A Home Talent League All-Star player strokes a single to the opposite field in the team’s 5-2 victory over the U.S. Military Team played on June 13, 2008 during the Northwoods League’s Fan Fest hosted by the hometown Mallards.
Madison, WI – July 27, 2009. Rosters for the 2009 Home Talent League All-Star Game to be played at the “Duck Pond” this Friday, July 31 at 7:05 p.m. have been announced to help celebrate the 80th anniversary of Wisconsin’s largest adult amateur baseball league.
This marks the second consecutive year the contest returns to the “Duck Pond” as last year the Home Talent League All-Stars combined forces to take on the U.S. Military All-Star Team in the “All American Challenge” that was held during the Northwoods League All-Star Fest hosted by the Mallards. In that game the Home Talent All-Stars defeated the U.S. Military All-Stars by a score of 5-2.
This year’s contest will once again feature at least one player from all 44 local teams in a 7-inning affair. One All-Star Team will be comprised of players from the East & Southeast Divisions while the opposing team will include the North & West Divisions. All tickets are general admission priced at $6 that can be purchased online by clicking here or by calling the box office at 608.246.4277 right now.
Gates will open at 5:30 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).
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The Mallards return home to the “Duck Pond” for a two-game set beginning Wednesday, July 29 for Schoep’s Ice Cream Maynard Pitching Bobblehead (first 1,000 fans!).
On Thursday it’ll be Physicians Plus Tin Lunch Box Night (first 1,000 kids, 14 & under) and Holiday Inn at the American Center Yo-Yo Night (first 1,000 fans). We’ll also celebrate The Simpsons 20th Anniversary presented by Fox 47 by showing hilarious clips on the video board throughout the game. Also, anyone named Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, or Maggie receives a free bleacher ticket (day of game only!).
Click here to purchase tickets for any of the Mallards remaining six home games. Have you seen the new additions to the “Duck Pond” yet?
