Published On: May 24th, 2010

River Bats announce Opening Day Guest
Opening Night to be largest fireworks show in team history

ST. CLOUD, MN- The River Bats have recently announced that former Major League umpire and Holdingford native Joe Brinkman will be the Opening Day guest on Saturday, June 5 when they play their first home game of the 2010 season.

Brinkman umpired in the American League for 34 years (‘73-‘06) setting an A.L. record. He had the opportunity to umpire in three World Series (’78, ’86, ’95), three All-Star Games (’77, ’91, ’96) and numerous playoff games.

The record holding umpire was also involved in the infamous “Pine Tar Game” where Royal’s 3rd Baseman George Brett came charging from the dugout after being called out for using more than the legal amount of pine tar on his bat. This came immediately after Brett had launched a home run.

“The stories that Joe will be able to tell are going to be incredibly entertaining.” River Bats managing partner Joel Sutherland said. “He’s got 34 years of experience in baseball, all on the other side of the plate.”

Brinkman is also going to be the keynote speaker at the River Bats Welcome Home Luncheon held at 11:30 at the Holiday Inn on Opening Day. The luncheon will provide fans an opportunity to interact with Brinkman and the new River Bats players in attendance. Tickets also include a catered meal from the Holiday Inn. Tickets are available now for $15.00 at the River Bats ticket office.

These announcements come on the heels of the River Bats announcing that they will host their biggest fireworks show of all time on opening night.

“We’ve had fireworks plenty of times over the past 13 years.” Sutherland said. “This year however, we’re going to blow this place away with the largest show we’ve ever done.”

The home opener is scheduled for 7:05 on June 5. Immediately after the game will be the largest Fireworks Extravaganza of all time. It’s going to be longer, louder, and brighter than any fireworks show in River Bats history.

“We wanted to start the season off with a bang.” River Bats Director of Business Operations Wes Sharp said. “What better way to amaze the crowd then by blowing them away with an incredible sight. This isn’t going to be your typical baseball fireworks show.”

Tickets for the home opener and the entire River Bats regular season are currently available online at www.riverbats.com or by contacting the River Bats ticket office at (320) 240 9798.

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