Rawhide Announce 2011 Schedule
For the second consecutive season, the Rawhide will begin at home, facing traditional rival Bakersfield on Thursday, April 7th in the first of a 7-game season-opening homestand.
Among many highlights, the Rawhide will host the Inland Empire 66ers (Los Angeles Dodgers) and Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (Los Angeles Angels) twice each at Recreation Ballpark. Rancho will be in Visalia on July 20-22 and again on July 31-August 2. The 66ers will visit June 27-30 for a 4-game series, and then return from August 11-14 for another 4-gamer.
The increased visits by these Southern Division opponents reflects a more balanced schedule adopted by the California League for 2011. This year, each club plays teams from their opposing division only 37 times each, while playing the other 103 against their respective divisions. In 2011, the number of inter-divisional games increases to 51 for Visalia; the most in 10 years.
"We're excited to commemorate a franchise and community milestone next year," said Rawhide President Tom Seidler. "The 2011 season will mark our 60th season of California League baseball at Recreation Ballpark in Visalia, and while we have a lot of life left in 2010, it's invigorating to look forward to a great schedule next year."
The Rawhide will also host the San Jose Giants (San Francisco Giants) 11 times at Recreation Park in 2011, in what are sure to be highly spirited games between two rival clubs.
Additionally, the Rawhide will again host their Independence Day Fireworks Spectacular on July 3rd, as they will play the Lake Elsinore Storm in a certain sellout.
As always, Visalia will play 70 home and 70 away games for a 140-game schedule.
As a franchise on the continual rise thanks to a renovated ballpark and increasing attendance, the Rawhide are excited for the rest of 2010, and thrilled to plan for an even bigger 2011!