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St. Paul Saints

Playoff Implications, Championship Promotions for Saints in Next Homestand

August 4, 2011 - American Association (AA)
St. Paul Saints News Release


ST. PAUL, MN (August 4, 2011) - It might be the biggest homestand for the St. Paul Saints in some time for two reasons: number one they are playing two teams who are in the middle of the playoff race with them, the Winnipeg Goldeyes and Wichita Wingnuts, and number two the promotions are sure to be championship caliber during the seven days from August 5-11.

It all gets started with a three game series against their North Division foes, the Goldeyes from August 5-7. These two teams have gone back and forth with the division lead and just completed a three game series in Winnipeg last week and they enter the series tied atop the division. Saints fans will love the opening game of the homestand on August 5 at 7:05 p.m., especially if the club pulls off a dramatic victory, as the Saints try to set the World Record for High 5's presented by High Five Beverages. The record for most high fives in one hour by an individual in 1,362 set by Brian Selders on September 10, 2010 and the most people performing a simultaneous high five is 1,790 set on September 4, 2006 at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada. It's also the third to last Friday Night Fireworks presented by Xcel Energy. Each fan will have an opportunity to win between $77-$77,777 during St. Croix Casino's Big Money Days.

On Saturday, August 6 at 7:05 p.m. its "Saints Side Story: Jets vs. North Stars." With two storied franchises, one not returning and one making a comeback, the battle of St. Paul and Winnipeg takes place, not just on the diamond, but the ice as well. In a tribute to this historic hockey rivalry, the Saints and Goldeyes will don baseball versions of their historic counterparts' hockey sweaters (see attached photo). The game worn sweaters (jerseys) will be auctioned off during the game and then autographed for the winning bid at game's end. The North Stars, who were around from 1967-1993, had such standouts as Gump Worsley, Larry Murphy, Mike Gartner and coach Herb Brooks. They reached the Stanley Cup Finals in 1981 and 1991 with 17 playoff appearances overall. The Jets, who are making their return to the NHL in 2011, were around from 1972-1996, had such standouts as Serge Savard, Dale Hawerchuk and Bobby Hull. They reached the playoffs 11 times. It may be just as fierce a battle as the Sharks and Jets, but with sticks, pucks and a few more missing teeth. Also, study up for Success Saturday's presented by University of Wisconsin - River Falls.

The final game of the three game series is Sunday, August 7 at 1:05 p.m. and promotes something the Saints hope they are at the end of the season: Champions. On "A Day of Champions: Honoring Minnesota's 2010-2011 Winners" presented by St. Croix Orthopaedics. Whether it's the University of Minnesota-Duluth's National Championship in hockey, Hamline University's MIAC Championship, high school's who were crowned winners or individuals who were at the top of their sport, this day is for all those in the state who were the best of the best. Every kid will be a winner during S&W Beans and Butter Kernel Family Sunday as kids get to run the bases and get autographs from the entire Saints team following the game.

After the Goldeyes leave town the Saints welcome in the Wichita Wingnuts, the team they are battling with for a potential wild card berth, in a crucial four game series from August 8-11. On Monday night, August 11 at 7:05 p.m. the series kicks off with "The Year of Bert" presented by 5 Eyewitness News. With Bert Blyleven getting into the Hall of Fame and Bert from Sesame Street continuing to be beloved by kids of all ages this will be one special evening. For those riding their motorcycle to the game you can park for free on Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Monday.

There is nothing better than a weekday out at the ballpark and on Tuesday, August 9 the 12:05 p.m. game is for all the hard working people needing a chance to unwind. If the kids have taken over your home for the summer this game presents a great opportunity to get them out and enjoy an afternoon under the sun. Enjoy the talents of a local improv team as they act out a "B-Movie" throughout the game complete with monsters and mad scientists. Stay connected with TDS Tuesday.

During the last 3,000 years the Earth has gone through some changes and because of that, Ophiuchus, the 13th zodiac sign that falls between Scorpio and Sagittarius, is the basis for "The Signs They Are A-Changin" on Wednesday, August 10 at 7:05 p.m. Good news for horoscope fans the constellation is used by astronomers, while astrologers chose not to include it. Enjoy the post-game star gazing (weather permitting), with the Minnesota Planetarium Society, and snuggle up to someone close to you as you stare at the stars. Be prepared to have fun prior to the game with the craziest tailgate party of the year with Saints players on Walser Wednesday's.

The final game of the homestand is Thursday, August 11 at 7:05 p.m. with the 125th Anniversary of Bosch. They are the leading global supplier of technology and services in the area of automotive and industrial technology, consumer goods and building technology and the first 1,501 fans will receive a wooden airplane. Our 21 and over crowd will enjoy $1 beer on Thirsty Thursday presented by Old Chicago.

It's sure to be an exciting homestand both on the field and in the seats. Whether you want to feel like a champion, just high five the person next to you or are a fan of the North Stars then this homestand is perfect for you.

Tickets are available for all home games starting at $5 for general admission, $8 for outfield reserved and $12 for infield reserved. Friday Home Games with post-game fireworks (except August 26) are an additional $2 per ticket. August 26 features extended post-game fireworks and are an additional $3 per ticket. Tickets purchased on the Day of the Game are an additional $1 per ticket. Children under the age of 12 and seniors 65 and older receive $1 off the admission price. Children under 2 that don't require a seat are free.

Tickets for all Saints regular season home games are available now in person at the Saints Box Office, by phone at 651-644-6659 or online at saintsbaseball.com.

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