Rock Cats Enter Homestand

Published on May 14, 2013 under Eastern League (EL1)
New Britain Rock Cats News Release


New Britain, CT - With the play of the Rock Cats warming along with the weather - the 'Cats are now just a few games off the pace in the Eastern League's East Division - Manager Jeff Smith's boys are getting set to return to New Britain Stadium on Friday Night (5/17) to begin their 4th Homestand of the 2013 Season. While it's a bit hard to believe we've already completed one-quarter of the season - sadly, it's true - we all know that loads of baseball and family fun remain on the schedule at New Britain Stadium!

The home action begins anew on Friday night when the Rock Cats welcome the New Hampshire Fisher Cats - EL partners of the Toronto Blue Jays - to central Connecticut for a three-game weekend series. The baby Jays will be here Friday and Saturday nights, before playing a series-concluding game on Sunday afternoon. And once the action with our friends from the Granite State ends, in will come the Binghamton Mets - the longtime New York Mets' affiliate - for a four-game set that runs from Monday (5/20) evening to Thursday (5/23) morning. There is thus a home game on the New Britain schedule for seven straight days - the weather folks are all forecasting sunshine - life is good!

Here are some additional details:

FRIDAY NIGHT, MAY 17th at 6:35 PM:

The New Hampshire Fisher Cats - managed by former Red Sox' Catcher, Gary Allenson - pull into the visitors' clubhouse on Friday evening to start an important three-game weekend series. The two 'Cats tangled three times last week up in New Hampshire and the Rock Cats came away with a sweep. There is little doubt that the competitive Fishers will be looking to reverse that situation this weekend. And they have the team to do it as three of their Pitchers - according to Baseball America - are among the Toronto organization's top Prospects. Once the on-field action concludes on Friday night, fans are invited to stick around for another round of dazzling Postgame Pyrotechniks! The Rock Cats are looking to reprise last weekend's Boston STRONG presentation - a great way to blast off the weekend!

SATURDAY NIGHT, MAY 18th at 6:35 PM:

With the gang from New Hampshire back for Game #2 of this series - both they and the host Rock Cats will be putting extra starch in their unis and spit-polishing their spikes for this one as its Military Appreciation Night at the Stadium! And here to help us celebrate America's bravest will be none other than Sgt. Slaughter! The famous - and still fearsome! - NCO will be here to join his brothers-and-sisters-in-arms as the Rock Cats salute the courageous members of our Military. The Rock Cats will be wearing their camoflauge uniforms and all past and present members of any branch of the Military - and their family members - are invited into the park to enjoy the evening at a much reduced rate. Sgt. Slaughter will be greeting (i.e., barking commands!) at the Main Gates and will be available to exchange salutes and sign autographs for fans. Those admirers of the popular Sarge who would like a signed photo may get one for a nominal fee - with all proceeds going the Rock Cats Foundation. Beneath that grizzled exterior beats a heart of gold! Sgt. Slaughter's appearance is sponsored by our friends at McKesson; the 'Cats are suggesting that their fans wear red, white and blue to the game to honor our soldiers. Saturday will also feature another Pregame Block Party (starting at 4:30 PM) with bouncy inflatables, a Gamer Box, live music (thanks to Clear Channel Radio) and a Mobile Banking Unit, sponsored by the Nutmeg State Federal Credit Union (NSFCU). We thank them all!

SUNDAY AFTERNOON, MAY 19th at 1:35 PM:

Sundays are always fun at New Britain Stadium as each is a Family Fun Day where there are furry mascots roaming the concourse and stands, and Kids get to Run The Bases at game's end. On this particular Sunday, prior to the series finale's first pitch at 1:35 PM, there will be a great giveaway at the Stadium gates as the first 1,200 kids (12 and under) will receive a free Rock Cats Batting Glove, courtesy of our good friends at NBC Connecticut.

MONDAY NIGHT, MAY 20th, at 6:35 PM:

The Binghamton Mets - with well-regarded Pedro Lopez at the helm - arrive in the Hardware City on Monday night to begin a four-game, weekday series at New Britain Stadium. The mini-Mets' roster is loaded with some of the New York organization's top Prospects and their current winning record affirms the glut of talent. Monday night is also the evening that the Rock Cats will honor Connecticut and Western Massachusetts Bus Drivers - those men and women who transport our kids and other family members to-and-from school and work. The Rock Cats want to take a moment to honk our horns and flash our lights for them! These unassuming folks do a tough job quietly - and well. Join us in cheering them on as they toss out ceremonial First Pitches on Monday night!

TUESDAY NIGHT, MAY 21st, at 6:35 PM:

The boys from Western New York are back with us for Game #2 of this 4-game set and, as these two East Division rivals always play each other tough, we are in for another good night of baseball. Tuesday night is also a Kids Eat Free Night in that every child under the age of 12 will receive a coupon upon entry for a Free Hot Dog and Bottled Water. Our sponsors are Ball Park Brand. Come hungry and enjoy!

WEDNESDAY NIGHT, MAY 22nd, at 6:35 PM:

The Rock Cats and Binghamton will do another round of baseball battle at 6:35 PM on this Wednesday evening. Both teams have started the season strong and, if current form holds, the two clubs will be battling one another right to the wire. As its Wednesday night - it's also Family Four-Pack Night whereby fans get 4 Box Seats, 4 Hot Dogs, 4 Beverages, and 4 Popcorns - all for the great price of $40! This fabulous deal is made possible by the good people at Vantis Life, the Connecticut life insurance company.

THURSDAY MORNING, MAY 23rd, at 10:35 AM:

This 4-game series with the Mets - and indeed, the entire 7-game homestand - will conclude in style on Thursday with another highly enjoyable Baseball in Education morning game, sponsored by DATTCO. The day's First Pitch will be tossed at 10:35 AM and the 'Cats and mini-Mets will be cheered on by throngs of school kids, retirees, and business men and women who will come out to the ballpark for a little fresh air, sunshine, an early lunch and some baseball enjoyment. Over the past ten years, this has proven to be a great way for fans of all ages to get their baseball fix and still get home in time for their nap!

Good seats remain available for all seven games on this Fourth Homestand of the 2013 Season. Fans interested in securing tickets for any of these games can either drop by the New Britain Stadium Box Office between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM (M-F), or they may call the Rock Cats Ticket Office at (860) 224-8383 to order over the telephone. Those interested in the convenience of on-line purchasing may secure tickets by visiting the Rock Cats' website ( www.rockcats.com ) and following the easy instructions.

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Eastern League Stories from May 14, 2013


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