the American League's New York Yankees. Leaders of the EL's Northern Division since, it seems, 2008's Opening Day, Trenton is loaded with talent, meaning the Rock Cats will have their hands full with this bunch. As it's the end of another wearying work week, we'll be presenting "Sleep Night" in conjunction with the Gaylord Hospital Sleep Medicine Unit and have free Rock Cats logo pillowcases provided for the first 1,200 kids (12 and under) through the gates. We'll also be dispensing a schedule of promotions and events building awareness for common sleep disorders. There will also be some fun such as a pre-game pillow fight, trivia, and more. Lastly, a popular Laser Light Show will be the Friday night post-game entertainment. Sit back, dose, and enjoy!

SATURDAY NIGHT, MAY 31st, 6:35 PM: Game 2 of this 3-game weekend set between the Rock Cats and mighty Thunder will feature an Inflatable Bat Giveaway to the first 1,200 kids (12-and-under) through the turnstiles, thanks to our friends at the Farmington Savings Bank. Once the on-field action has been settled, fans can create their own fun by coming forward for the Saturday night staple - the AT&T Post Game Launch-A-Ball contest - an activity that allows patrons of all ages the opportunity to win great prizes - while also aiding those in need, since all proceeds go to the Rock Cats Foundation. Everybody wins!

SUNDAY AFTERNOON, JUNE 1st, 1:35 PM: The quick Homestand's final game takes place on Sunday afternoon - and again features the Thunder from Trenton. Beyond the professional baseball action on the field, it is also Plymouth Glass & Mirror Day at the park, whereby the first 1,500 fans through the gates will receive a free, dual logo t-shirt. Moreover, as it's Sunday, its also the Barnum Financial Group's Family Fun Day, featuring a Pre-Game Kickball Match starring Rocky and a herd of the region's popular mascots - and a Post-Game Kids Run The Bases event.- a joyful activity that both concludes the homestand and sends everybody home with a smile. Join us!

The New Britain Rock Cats are the AA, Eastern League affiliate of the American League's Minnesota Twins. The Rock Cats play a 142-game schedule each year, with 71 of those games set at affordable and easily accessible New Britain Stadium.

Fans seeking tickets to any game on the Rock Cats' upcoming homestand may secure them by visiting the Box Office at New Britain Stadium (10 AM to 6 PM, M-F; 10 AM to 2 PM, Sat), or by calling the Rock Cats' Ticket Office at (860) 224-8383. Patrons may also get tickets on-line by visiting the club's website at www.rockcats.com.

• Discuss this story on the Eastern League message board...

Eastern League Stories from May 27, 2008


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.

OurSports Central