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With only 15 more days until the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs convene for Spring Training at Regency Furniture Stadium, the organization has announced another exciting addition to the lead-up to Opening Day.  World Wrestling Entertainment Hall of Famer Sgt. Slaughter will be appearing at the ballpark to sign autographs and greet fans before and during the Blue Crabs second exhibition game of the spring, against the U.S. Military All-Stars on Friday, April 16 at 6:35 p.m.

The gates for the game at Regency Furniture Stadium in Waldorf will open at 5:30 p.m., and tickets are just five dollars apiece and are general admission.  Tickets to this game are FREE for Blue Crabs season ticket and mini-plan holders, but only if they pick up their tickets at Fan Fest on Saturday, April 10 at the ballpark from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Tickets are on sale now by visiting the Blue Crabs online at www.somdbluecrabs.com

The popular Sgt. Slaughter character debuted in 1975 in the world of professional wrestling.  He was later the inspiration for the G.I. JOE character by the same name; one of Hasbro’s best selling action figures ever, and one of G.I. JOE’s most popular television characters.  According to his official website, “the 6’6” 320 pound former military drill instructor has held every  major title in the competitive world of professional wrestling.”

More from Sgt. Slaughter’s official bio:  “Sgt. Slaughter is a four-time world Heavy Weight Champion.  He epitomizes not only power and courage when he is in a wrestling arena, but his devotion to promoting and defending the ideas of patriotism is unparalleled.  Sgt Slaughter’s popularity among children is legendary, instilling a sense of pride in them and their country.  Leaving the wrestling wars to step into the corporate battlefields as a spokesperson for the multitudes of organizations (he raises funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and anti-drug campaigns) is a goal of Sgt. Slaughter’s.”

“It’s difficult to think of a more appropriate guest for this exhibition game with the Military All-Stars in town.  I think we’ll have something for everybody on April 16,” said Blue Crabs Marketing Manager Courtney Freeland.  “Obviously baseball fans will enjoy the game, the kids will love Sgt. Slaughter and any wrestling fan would be excited.  Two weeks before our home opener, this will be a great way to start the season.”

For more information on the game on April 16, and to purchase tickets for Blue Crabs opening weekend Fri. April 30 – Sun. May 2), please visit www.somdbluecrabs.com.  The Blue Crabs’ home opener is at 7:05 p.m. on April 30 against the Long Island Ducks.  Act now, as tickets are going fast!  Fans looking to stock up on Blue Crabs gear before the season are encouraged to visit the Crab Shack Team Store at Regency Furniture Stadium.  Store hours are currently Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and everything in the store is discounted from 25 to 50% off.