Seattle Studs visiting Walla Walla for Pre-Season Exhibition, FanFest at Borleske Stadium on June 1

FanFest to continue - new in 2019 is the chance for a Sweets fan to be in uniform, get an at-bat vs. Studs pitchers

The past few seasons, Borleske Stadium has hosted Sweets FanFest – a great way to sample food and beer, new construction at the venerable ballpark – and an exhibition game as two separate events. In order to have more fun, the team – ready to get the 10th season in the Walla Walla Valley rolling – has combined the two.

The Sweets will welcome the historic Seattle Studs of the PIL to Walla Walla on Saturday, June 1 for a pre-season game for both clubs. The Studs are one of the most decorated semi-pro teams in the history of the game, now operating in their 65th season, and founded by the namesake of the baseball stadium in Tacoma, Ben Cheney (Cheney Stadium). Interestingly enough, the name “Studs” refers to the 2×4 piece of wood that is now ubiquitous in home construction. They are regularly among the Top 10 teams in the National Baseball Congress World Series.

“It’ll be a great chance for our guys to play a talented, experienced team and for our coaching staff to see what we have to work with this summer,” said manager Frank Mutz.

“At this level, we don’t have the luxury of a month of spring training and practice – so we have to evaluate quickly.

“Games like these are valuable in that evaluation experience.”

PURCHASE TICKETS FAN FEST HERE

The game will be combined with the FanFest – with all sorts of fun activities for people ready to put the harshness of winter aside and dive head-first into summer.

  • One lucky fan will be selected to suit up for the Sweets – and will be play in the game with an at-bat. Fans can submit their entries via video on the team’s Facebook or Twitter feeds – and in :30 seconds explain why YOU should be general manager J.C. Biagi’s choice to add to the roster for the game. Tag the submissions #SweetsFanFest. The selected fan will participate in BP, be dressed as a player for the game, listed on the lineup card, and guaranteed one at-bat against a Studs pitcher.
  • KEPR’s Alan Hoshida will also be in uniform, and members of the media will be conducting player interviews – from the dugout – and fan interviews throughout the game.

Other FanFest details:

  • Tickets: All tickets will be $3 – every seat G/A – and limited to the first 750 fans. Tickets are on sale now and available by clicking here.
  • Food & Beverage: All Hot Dogs, Burgers, and Sausages will be $3, all beers will be $3, and all Soda and Water will be $2.
  • Fans are invited to shag fly balls in the outfield during batting practice with the team
  • Bounce-Houses will be open, with new games and activities provided by Jumpin’ Jelly Beanz
  • Players will be available pre- and post-game for autographs and pictures – with the Sweets recently celebrating the first player to reach Major League Baseball, those pictures and autographs will be memorable someday!
  • Players not active in the game will be playing whiffle ball on the practice field with kids.

PURCHASE TICKETS TO FAN FEST HERE

Opening Day, Presented by Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Walla Walla, is Tuesday, June 4 vs. the Corvallis Knights. Always one of the best celebrations in the Valley, it will be additionally special as the Sweets start the tenth season in team history – the longest any one team has played continuously in the community’s history. Tickets are going fast – so be sure to get them soon by clicking here!

By: Walla Walla Sweets

Date: April 19, 2019