RiverDogs to Host Conclusion of Youth Baseball Game Interrupted by Gunfire
The Charleston RiverDogs will host the conclusion of a youth baseball game that was interrupted by gunfire on May 3, the team announced on Thursday. The incident occurred at North Charleston’s Pepperhill Park on Monday evening. The North Charleston Recreation Royals and Angels will play the remainder of the game
The Charleston RiverDogs will host the conclusion of a youth baseball game that was interrupted by gunfire on May 3, the team announced on Thursday. The incident occurred at North Charleston’s Pepperhill Park on Monday evening. The North Charleston Recreation Royals and Angels will play the remainder of the game at 5:00 p.m. and enjoy a special night at the ballpark following their game. The 15U softball team that was practicing in the park at the time of the incident will also take part in the evening. Later, the RiverDogs host the Fayetteville Woodpeckers at 7:05 p.m.
“As a huge supporter of youth baseball, we felt that is was our responsibility to do something for these children that might help them move on from this traumatic experience”, said RiverDogs President and General Manager Dave Echols. “We have a tremendous opportunity, with what we do night in and night out, to help in difficult situations like these. Thankfully, with the help of the city of North Charleston and the North Charleston Recreation Department, we were able to put this special night together quickly.”
Major League Baseball is purchasing tickets to the game for all three youth teams, as well as hosting a post-game picnic for everyone involved. In addition, the Tampa Bay Rays are sending t-shirts and hats for the children. The Rays are the RiverDogs MLB affiliate.
“Major League Baseball and Minor League Baseball were deeply saddened by the incident that took place Monday night and we are relieved that nobody was injured,” said Peter Woodfork, Major League Baseball’s Senior Vice President of Minor League Operations and Development. “We are pleased that these children and their families will have an opportunity to finish this game at Joseph Riley Park prior to the RiverDogs hosting the Fayetteville Woodpeckers on Tuesday. We hope the experience at The Joe will be a small step towards helping those involved in that frightening incident.”
The gates to Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park will open one hour earlier than normal (5:00 p.m.) to accommodate fans who are interested in supporting the teams. A ticket is required for entry to the ballpark and will be good for both the youth baseball game and the RiverDogs contest. The nine and ten-year-olds making up the Royals and Angels will play a game from 5:00-6:00 p.m. During the game, members of the RiverDogs and Woodpeckers will interact with the children in the dugout and on the field.
Following their game, the youth teams, will enjoy the picnic as the RiverDogs take the field for their contest. Each team member has been invited to bring two additional family members to the game and the RiverDogs are donating two tickets to every youth baseball and softball player in the North Charleston Recreation Department system. RiverDogs Director of Community Outreach, Chris Singleton, will speak to the children during the post-game picnic.
“The RiverDogs are a true community partner. Following the events of Monday night affecting three of our youth athletic teams, the RiverDogs were among the first to reach out to offer support to the young players and their families,” said North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey. “Playing at The Joe will be a much needed positive and joyful experience for our kids.”
Tickets for all RiverDogs games are still available! Visit riverdogs.com to secure your seats now. Season tickets, Dog-E Coin plans, and group tickets, including options to the Segra Club at Riley Park, are already available at riverdogs.com/tickets or by contacting the RiverDogs front office at 843-577-3647 (DOGS). The Segra Club is also open for events year-round. Visit segraclub.com for more information.