Spring Break
Mudcats and Pirates join forces
Five County Stadium hosts unique event
Kellen Holtzman
Issue date: 7/30/08 Section: Sports
When most Pirate fans think of minor league baseball, the Kinston Indians are probably the first team to come to mind.
When most Mudcat fans think of the Pirates, the Pittsburgh Pirates are probably the first team that comes to mind. The Mudcats spent the 1991-1998 seasons as members of the Pittsburgh organization.
Tomorrow night against the Jacksonville Suns, ECU and the Carolina Mudcats will join forces in what is being built as "Paint it Purple Night" at Five County Stadium in Zebulon.
The event will help kick off the 2008-2009 sports season as Pirate fans take in a little diamond action from the AA affiliate of the Florida Marlins.
ECU Chancellor Steve Ballard will be on hand to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at the celebration. Ballard, a former shortstop, shouldn't have any trouble getting his pitch to the plate; the former Arizona Wildcat led his team to the 1970 College World Series during his senior season.
Ballard's baseball legend may have trouble competing with the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl trophy, which will also be on display at the event. Fans can also use the festivities as an opportunity to receive information on Pirate Club membership as well as season ticket options.
In June, only 2,500 spots were available for season tickets after a rapid sales rate.
"At the pace we are going, which is 10 percent above where we were last year, we will not have any individual game tickets available for the Virginia Tech game in Charlotte, and the West Virginia and Houston games at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium," Assistant Director of Athletics for Tickets & Marketing Scott Wetherbee told Ecupirates.com following the announcement.
In little over a month, the sales explosion left even less left.
Two weeks ago, it was announced that ECU had eclipsed 20,500 in season ticket sales, with only 1,500 remaining as of July 20. Last season marked the first sell-out in school history. Occasions like these could push sales over the top.
When most Mudcat fans think of the Pirates, the Pittsburgh Pirates are probably the first team that comes to mind. The Mudcats spent the 1991-1998 seasons as members of the Pittsburgh organization.
Tomorrow night against the Jacksonville Suns, ECU and the Carolina Mudcats will join forces in what is being built as "Paint it Purple Night" at Five County Stadium in Zebulon.
The event will help kick off the 2008-2009 sports season as Pirate fans take in a little diamond action from the AA affiliate of the Florida Marlins.
ECU Chancellor Steve Ballard will be on hand to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at the celebration. Ballard, a former shortstop, shouldn't have any trouble getting his pitch to the plate; the former Arizona Wildcat led his team to the 1970 College World Series during his senior season.
Ballard's baseball legend may have trouble competing with the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl trophy, which will also be on display at the event. Fans can also use the festivities as an opportunity to receive information on Pirate Club membership as well as season ticket options.
In June, only 2,500 spots were available for season tickets after a rapid sales rate.
"At the pace we are going, which is 10 percent above where we were last year, we will not have any individual game tickets available for the Virginia Tech game in Charlotte, and the West Virginia and Houston games at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium," Assistant Director of Athletics for Tickets & Marketing Scott Wetherbee told Ecupirates.com following the announcement.
In little over a month, the sales explosion left even less left.
Two weeks ago, it was announced that ECU had eclipsed 20,500 in season ticket sales, with only 1,500 remaining as of July 20. Last season marked the first sell-out in school history. Occasions like these could push sales over the top.
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