April 11, 2007

NEW BERN, NC—The New Bern River Rats are inviting area youth sports teams to register as a Cold Stone Creamery "Field of Dreams" team before one of the Rats' home games for the upcoming 2007 season.  The "Field of Dreams" package includes free tickets for players and coaches as well as an on-field introduction of the team.  The youth team's players also run out on the field as the River Rats are announced and remain there during the singing of the National Anthem.

"The 'Field of Dreams' team was one of the most popular features we added last year," said River Rats General Manager Michael Weisbart.  "This year we want to make sure we have a different team for each of our 30 home games at Boykin Field."

Registration for the "Field of Dreams" package is done on a first-come, first-served basis, Weisbart said.  The package is open to area youth teams from any sport and any age.

To register for the Cold Stone Creamery "Field of Dreams" package, coaches should contact the River Rats at (252) 675-5689 or by email at info@newbernriverrats.com.  More information about the package is available on the team's website at www.newbernriverrats.com. 

Rats notes:  

The River Rats are looking for up to 16 "New Bern Sporting Goods" Bat Boys for the summer.  Applicants must be at least 10 years of age and able to work games for most of the team’s ten week schedule.  Bat Boys will assist players and coaches in the dugout and on the field, and will be rotated between the River Rats and visiting teams.  Bat boys must purchase a jersey and provide their own baseball pants, but will receive a free kid’s 2007season ticket.  Applications are available online and at New Bern Sporting Goods.

The River Rats are also looking for girls ages 3 to 12 to join the new "Hearnes Jewelers Diamond Girls" cheerleaders at River Rats games this season.  Every girl who completes registration will be accepted.  Girls do not need any prior cheering experience.  Diamond Girls will need to purchase a cheerleading uniform but will receive a free kid’s 2007season ticket.  Applications are available online and at New Bern Sporting Goods. 

About the River Rats:

The New Bern River Rats baseball club is a member of the Coastal Plain League, a high-profile wood-bat collegiate summer baseball league.  The team will open the 2007 season on Wednesday, May 30 against the Wilmington Sharks at New Bern High School’s Boykin Field.  All 57 games can be heard on the Meinke Car Care Center Broadcasts on ESPN Radio 1490 AM. The team’s official website is www.NewBernRiverRats.com.

About the Coastal Plain League:

The Coastal Plain League is the nation’s hottest summer collegiate baseball league. Celebrating its 10th anniversary season, the CPL is the largest summer league in the country, featuring 15 teams playing in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. The CPL is certified by Major League Baseball, and gives college players the chance to refine their skills with wooden bats during the summer months. Players are housed with local host families for the summer and past experiences have been very positive for both players and hosts. For more information on the Coastal Plain League, please visit the league website at www.coastalplain.com.