Fisher Cats to Launch New Season against SNHU

MANCHESTER, N.H. - The New Hampshire Fisher Cats announced today that the 2015 season will officially begin two days early. As a warm-up for the first Eastern League game on April 9, the team will host the nationally-ranked Southern New Hampshire University baseball team for a preseason scrimmage on Tuesday, April 7 at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium. The Penmen will then return to the Fisher Cats' home park to complete a Sunday doubleheader when they face Merrimack College after the Fisher Cats' home game with Binghamton at 1:35 p.m.

The Fisher Cats-SNHU preseason affair will be a seven-inning game beginning at 6 p.m., two days before the Fisher Cats are set to open the 2015 Eastern League season. Admission to the exhibition game is free for all fans. Fisher Cats concessions will be open, including the brand-new BBQ Town stand on the first base concourse.

"We are thrilled to announce that spring will officially begin two days early this year," said Rick Brenner, Fisher Cats president and general manager. "We're excited about continuing our partnership with the Penmen, which will offer SNHU two opportunities to showcase their baseball program at our stadium."

The Penmen, currently ranked No. 22 in the nation, have developed into a force to reckon with not only in the region, but in Division II college baseball. The squad sits at 12-5 in the current campaign after earning the Northeast-10 title and an NCAA Regional appearance a year ago. The school has been to three straight NCAA tournaments, and advanced to the Division II College World Series in 2012.

"Having the opportunity to face the Fisher Cats at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium is a major coup for our baseball program and the athletic department," said Anthony Fallacaro, SNHU director of athletics and recreation. "Playing at such a first-class facility will be a memorable experience for our team, and with our baseball program one of the best in the region and the country, it gives them a chance to see how they stack up against the next level. We thank the Fisher Cats for this opportunity and hope the relationship between the team and SNHU continues to strengthen."

The Fisher Cats, who began spring training games in Dunedin, Fla., this week, are expected to field another strong crop of Blue Jays prospects, including several in the team's top-prospect rankings. For many of the players who suit up for the Fisher Cats, the idea of a pre-season contest is not a novel one. Several will have played for the Michigan-based Lansing Lugnuts in their annual meeting with the crosstown Michigan State University baseball team.

"This scrimmage presents a great opportunity for our team, Southern New Hampshire University, and the fans of both organizations," said Charlie Wilson, the Blue Jays' director of minor league operations. "We have other minor league teams who participate in preseason exhibitions, and the games are always challenged in a fun, competitive environment. We look forward to providing an entertaining night for the fans, and building a positive community relationship with a great New Hampshire institute."

Admission is free for the Fisher Cats-SNHU preseason game, and fans can enjoy two games for the price of one when the Penmen return to Northeast Delta Dental on April 26. The Fisher Cats will host Binghamton before SNHU entertains Merrimack College. Fans need only purchase a ticket to the Fisher Cats game (price range $6-$12) to enjoy both ends of the doubleheader.

The Fisher Cats open their regular season on Thursday, April 9, at 6:35 p.m. against the New Britain Rock Cats (Colorado Rockies). Individual game tickets are on sale now at the team's website, www.nhfishercats.com, as well as via telephone and in-person at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium. Full- and Half-Season Tickets and Mini-Ticket Plans are also available, and each pack comes with a variety of benefits and gifts. Visit www.nhfishercats.com or call (603) 641-2005 to learn more.