Rockey holding out of Redbirds Camp

Memphis, Tenn. - The Memphis Redbirds mascot Rockey the Rockin' Redbird continues his holdout of Redbirds Camp just two days before the Redbirds will host the St. Louis Cardinals for a pair of exhibition games on Friday and Saturday.

The big, red bird did not report to Spring Training and has yet to fly to Memphis to report for game duty. Rockey nursed a sore wing over the winter but was expected to be ready for the Redbirds 10th season in AutoZone Park this spring and summer. However, despite his sore wing the bird has demanded more bird seed and a bigger nest for the upcoming season.

"I think this is a classic case of Rockey being Rockey," President of Baseball Operations/GM Dave Chase said. "Rockey is already one of the best fed birds in all of baseball and has one of the nicest nests in all of Memphis."

Even with rumors swirling that Rockey could leave for the University of Kentucky as part of a package deal with former University of Memphis basketball coach John Calipari the Redbirds are hopeful that the two parties can reach an agreement before Friday night's 7:05 game against the Cardinals.

"We are very optimistic at this point that a deal will get done," Chase said. "We want Rockey to be our mascot forever. AutoZone Park and the Redbirds just wouldn't be the same without him, besides a red bird wouldn't really work in the Bluegrass State anyway."

Tickets to Friday night's game and Saturday's 1:05 p.m. game are still available at memphisredbirds.com or by calling 901.721.6000.