(Apr 13, 2017, Waldorf, MD) The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs announced their 10th Anniversary Opening Night festivities on Thursday. The team opens the 2017 season with a game against the Long Island Ducks on Thursday, April 20th at 6:35pm at Regency Furniture Stadium. The special night is packed full of memories of the Blue Crabs nine successful seasons on and off the field in Southern Maryland as the team kicks off its 10th season.
The team will host a night themed after the popular movie “Field Of Dreams,” which was the showcase of one of the most popular theme night’s in the teams history on September 23, 2012. The stadium will feature cornstalks throughout the concourse, reminiscent of the corn fields in the popular 1989 film. With the help of Port Tobacco Players, fans will be greeted by old-time baseball players to enjoy and interact with before and during the game.
The team will be hosting the “Shoeless Joe Jackson” Shoe Drive benefiting the Charles County Children’s Aid Society. The shoe drive, named after the popular character in “Field Of Dreams,” will support local children in an effort to help those in need. Fans can drop off new or lightly used shoes at the front gates as they enter on April 20th.
The night kicks off the teams 10th anniversary season as fans can expect appearances from players of Blue Crabs past and the unveiling of the Ten Year Team as voted on by the fans.
Community Bank of the Chesapeake has teamed up with the Blue Crabs once again to provide fans a free magnet schedule, which can be picked up at the front gates. The kids park will be dressed for success as Elite Beatz will have inflatables set up during the game.
“Opening Night is like Christmas, I’m so excited for it every year!” said General Manager Courtney Knichel. “Seeing this season start is a thrill, we have put in so much work this off season and in the past nine seasons. It all starts April 20th!”
As the season starts, the 2017 team will take the field under leadership of first year manager John Harris. The team boasts a strong line up of pitching with the likes of Justin De Fratus and Pat Misch joining familiar franchise faces such as Daryl Thompson, Brian Grening, and Cody Eppley. The offense and defense features the return of Michael Snyder, Zach Wilson, and Gary Brown with newcomers Zach Cone, Edwin Garcia, Cory Vaughn, and Patrick Palmeiro.
“The talent coming to this team is very promising as we kick off 2017,” Knichel continued. “John and pitching coach James Frisbie have worked very hard to make a skilled and championship caliber roster.”
The Opening Night festivities leads off Opening Weekend, as the series continues against Long Island on April 21st as the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration and Blue Crabs partner to present “Work Zone Safety Awareness Night.” Students who have diligently read books as part of the “Pinch onto Books” Reading Program presented by Educational Systems Federal Credit Union can trade in their bookmarks for a ticket and participate in a pregame parade on the field.
Fans can purchase tickets anytime by visiting the eTrepid Box Office any weekday leading up the season from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, calling the stadium at 301-638-9788 during regular business hours, or by visiting somdbluecrabs.com anytime!