THE DUCK POND ? The saying goes that records were meant to be broken?the Mallards seem to be taking this to heart.
For the third time this season, the Madison Mallards broke their own single-game attendance mark, this time breaking the 6,000 barrier by drawing 6,018. The record-setting number is believed to be the largest crowd in the country to ever witness a summertime collegiate baseball game.
Northwoods League Director of Operations Jon Olson stated “It was only a matter of time before they hit the 6000 mark. After seeing 4300 in the stands for the All Star game on a week night I knew it would not be long. It is a feather in the cap of the front office and Steve (Schmitt, Owner). Congratulations.”
However, the game didn?t go according to plan as the Mallards wasted an early 3-1 lead and eventually lost 7-5. It was the fifth loss in the last seven games for the first half champions and the fourth loss in-a-row to the Rochester Honkers.
?We need to play better baseball,? said Mallards manager Darrell Handelsman. ?Right now we are just making too many mistakes.?
The Mallards will try and bring that winning feeling back to The Duck Pond tonight as they once again host the Honkers. A sell-out crowd is expected to be on hand to cheer the Ducks on.
Also, tonight is Budweiser and Renaissance-4-Singles ?Singles Night? as alternate reserved seats will be sold to opposite sexes. Plus, the fireworks will be flying, both literally and figuratively, as Thunder Cat Fireworks will put on a huge fireworks display right after the game tonight.
In addition, The Duck Pond Concert Series, presented by Luther?s Blues, Budweiser, and UPN 14, continues as Staff Infection Irish Bluegrass Band will perform live before and after the game on the Great Dane Duck Blind.
And if that isn?t enough to get you out to the ballpark tonight, former Milwaukee Brewers great Gorman Thomas will be on hand to sign autographs and meet and greet the fans.
The gates open at 5:45pm with the first pitch scheduled for 7:05pm. We suggest you come early!
