Whiplash The Cowboy Monkey Returns

MOBILE, Ala. - On Wednesday, April 13, the Mobile BayBears Professional Baseball Club opens the 2011 season against the Mississippi Braves at Hank Aaron Stadium. Prior to the first pitch at 7:05, Whiplash the Cowboy Monkey will make his triumphant return to Mobile.

Whiplash first delighted the fans of Mobile at "The Hank" last August, and now he's back by popular demand to start the new year.

"Whiplash is truly one of a kind, and our fans love him," BayBears President/COO Bill Shanahan said. "We are so fortunate to have Whiplash here on our Opening Night."

Whiplash will be in attendance for the first three games of the 2011 campaign as he will also perform on Thursday, April 14 and Friday, April 15.

The BayBears' opening homestand is 10 games from April 13-22 with the Braves and Southern League Champion Jacksonville Suns each in town for five contests.

The opening homestand will also feature Thirsty Thursdays ($1 Buds and Pepsis from 6-8 p.m.) on April 14 and 21. Friday Night Fireworks on April 15 and 22. Ladies Night including Wine Down Wednesday ($1 Yellow Tail White & Red Wine from 6-8 p.m.) on April 13 and 20 along with much more. Play Catch on the Field Sunday will be April 17 which is a 2:05 p.m. start. All of the other ballgames will begin at 7:05 p.m. during the first homestand.

Wednesday, April 13 will also feature the managerial debut of new manager Turner Ward. The Mobile native is the ninth skipper in BayBears history. He will lead his hometown team on the field for the first time following Whiplash's pregame performance.

For more information on the 2011 Mobile BayBears, please call (251) 479-BEAR or log on to www.mobilebaybears.com.