The Mallards opened the Warner Park gates for the first time in 2005 Tuesday night as the King and His Court and the Charter Communications Celebrity Softball Game combined for an evening of entertainment at the Duck Pond.

The event was free for all Charter Communications customers and gave Mallards fans a sneak peak at some of the new additions to the Duck Pond in 2005. Amongst others, fans were able to experience the new Physicians Plus Playground and Wells Fargo Courtyard.

?This was a great opportunity for us to work with one of our sponsors to put on a great event as well as showcase some of the new additions to the Duck Pond for 2005,? Mallards general manager Vern Stenman said.

In the midst of their Farewell Tour, the King and His Court made their final appearance in Wisconsin, entertaining the crowd with their on-the-field antics and four-person team. The King, who recently celebrated his 80th birthday, contributed to the fun by providing commentary to the crowd and members of ?His Court.?

The Charter Communications Celebrity Softball Game took center stage following the King and His Court; as television, radio and former UW personalities took the field along with help from Charter customers. Amongst an abundance of obstacles, the ?Quackers? used a late fifth inning rally to knock off the ?Slackers? behind an inside the park homerun by Triple M?s Jonathan Suttin to give the ?Quackers? a 3-1 victory in the bottom of the fifth inning.

The Mallards open the 2005 season at home Wednesday, June 1st against the Mankato MoonDogs at 7:05 p.m. For ticket information for please call the Mallards at 246-4277 or visit www.mallardsbaseball.com.