MWL1 Quad Cities River Bandits

Swing News

Published on January 19, 2004 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Quad Cities River Bandits News Release


Things continue to move at an exciting at rapid place here in Davenport, as we prepare for what will undoubtedly be the most exciting season in the history of Quad Cities baseball. Here's what's going on:

FORMER QUAD CITY BASEBALL PLAYER STARS IS AN NFL SUPERSTAR

Two summers ago, Ricky Manning, Jr. played 18 games in the Quad Cities, as a reserve outfielder in the Twins minor league system. It was Manning's fourth season as a moonlighting outfielder and he finished a short stint with a .180 batting average and three stolen bases. But Manning has officially become a star in his other sport, football. The cornerback collected three interceptions on Sunday as the Carolina Panthers upset the Philadelphia Eagles 14-3 in the NFC Championship Game.

Read all about Manning's tremendous day right here:

http://www.swingbaseball.com/?entry=588

IT'S ROAD TRIP TIME FOR THE SWING!

The Swing of the Quad Cities will be busy traveling throughout the Midwest in the coming weeks, so make sure you stop by and say hello if you're one of our many fans outside the Quad Cities Area. We'll have Swing merchandise and ticket information on hand, as well as recent photos of stadium construction.

Where we'll be:

Friday, January 23-Sunday, January 25 (THIS WEEKEND!)

TwinsFest at the Metrodome in Minneapolis

TwinsFest is the best chance a Twins fan has to meet current, future and former Minnesota Twins players. The event kicks off at 5:30 on Friday and continues until 4:00 on Sunday afternoon. Hall of Famers Rod Carew and Harmon Killebrew are both scheduled to attend. Also expected to be on hand are a host of former Quad City players, including Rob Bowen, Jesse Crain, J.D. Durbin, Jason Kubel, Billy Mauer, Jake Mauer, Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau, Colby Miller and Terry Tiffee!

For information on attending TwinsFest, call the Twins at 1-800-33-TWINS or head here:

http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/min/community/twinsfest.jsp

Friday, January 30 and Saturday, January 31 (NEXT WEEKEND!)

Iowa Cubs Fan Fest at Drake University's Knapp Center

Hall of Famers Steve Carlton and Robin Yount along with 2004 inductee Dennis Eckersley are all scheduled to appear at this weekend event. In addition, Friday's First Pitch luncheon, beginning at 11:30, will feature keynote addresses by ESPN's Jon Miller and former Cy Young Award winner Rick Sutcliffe.

For more information, call the Iowa Cubs at 1-800-GO-I-CUBS or head to www.iowacubs.com.

STADIUM CONSTRUCTION CONTINUES RIGHT ON SCHEDULE

Construction by the banks of the Mississippi River is moving along without a delay, and crews are on pace to have the stadium ready well ahead of the April 29, 2004, home opener. Although snow had potential to slow down the process during the holiday season, crews had already wrapped the major construction areas in plastic, and construction moved on without a hitch. The most major recent development includes the installation of the seating bowl, which is scheduled to be complete by the end of the month. In addition, crews will begin pouring the dugouts this week.

We'll update photos at www.swingbaseball.com twice a week...check out the latest installment here:

http://www.swingbaseball.com/?entry=586

FITTED HATS ARE NOW IN STOCK!

Swing merchandise is the hottest thing in the QCA, so don't miss out on your opportunity to get the latest. Our fitted 2004 game caps are now available in each of the Swing's three primary colors: Zoot Suit Blue, Uptown Orange and Bossa Nova Navy.

Get your Swing of the Quad Cities fitted caps right here:

http://www.swingbaseball.com/shopping/4

While you're in our web store, make sure to check out all of our merchandise, including sweatshirts, windshirts, polo shirts, and a wide variety of t-shirts. Most products are available in both youth and adult sizes.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS GET GOING!

During January and February, we at the Swing of the Quad Cities will be kicking off the 2004 Swing Into Reading Program for elementary school students, and we'll also be introducing our Study Your Swing Program, aimed at local junior high and high school students. The Swing Into Reading Program has proven to be very popular in its four years, with more than 20,000 students enrolling. Students who achieve reading goals set by their teachers receive a series of prizes. Their grand prize is a ticket to a Swing of the Quad Cities game, along with a hot dog, a drink, and a pre-game on-field parade. The Study Your Swing Program includes job shadowing opportunities for area students, as well as a series of math, english and social studies-related curricula.

Study Your Swing Days at the ballpark will take place on Monday, May 9, at 9:30 a.m., and Thursday, May 27, at 11:00 a.m. For more information, call the Swing of the Quad Cities at (563) 324-3000.

WHAT'S AHEAD FOR THE SWING

Keep pointing your browser over to www.swingbaseball.com, as the next month promises to be a very busy one here with the Swing of the Quad Cities. Baseball America will be releasing the Twins top prospects list over the next month, and a host of former Quad City players are sure to appear. In addition, Kevin Boles, the first manager of the Swing of the Quad Cities, is scheduled to make an appearance in the area before he heads to spring training. Finally, the Swing of the Quad Cities' uniforms – and a new mascot – are yet to be revealed.

THE SWING OF THE QUAD CITIES HAVE MOVED!

With construction happening at a furious pace at our former home at the stadium, the Swing have moved into new winter offices, located at 617 N. Brady St., just north of downtown Davenport. We've got all the latest Swing merchandise on hand so, If you're in the area, feel free to stop by and say hello!

Any mail can still be sent to: P.O. Box 3496, Davenport, IA 52808

Check out the Quad Cities River Bandits Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Midwest League Stories from January 19, 2004


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.

OurSports Central