Appearances, special events announced
The Cowboy Monkey Rodeo act, which features "Whiplash the Cowboy Monkey" performing various herding stunts on the back of a border collie, will entertain as part of Opening Week festivities on Saturday, June 23, when the Spikes host a 7:05 p.m. game vs. Mahoning Valley (Cleveland Indians). The appearance will be presented by Metzger Animal Hospital.
Friday the 13th breeds odd characters and the Spikes won't be immune following the 7:05 p.m. game against the Staten Island Yankees on July 13. As part of the club's "Salute to Fire," Ted Batchelor, the Guiness World Record Holder for longest full body burn, will set himself on fire and run the bases at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park thanks to Swartz Fire & Safety. His fire stunt will precede a spectacular post-game "fire"works display.
Other special entertainment performers visiting the Spikes during the upcoming 2012 season will be Darth Vader, Obi Wan Kenobi, Storm Troopers and other characters on Star Wars Night (July 14), the Pittsburgh Pirate Parrot and Pierogies as part of "BuccoMania Night" (Aug. 2), a post-game wrestling card featuring All Or Nothing Wrestling (Aug. 25) and Wise Cracker's Comedians on Comedy Night (Sept. 2).
Headlining the special event dates on the Spikes promotional calendar will be the return of the popular Bark in the Park Nights. Fans will be invited to bring their canine best friends with them to the Spikes games on Monday, July 2 and Thursday, August 16 (presented by Metzger Animal Hospital).
Fans attending the Friday, August 3 game against the Hudson Valley Renegades (Tampa Bay Rays) could go home $25,000 richer thanks to designated occurrences happening during the game on $25,000 Winning Inning Night. Nine different contestants will be selected -- one for each inning of that night's game -- and each will have the chance to win the grand prize if their inning's baseball rarity occurs. Back-to-back-to-back home runs, a grand slam by the fourth batter of the inning, a triple play, and four strikeouts are among the occurrences that could send a Spikes fan home with $25k.
A trio Spikes home game dates will give fans the opportunity to take home game-used items, while also supporting three worthy causes. On Friday, June 22 (7:05 p.m. vs. Mahoning Valley), fans can bid on signed game-used bats from Spikes players with all proceeds benefiting Make-A-Wish. The event will be presented by AccuWeather. In addition, the club will host a pair of "jersey-off-the-back" auctions, where fans can bid on specially-designed player jerseys worn during each game. On Saturday, July 21 vs. Williamsport, fans can bid on Team USA Olympic-style Spikes jerseys courtesy of PSECU, with all proceeds benefiting Children's Miracle Network. The Spikes annual "Paint the Park Pink" event will take place on Saturday, August 4 against the Aberdeen IronBirds (Baltimore Orioles), giving fans the opportunity to bid on special pink jersey tops. The event, which will again be presented by Mount Nittany Health System, will raise funds and awareness for the Breast Care Center at Mount Nittany Medical Center and the fight against breast cancer.
Fans can view the Spikes' 2012 promotional schedule by clicking here.