On a whirlwind single day tour Hall of Fame Baltimore Orioles third baseman, Brooks Robinson, owner of Southern Maryland Blue Crabs made a series of appearances throughout “Crustacean Nation” on Monday. The affable owner and ball player started his day by visiting Patuxent River Naval Air Station VX-1 hangar where he regaled fans with baseball stories. Robinson also signed baseball memorabilia while touring the base and attending a VIP luncheon in his honor.
The next stop for Robinson was in Calvert at the Prince Frederick Campus of the College of Southern Maryland where he and Blue Crabs staff answered questions and energized attendees. Finally, Robinson ended his tour at the new Regency Furniture Stadium in Charles County where workers were laying down the sod in preparations for opening day on May 2.
“I asked them if they could be ready for the opening,” laughed Robinson and then answering his own question, stated, “They’re pretty fast fellows. They’ll get it done in plenty of time.”
Andy Frankel, Senior Director of Marketing for the Blue Crabs told The Bay Net that the opening weekend for the new team is to be full of excitement and fun for all ages. “The game on May 2 isn’t until 7:05 p.m., but even before the stadium opens, we will have street performers and music outside the stadium to entertain everyone. We will have jazz bands, clowns, character artists and more. It will be a real carnival atmosphere.” Frankel indicated that the plan is to make opening day, and in fact the entire opening weekend, something special.
“Everyone that attends any of the games will be receiving commemorative tickets. We will have fireworks on Friday and Saturday after the games and people will be treated to a grand opening ceremony normally reserved for events like the World Series,” said Frankel. He indicated that the team would be introduced just like Major League players at the World Series and, not wanting to give away the surprise, Frankel hinted that there would be ‘something spectacular having to do with the military’ on opening day.
When asked about ticket availability, Frankel reported that as of 10 a.m. on Monday, single season tickets went on sale. “We were going to hold off until after the 15th, but we just had so many requests we decided to put the tickets on sale early,” he said.
Robinson told reporters that he was pleased with the stadium’s progress and that he looked forward to some quality baseball being played by the Blue Crabs.
“A lot of major league teams are looking to club like the Blue Crabs to provide them with quality players. There used to be over 50 rounds in the major league draft, but this time around there will be only 40 rounds,” said Robinson.
He went on to list players that had been acquired by the league from AAA ball clubs like the Blue Crabs.
“The Major League Teams can only support so many in their minor league farm system and AAA is a perfect place for players that aren’t drafted to get noticed.”
Quality baseball, a fun opening weekend, and a Baseball Hall of Fame owner, a Major League caliber manager, and hundreds of die hard fans are looking forward to playing ball and a great season. For more infor