RiverHawks FanFest a Hit
February 23, 2004 - Frontier League (FL)
Rockford RiverHawks News Release
ROCKFORD â The Rockford RiverHawks gave fans a taste of 2004 baseball and the Rock River Valley responded in force. More than 500 fans attended the RiverHawks FanFest at Hard Hat Grill and Pub in Loves Park.
"The fan turnout was overwhelming, even stronger than we hoped," RiverHawks general manager Mike Babcock said. "FanFest is something that we plan on becoming an annual event."
Fans lined up for as long as nearly two hours to get autographs from obliging Hall of Famer Ferguson Jenkins. Jenkins and fellow former Cub Steve Trout, in addition to signing, participated in a question-and-answer session with fans and media.
Trout even showed off a love for song, leading the 525-person crowd in renditions of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" and "Happy Birthday."
"The RiverHawks plan to bring back major-leaguers of the same fame and stature next year," Babcock said.
Rivererhawks faithful also reunited with several familiar faces â manager Bob Koopmann, coach Sam Knaack, pitchers Josh Latimer and Jason Glosser, catcher Kevin Ciarrachi, infielders Ben Fjelland and Jake Ciarrachi and outfielder Rich Austin â for autographs and clinics.
In addition to clinics, kids were introduced to the redesigned Rocko the RiverHawk mascot and treated a free KidsZone play area.
The RiverHawks begin their third season on May 21 at the Windy City Thunderbolts. The âHawks open the home schedule at 7:05 p.m. Tuesday, May 25 against the Springfield/Ozark Ducks at Marinelli Field. The RiverHawks are members of the Frontier League, a 12-team independent professional baseball league in its 12th season.
For season-ticket, mini-plan and other ticket information, call the RiverHawks office at (815) 964-BALL or visit www.rockfordriverhawks.com.
Frontier League Stories from February 23, 2004
- RiverHawks FanFest a Hit - Rockford RiverHawks
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