WATERTOWN, NY — The crack of the bat will be heard once again at the Alex Duffy Fairgrounds this Saturday night. After a year without baseball, fans will be treated to fireworks and top quality collegiate level baseball as the Watertown Rapids take the home field for their inaugural season.
Rapids general manager Brandon Noble announced plans for opening night, with ceremonies commencing at 6:20, and the first pitch against the visiting Utica Blue Sox at 7:05.
Watertown Mayor Joe Butler will throw out the ceremonial first pitch at 6:30, accompanied by the Watertown City Council and Acting City Manager Brad Minnick. The National Anthem will be sung by Watertown High School’s Emma Tompkins. A spectacular fireworks display follows the game.
Rapids manager David Anderson will lead his 32 recruits onto the field, and has announced that local product Matt Valin of LaFargeville will be the starting pitcher for the home opener. Members of the team are active collegiate players recruited from thirteen states ranging from California to Maine, and play for colleges large (University of Connecticut, Virginia Tech) and small (Middlebury College, VT). For full team roster see www.Watertown-rapids.com.
The night and fireworks are sponsored by the Northern New York Community Foundation and by WWNY Channel 7 news, with early arriving fans getting free thunder sticks and Frisbees.
The Rapids are members of the 13 team Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League, and new League President Bob Julian will participate in the opening ceremonies to help the Rapids kick off their inaugural season.
The Rapids open on the road Friday night against the Mohawk Valley Diamond Dogs.
Opening Night tickets are still available the “Watertown Savings Bank Box Office” at the Alex Duffy Fairgrounds or by calling 315 836 1545.
For info call Brandon Noble 315 212 3092 rapidsgm@gmail.com.