PRESS RELEASE – The Quad Cities River Bandits will give away a bobblehead of U.S. Senator Tom Harkin at Modern Woodmen Park at their 1:15 p.m. game Sunday, Aug. 17, which will be a Celebration and Appreciation of Senator Tom Harkin for 40 years of Service to Iowa in Congress. The day will be sponsored by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).
Gates open at noon on Sunday, Aug. 17, and the first 1,000 fans to the ballpark will receive a bobblehead of Senator Tom Harkin, who has announced he will retire following his fifth term as Senator from Iowa and 40th year serving in Congress for Iowa. Senator Harkin and Davenport Mayor Bill Gluba will be on hand Aug. 17 to throw out ceremonial first pitches before the River Bandits’ 1:15 p.m. game. Senator Harkin will also be available before the game to personally autograph the bobbleheads made in his likeness.
“Senator Harkin epitomizes all that’s good about public service, and his bipartisan leadership will be sorely missed,” said River Bandits owner Dave Heller. “From the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act to protecting workers’ pensions to promoting biofuels and energy independence, Senator Harkin has been a leader on issues that directly affect the people of Iowa and our nation. We are proud to honor and celebrate his forty years of service in the U.S. Congress.”
“In Iowa, baseball is important and is part of our local economy and part of our history,” said Harkin. “As a fan, I’m honored to throw out the first pitch at the ballpark considered the best minor league stadium in America – Modern Woodmen Park – and join the fans of the Quad Cities River Bandits to enjoy a day along the beautiful Davenport riverfront.”
Sunday, Aug. 17, is also a Family Sunday presented by KWQC and B100 and Pirates and Princesses Theme Day. River Bandits players will sign pregame autographs, fans can bring their dogs to the ballpark for Bark in the Park, and Kids Run the Bases following the game.