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New Britain To Host 2013 All-Star Game

August 22, 2012

New Britain, CT- The New Britain Rock Cats Baseball Club, the Double-A Eastern League Affiliate of the Minnesota Twins, has been awarded the Eastern League All-Star Game for 2013. The All-Star Game, which features the top players in the Eastern League from all 12 clubs as voted by fans, field managers and media, will take place on Wednesday, July 10, 2013 at New Britain Stadium. The two-day All-Star festivities will also include additional community events beginning on July 9 and continuing through July 10th.

"We are extremely honored that the Eastern League has chosen the Rock Cats to host the 2013 All-Star Game," stated Rock Cats owner Josh Solomon. "This is going to be a terrific event for baseball fans and families throughout the region and we look forward to showcasing the future stars of major league baseball right here at New Britain Stadium."

"The Eastern League is very excited to be bringing our premier event back to New Britain after the city previously served as an outstanding host of the event in 2003," said Eastern League President Joseph McEacharn. "The event will be returning to New Britain next season thanks in large part to the efforts of their new ownership group, led by Josh Solomon, to deliver this event for their fans. We are looking forward to showcasing the Major League stars of tomorrow to the outstanding fans of the New Britain Rock Cats, and are equally pleased to highlight Connecticut and the city of New Britain to the entire Eastern League."

The Rock Cats hosted the All-Star Game in 2003 in front of a standing room crowd at New Britain Stadium. The game had an exciting finish as hometown hero Terry Tiffee drove in the game winning run with a base hit in the bottom of the 9th inning. The Rock Cats third baseman, Tiffee, was named Most Valuable Player. The All-Star Game at New Britain Stadium also featured future Major League stars such as Kevin Youkilis (White Sox), Jason Bartlett (Padres), Alexis Rios (White Sox) and Grady Sizemore (Indians). Other recent EL All-Stars include: Jose Bautista (Blue Jays), Ryan Howard (Phillies), Jon Lester (Red Sox) and Hanley Ramirez (Dodgers).

Former Rock Cats Eastern League All-Stars now in the majors include: Ben Revere, Denard Span, Matt Garza, Glen Perkins, Jose Mijares, Scott Baker, Michael Cuddyer, Torii Hunter. Rock Cats manager Jeff Smith was an EL All-Star selection in 2002.

Connecticut's longest continuous professional sports franchise is celebrating its 30th Anniversary in New Britain in 2012. The Rock Cats wrap up the homestand tonight (7:05) against the Red Sox affiliate, the Portland Sea Dogs and will finish the regular season at home August 31-September 3 against the New Hampshire Fisher Cats.