River Bandits Stun Nuts
March 26, 2008 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Quad Cities River Bandits News Release
The stage has been set for the battle that fans throughout the Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois region have been waiting for, as the Quad Cities River Bandits and the Clinton LumberKings will square off on Thursday in CNBC.com's March Madness-style tournament to determine which Minor League Baseball team has the best logo.
"The people of the Quad Cities have really shown up and supported our new logo during this tournament," said team owner Dave Heller. "With Opening Night just eight days away, fans our excited for the return of the River Bandits. This tournament has been a fun and exciting outlet for them to express that."
The No. 12-seeded River Bandits pulled off their biggest upset yet on Tuesday, capturing 57 percent of the vote to handily defeat the No. 1-seeded Modesto Nuts. Quad Cities had previously beaten the No. 5-seeded Greensboro Grasshoppers in the first round before downing the No. 4-seeded Williamsport Crosscutters in a tie-breaker to move to the Sweet 16.
Now, the River Bandits are one of just eight teams remaining, meaning their new logo has already been judged nationally as one of the eight best in baseball. They will take on the No. 2-seeded Clinton LumberKings in a battle of regional rivals on Thursday for the right to advance to the Final Four.
"We're glad the LumberKings have been able to make such a strong run," said River Bandits Vice President and General Manager Kirk Goodman. "They made a strong comeback to get to the Elite Eight, but it's time for the River Bandits to take control. It's always fun when we play Clinton on the field, and its nice to know that regardless of who wins, eastern Iowa will be well represented in the national tourney."
Interestingly, Main Street Baseball's other club, the Columbus Catfish, are also in the Elite Eight. Main Street Baseball is the only organization to have more than one of its teams place in the Elite Eight.
"I'm incredibly proud of both our clubs," said managing partner Dave Heller. "Both the Quad Cities River Bandits and the Columbus Catfish have great logos - bright, vibrant colors that fans love and a name that really reflects the region. I'd love to see both clubs go at it in the finals."
Voting will open for the River Bandits-LumberKings match-up on Thursday morning at 8:00 a.m. Central and will close on Friday morning at 8:00 a.m. Central. Fans can support the River Bandits by going to www.darrenrovell.com and clicking on Darren Rovell's most recent blog. A link to the contest is also available on www.riverbandits.com.
ABOUT THE RIVER BANDITS: After an off-season full of upgrades, the Quad Cities River Bandits will open the 2008 campaign at Modern Woodmen Park on April 3! Merchandise featuring the new team name and logo is currently available by visiting the Modern Woodmen Park team store, and season ticket packages, mini-packages, and the all-new You-Pick-10 Plan are on sale at the park or by calling (563) 3-BANDIT!
Midwest League Stories from March 26, 2008
- Dragons Bullpen Solid In Spring Contest - Dayton Dragons
- Louie the LumberKing: Playing Fair? - Quad Cities River Bandits
- Area High Schools to Play at Fifth Third Field - Dayton Dragons
- "100th Cougar Contest" Announced - Kane County Cougars
- River Bandits Stun Nuts - Quad Cities River Bandits
- Dragons Logo Reaches "Elite Eight" in CNBC Classic - Dayton Dragons
- 'Meet the Kernels Night' on April 1st - Cedar Rapids Kernels
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.
