Sand Gnats' Pack the Park Night Set for April 26
Published on April 21, 2008 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Savannah Sand Gnats News Release
SAVANNAH, Ga. - On June 16, 2007, the City of Savannah proclaimed "Pack the Park" at Historic Grayson Stadium and the first official Baseball Celebration was born. Executive Director/Creator Mil Cannon of Atlanta-based ImageMil Studios Inc., the City of Savannah, and the Savannah Sand Gnats teamed up to create a world class youth athletic event and documentary film. The film captures the unique history of "Pack the Park" and the creation of "An American Baseball Movement."
On Saturday, April 26, The Movement continues in Savannah as the state of Georgia proclaims "Pack the Park" in Georgia. Honorees and special guests will take the field for a historic opening ceremony and Olympic-style parade. Georgia's own Little League World Champions from Warner Robbins will take another championship trip as each player and coach will be awarded the "Pack the Park Award" statuette. The World Champs will perform a medallion ceremony and will attend the Savannah Sports Hall of Fame breakfast and news conference on Sunday, April 27 at the Savannah Civic Center.
Over 50 years ago a tradition began in Savannah at Historic Grayson Stadium. The professional teams opened the gates one day a year to honor Savannah's little league community. Any child who came to the park in full uniform was given a free ticket and collectable, and watched the game with hope of catching a foul ball. After enjoying a hot dog or snow cone, the little leaguers joined the players on the field for a victory parade, autographs and photos.
E.E. Lennox, Sr., former president of the International A's little league once said "Pack the Park was originally created to expose little league teams to professional baseball players. What developed was an American pastime of families and children bonding over the game of baseball."
Savannah's 100-year-old Daffin Park is home to Historic Grayson Stadium- originally named Municipal Stadium at its conception in 1926. A hurricane destroyed the stadium in 1940, but a committee led by General William L. Grayson and the city of Savannah raised a new structure in 1941. Savannah named the new ballpark in honor of General Grayson. Baseball found a family in Savannah and in subsequent years, hundreds of great players made their home at Grayson Stadium. Legends such as Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Shoeless Joe Jackson, Mickey Mantle, Hank Aaron, Dale Murphy and Derek Jeter have made their mark at the hallowed field.
Pack the Park day at Historic Grayson Stadium became official on June 16, 2007. The first 1,000 little league players to arrive in full uniform received a collectable baseball cap and the first 5,000 fans received a commemorative poster depicting Historic Grayson Stadium. Prior to the first pitch, players and little leaguers took their places on the field and marched the victory parade to a chant of "Pack the Park." There was an official proclamation announcing Pack the Park as a historic event. The American flag, waved over our Nation's Capital in honor of Pack the Park, was raised over Historic Grayson Stadium. Both the proclamation and the flag will forever be proudly displayed at the Savannah Sports Hall of Fame.
Filmmaker Cannon and his crew will be filming the event, interviewing historians, local media personalities, fans and players. This historic documentary will find its conclusion on the field, where it all started and where we hope it never ends. Come on out and join the Pack!
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