Opening Roster Set as AirHogs Set to Kick off Season

Published on May 11, 2011 under American Association (AA)
Grand Prairie AirHogs News Release


GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas -- With the 2011 American Association season set to get underway on Thursday, the Grand Prairie AirHogs have released their opening day roster.

Manager Ricky VanAsselberg's 22-man roster has 10 pitchers and 12 position players, and includes two former Major Leaguers as well as five players who have played with the club in the past.

One of the former big-leaguers, Greg Smith, will get the opening day start against the Gary SouthShore RailCats at 7:05 p.m. at QuikTrip Park, against RailCats righty Scott Shaw. The AirHogs' lefty was with the Colorado Rockies last season, and also had a stint with the Oakland A's in 2008.

The other ex-Major Leaguer is outfielder Kevin Thompson, who is one of four former Fort Worth Cats on the squad. Pitchers Dustin Cameron, Jon Hunton and Jae Jung were also with the Cats in previous seasons.

After Smith, the starting rotation will be righties Scot Drucker, Josh Rainwater, Jung and John Brownell.

The latest addition to the roster was former AirHogs star Cesar Nicolas, who set the American Association record with 103 RBIs in 2009. He is joined by infielders Greg Porter and David Espinosa, along with pitchers Drucker and Rico Salmon as the 2011 'Hogs who have called QuikTrip Park home before.

Thursday night will see the first "Thirsty Thursday" promotion of the season, with $2 16-ounce aluminum cans of beer available throughout the ballpark. It is also magnetic schedule giveaway night, with the first 1,500 fans receiving the 2011 slate to hang up on their refrigerators. Of course, all of the traditional opening night ceremonies will also take place before the game.

Once again, the AirHogs are reminding you to sign up for their new text messaging service. Simply text "gpairhogs" (one word, no quotation marks) to 90210 and receive a special thank-you gift for signing up - $5 off any ticket for the AirHogs opening homestand from May 12-18. Simply show the message you receive back when you buy your ticket.

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The AirHogs begin their fourth season at QuikTrip Park on May 12 when Grand Prairie meets the Gary SouthShore RailCats at 7:05 p.m. Don't miss the renewed commitment to excellence and affordable family entertainment. All games are available with live, free streaming video on ustream.tv. Individual game tickets are on sale and can be purchased by calling 972-504-9383 or by visiting www.airhogsbaseball.com.

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