2008 'Pack the Park' is Friday at Runyon Field

Download the Pack the Park Baseball and Softball clinic brochure here!

Colorado State University-Pueblo's annual baseball bash, "Pack the Park," will take place on Friday, May 2, 2008 at Runyon Field in Pueblo as the ThunderWolves host Regis, looking to secure a playoff spot and break the NCAA Division II baseball attendance record.

The 2008 Pack the Park, presented by Art and Lorraine Gonzales, will feature a baseball and softball clinic for area youth ball teams, giveaways of collectible baseball memorabilia each inning, a fireworks display, a giveaway of $500 in Colorado Lottery tickets, and of course, a pivotal baseball game that could determine if the ThunderWolves will make it into the RMAC playoffs.

The 4th annual Art and Lorraine Gonzales Pack the Park Youth Baseball and Softball Clinic will take place from 5 to 6 p.m. Friday, with late registration beginning at 4:30 p.m.  The cost of the clinic is free, with each participant receiving a free t-shirt, hot dog, chips and soda, as well as a ticket to the game for each coach and participant.  Each youth baseball team that registers will be presented in a parade prior to the game's 7 p.m. start.

The latest techniques in hitting, infield drills and pitching will be discussed at the clinic. Each student will receive instruction in hitting, catching, throwing, infield skills and pitching mechanics. Teams that sign up together will stay together for instruction. Participants are asked to bring their own bat and glove, and wear their team's uniform.

To register your youth baseball or softball team for the clinic, fill out the registration brochure here or contact the CSU-Pueblo Athletics department at (719)549-2711 for more information.

Additional events at "Pack the Park" include the chance to be part of the crowd that breaks the NCAA Division II baseball attendance record (of 3,683, set by CSU-Pueblo at the "Pack the Park" game in 2005), and giveaways of baseball memorabilia, including signed baseballs from current Hall-of-Famers and stars such as Nolan Ryan, Clint Hurdle, Jeff Francis, Todd Helton, Pete Rose, Yogi Berra, Brooks Robinson, and signed jerseys from Colorado Rockies stars Troy Tulowitzki and Matt Holliday.  Drawings will be held throughout the game, and all fans will receive their drawing ticket as they enter the ballpark.

A fireworks display will follow the game.

For more information on the "Pack the Park" festivities, contact the CSU-Pueblo Athletics department at (719)549-2711.