Stripers Homestand Highlights: April 12-18

Opening Day Festivities, "Fishtail Bobble" and Roquan Smith appearance highlight Stripers' home debut

By Dan Reiner

April 10, 2018

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. - A new era of Gwinnett baseball begins this week as the Stripers wear their new home caps and uniforms for the first time during a seven-game homestand at Coolray Field from Thursday, April 12 through Wednesday, April 18.
The Rochester Red Wings, Triple-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins, are first into town with a four-game series featuring several exciting Opening Weekend activities and promotions. Highlights include an Opening Day T-Shirt Giveaway (presented by Georgia Power) on April 12, Halloween Night with a Broken Bobblehead Burial on April 13, and Gridiron and Gloves Night featuring an appearance from former University of Georgia linebacker Roquan Smith on April 14.
The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, the New York Yankees' Triple-A affiliate, come to town for a three-game set beginning Monday, April 16. The series will include the debut of Worm Wednesday on April 18, a new weekly promotion featuring a ticket deal, team store raffle and Stripers players donning the popular Worm alternate cap.

Here's a full look at the homestand:
Thursday, April 12
Opponent: Rochester Red Wings (Minnesota Twins)
First Pitch: 7:05 p.m.
Game presented by Georgia Power
Features:

Opening Day Festivities - Be sure to arrive when gates open at 6:00 p.m., as there will be plenty of action happening around Coolray Field before the 7:05 p.m. first pitch!

<ul style="list-style-type:circle">
                            <li style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="background:white"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif">Meet-and-Greet with PGA Tour Champions: </span></span></b><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif">All fans in attendance will receive a one-day pass to the upcoming Mitsubishi Electric Classic (April 13-15).<b> </b>Golf professionals playing in the tournament will be on the main concourse before the game, plus Champion Stephen Ames will throw out a ceremonial first pitch! </span></span></span></span></span></li>
                            <li style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="background:white"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif">Special Forces Association Parachute Team:</span></span></b><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif"> Prior to the National Anthem, the Special Forces Association Parachute Team of Fort Bragg, NC will drop in to Coolray Field to deliver the American flag. </span></span></span></span></span></li>
                            <li style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="background:white"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif">National Anthem by Timothy Miller:</span></span></b><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif"> The operatic tenor and Atlanta Braves soloist will perform the National Anthem before the game, as well as "God Bless America" during the 7<sup>th</sup>-inning stretch.</span></span></span></span></span></li>
                            <li style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="background:white"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif">Team Introductions:</span></span></b><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif"> The Stripers will debut their new home uniforms and logos for fans at Coolray Field! Pre-game ceremonies will introduce the players and coaching staff, led by second-year manager Damon Berryhill.</span></span></span></span></span></li>
                        </ul>
                        </li>
                        <li style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="background:white"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif">Opening Day T-Shirt Giveaway</span></span></b><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif"> - The first 2,500 fans in attendance will receive a 2018 Opening Day T-Shirt, presented by Georgia Power.</span></span></span></span></span></li>
                        <li style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="background:white"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif">2018 Schedule Magnet Giveaway </span></span></b><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif">- All fans in attendance will receive a fish-shaped schedule magnet.</span></span></span></span></span></li>
                        <li style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="background:white"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif">Post-Game Fireworks</span></span></b><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif"> - Stick around after the game as fireworks will light up the night sky for the first of 12 celebrations this season.</span></span></span></span></span></li>
                        <li style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="background:white"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif">Thursday Hook Line &amp; Sinker Special</span></span></b><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif"> - Get four (4) Infield Box tickets, four (4) hot dogs and four (4) soft drinks for just $44 each Thursday, courtesy of Coolray Heating &amp; Cooling.</span></span></span></span></span></li>

Friday, April 13
Opponent: Rochester Red Wings (Minnesota Twins)
First Pitch: 7:05 p.m.
National Anthem performed by: Benefield Elementary
God Bless America performed by: Bay Creek and Couch Middle Schools
Features:

Halloween Night - Wear your best Halloween costume to the ballpark and pose for pictures with zombies!
Broken Bobblehead Burial - Bring your broken bobbleheads for a special burial ceremony!

Saturday, April 14
Opponent: Rochester Red Wings (Minnesota Twins)
First Pitch: 6:05 p.m.
Game presented by Coolray Heating & Cooling
God Bless America performed by: Flowery Branch Elementary
Features:

Stripers "Fishtail" Bobble Giveaway - A twist on the conventional bobblehead, the first 2,500 fans through the gate will receive this bass modeled after the Stripers primary logo features a bobbling tail, presented by Coolray Heating & Cooling.
Gridiron and Gloves Night with Former UGA Linebacker Roquan Smith - Smith, a potential first-round 2018 NFL draft pick, will be on the main concourse approximately one hour before the start of the game to sign autographs and take pictures with fans. Fans will be allowed a maximum of one autograph or one photo per person. All autographs must be on signature cards provided by the Stripers. Smith will then take the mound to throw out a ceremonial first pitch. In addition, all on-field promotions will be football themed!

Sunday, April 15
Opponent: Rochester Red Wings (Minnesota Twins)
First Pitch: 1:05 p.m.
National Anthem performed by: Dawson County Chamber Singers
Features:

Jackie Robinson Day Specialty Jersey Auction - Fans can bid on retro Jackie Robinson-inspired Gwinnett baseball jerseys worn by the Stripers during the game. Auction winners will go onto the field after the game, where each jersey will be signed by the player who wore it!
Sunday Funday - Fans are invited to play catch on the field before the game from 12:05 p.m. and lasting approximately 20 minutes. After the game, kids (ages 12 and under) are welcome to run the bases to cap "Sunday Funday" presented by Georgia United Credit Union.
Peanut-Free Game - Minor League Baseball has partnered with AuviQ to sponsor a game free of peanuts.

Monday, April 16
Opponent: Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (New York Yankees)
First Pitch: 7:05 p.m.
National Anthem performed by: Kaili Aliece
Features:

Military Monday - Active or retired military members will receive two Infield Box seats for the price of one when they present their military ID card at the Ticket Office. All on-field promotions will be military inspired.

Tuesday, April 17
Opponent: Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (New York Yankees)
First Pitch: 7:05 p.m.
National Anthem performed by: Trickum Middle School Band
Features:

Reel Deal Tuesday - All Dugout seats are two for the price of one each Tuesday!

Wednesday, April 18
Opponent: Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (New York Yankees)
First Pitch: 12:05 p.m.
National Anthem performed by: Mary Beth Owen
Features:

Country Western Wednesday - The Stripers are having a Country Western themed day at the ballpark that you won't want to miss!
Worm Wednesday - All fans who present a valid state-issued fishing license at the Ticket Office will receive two Field Box seats for the price of one. Stripers players will wear the popular Worm alternate cap, and fans who purchase apparel featuring the Worm logo from Bobby's Tackle Team Store will be entered for a chance to win a prize pack.

Tickets for all Gwinnett Stripers home games are on sale now at the Coolray Field Ticket Office. Call 678-277-0340 or visit GoStripers.com/tickets to purchase.