Shorebirds to host '11 All-Star Game
The game, which has been dubbed the "Strike Out Hunger All-Star Game," is sponsored by Perdue and several local food banks. Shorebirds general manager Chris Bitters made the announcement to fans on the field before Friday's game against Lexington.
"We are extremely excited to host the 2011 All-Star Game, and to showcase Arthur W. Perdue Stadium and Delmarva's attractions to the rest of the league," Bitters said in a statement.
The last time the Shorebirds hosted the SAL All-Star Game was 1999, when the South Division defeated the North, 5-2, in 10 innings.
The game will feature the top players from the Northern Division opposing the Southern Division. Numerous current and former Major Leaguers have appeared in the SAL midsummer classic, most recently Braves outfielder Jason Heyward in 2008. Hank Aaron, Bob Gibson, Chipper Jones, Don Mattingly, Eddie Murray and Willie Stargell were all SAL All-Stars as was Shorebirds manager Ryan Minor, who was selected to the 1997 game.
The All-Star festivities will take place over three days, although the club did not release details about planned events.
"We're proud to partner with the Shorebirds to bring the 2011 All-Star Game to Salisbury," said Steve Schwalb, Perdue's vice president of environmental sustainability and co-chairman of Perdue's Strike Out Hunger Campaign.
Danny Wild is an editor for MLB.com.