The Ducks have done it again! The Madison Mallards, with the help of their extraordinary fans have broken the record for the world?s largest first pitch.
On Sunday, August 6, exactly 5,127 fans picked up a ball and participated in the record-setting event, shattering the previous record of 4,218 held by the Brevard County (FL) Manatees of the Florida State League. The first pitches of the day were thrown out by Jack Robertson and his family at approximately 1:45 p.m. with the final pitches being tossed just prior to the start of the game.
The Mallards had set the record for the world?s largest first pitch last summer on August 14 only to be surpassed some two weeks later by fans at a Manatees game on August 27 of 2005. Last night?s event, prior to the Mallards defeating the Wisconsin Woodchucks, brought the record back to the Capitol City.
A number of Mallards staff and front office members participated in the event as well while Mallards players and coaches, including Field Manager C.J. Thieleke, spent parts of their afternoon catching for the event.
Morning thunderstorms forced the Mallards staff to work especially hard in preparing the field for the occasion but as the clock neared 2 p.m., the Duck Pond was set for action.
The baseballs used were provided courtesy of American Family Insurance. Each participant received a ball upon their entrance to the playing field that they could take home with them to commemorate their participation in the special event.
?I am extremely excited for the Mallards organization and all of the fans that participated in this event,? said Mallards General Manager Vern Stenman. ?Their support throughout the season has been phenomenal and this is just another example. We?re prepared to hold the event again next season should another team break our mark.?
The Mallards and Wisconsin Woodchucks wrap up their season series tonight, August 7, with a game at Athletic Park in Wausau. The Ducks will send Tom Stilson to the hill against Wisconsin?s Freddie Hampe. Pre-game coverage starts at 6:20 p.m. with the first pitch at 6:35 p.m. on Madison?s Fox Sports Radio 100.5 FM.
Madison returns home Tuesday to face the Waterloo Bucks. It?s Luedtke, Storm and Mackey Chiropractic Madison Senators Turn-Back-the-Clock night, presented by Madison Magazine. The Mallards will wear replica Senators uniforms. The Madison Senators played in Madison from 1907-1914. The first 1,000 fans will receive a free replica Senators hat.
The last regular season home game is Wednesday night against Waterloo. It?s Quench Gum Fan Appreciation Night. There will be great giveaways all night long.
Great tickets remain for both games. To purchase tickets, stop by the ticket office at Warner Park, call 608.246.4277 or go online to www.mallardsbaseball.com
