(Mankato, MN)—"Meet the MoonDogs,” the team’s kickoff to the 2006 season, will take place Wednesday, May 31 at the Country Inn and Suites Hotel and Conference Center, starting at 6:00 p.m.

The event will be emceed by MoonDogs owner Joe Schwei and will give fans the chance to meet some of the MoonDogs players and coaches for the 2006 season. The price of admission is $5.00, which includes a meal of traditional ballpark fare: hot dogs, chips and soda. Tickets can be purchased at the MoonDogs office, which is located at 310 Belle Avenue Suite L-8.

Fans will have the chance to listen the players speak, hear from head Coach Jason Nell on his expectations for the season and view a video from the Northwoods League which features perspectives from alumni who are currently playing in Major League Baseball.

"It will be a wonderful opportunity for fans to interact with MoonDogs players and coaches,” said general manager Kyle Mrozek, "and a great way to kickoff the start of a fantastic 2006 season.”

Also making an appearance on Wednesday night will be Muttnik, the MoonDogs mascot. A new member of the MoonDogs family last season, Muttnik can’t wait to show off his new tricks and talents for the 2006 season.

Another of the exciting announcements at the dinner will be the introduction of the brand-new home uniforms the MoonDogs will be wearing this season. At the conclusion of last season, the MoonDogs successfully auctioned all of their home jerseys and used the proceeds to start the MoonDog Foundation. The MoonDogs Foundation is a chartable fund used to promote, develop and foster youth programs and community health in south central Minnesota.

Also at the event, for the first time in the five-year history of the team, the MoonDogs will be introducing a secondary logo. The logo will be prominently displayed on the new uniforms as well as adorn a secondary cap and jersey as well new merchandise for fans.

"Every year we try to keep things new and fresh and felt with the new uniforms we could truly enhance them with a new logo as well,” Schwei said. "We feel it is a very contemporary logo and are extremely pleased with it. I hope the fans will agree with me when they see it,” he added.

The logo was designed by Justin Schaller of Gator Garb Apparel and Specialties, based out of Altoona, WI.

The MoonDogs Home Opener is set for June 2, 2006 against the Waterloo Bucks. If you don’t want to miss that game or any MoonDogs action this summer, single-game tickets and season tickets are on sale now as well as group and hospitality tickets. For more information please go to www.mankatomoondogs.com or call the MoonDogs ticket office at 507-625-7047.

Mankato MoonDogs– Baseball Unleashed!