Madison, WI – March 6, 2009. The Mallards are excited to announce the team has agreed to partner with the Home Talent Baseball League for a second year to host the association’s All-Star Game at the “Duck Pond” on July 31. The contest will feature at least one player from all 44 local teams in a 7-inning affair to help celebrate the 80th anniversary of Wisconsin’s largest adult amateur baseball league. Last year the Home Talent League All-Stars competed against the U.S. Military All-Star Team in the “All-American Challenge,” during the Northwoods League All-Star Fest hosted by the Mallards. For this year’s event, tickets will be general admission priced at $6 and will be available for purchase when single-game tickets go on sale Saturday, May 2. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. with the game beginning at 7:05 p.m.
Home Talent League President Pat Reilly appreciates the opportunity to once again team-up with the Mallards to give the league’s 800-plus players the chance to play in front of thousands of fans who will be in attendance.
“On behalf of everyone involved with Home Talent League baseball–from the directors down to the local volunteers—we’re extremely grateful for the opportunity to showcase our league in such an impressive venue,” said Reilly.
In order to participate in the league, players must live within a 6-mile radius of a given team. If a person’s city currently does not have a team, this radius grows larger, and they can apply to play at other nearby communities.
The Home Talent League is funded almost exclusively through fundraising efforts including concessions sales and 50/50 raffles.
Added Reilly, “We’d like to thank everyone who has supported our league to help keep it going since 1929. If anyone is interested in playing in the league or in attending a game this summer, please be sure to check out our website that is updated regularly.” (www.hometalent.org)
Notable Home Talent League alumni include former Major League Baseball players Gene Brabender (Black Earth), still-active 63-year-old Vern Geishert (Richland Center), Brad Woodall (Middleton; now part-owner of Hitter’s Sports Plex), and Ryne Duren (Stoughton).
