PRESS RELEASE – The Birmingham Barons, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and Walter Energy announced Thursday the details to Jackie Robinson Night presented by Walter Energy. Set for Friday, April 15, the night will coincide with Major League Baseball’s tribute to Robinson’s debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers and breaking the Major League Baseball’s color barrier. The 7:05 p.m. contest will showcase the Birmingham Barons against the Chattanooga Lookouts, Double-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Barons will wear special commemorative Birmingham Black Barons hats with the number 42 on the side during the game, which will be auctioned during the game with the proceeds benefitting the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.
“We are excited about the Barons partnering with the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and Walter Energy and being able to host Jackie Robinson Day at Regions Park,” Barons General Manager Jonathan Nelson stated. “Birmingham has a long-standing baseball history, it only makes sense that the Barons partake in festivities of one of baseball’s most historically significant days,” he added.
“The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is proud and excited to partake in Jackie Robinson Day with the Birmingham Barons and Walter Energy,” said Ahmad Ward of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. “Robinson’s grace under pressure showed the country that African-Americans were suited to the various situations and responsibilities in post-war America,” he added.
“Walter Energy is honored and humbled to sponsor Jackie Robinson Day at Regions Park. We are excited to join the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and the Barons, who have such a rich and strong history in our community by remembering one of baseball’s true heroes,” said Walter Energy representative Dennis Hall.
Tickets for Jackie Robinson Day are currently available on the web, over the phone or by visiting the Regions Park Box Office. The 2011 Barons season commences on Thursday, April 7th against the Montgomery Biscuits, Double-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays, with the home opener set for Wednesday, April 13th versus the Chattanooga Lookouts, Double-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers. For ticket information, game schedule, or promotions calendar, call (205) 988-3200 or visit http://www.barons.com, http://www.facebook.com/birminghambarons or on Twitter: @bhambarons.
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