By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
If you are looking for an early firework show this weekend and would like to see a home run derby and a baseball game, the Great Bend Bat Cats organization has you covered. Typically hosted in Wichita, Great Bend will host the Jayhawk League home run derby and All-Star game Sunday, July 2 at Al Burns Memorial Field.
Bat Cats General Manager Roger Ward said the event is something
he always envisioned to host in his hometown.
"If we can operate it right and put on a good show, maybe we can catch some people's attention and catapult off of it," said Ward. "Just to bring this to our community, means so much to me. I just hope that people do show up and see the best from our league. Maybe we'll even attract some new fans."
The Bat Cats will have plenty of representation during the All-Star game along
with players from the six other league teams. Great Bend boasted a record of
18-4 heading into the weekend before the
All-Star game. The Bat Cats won the first half of the conference race, meaning
they have earned a spot in the NBC World Series at the end of the season.
"We're very fortunate," said Ward. "Our community has always been supportive of local groups. They've really rallied behind us. Without them and host families, there's no such thing as the Bat Cats. I have to pinch myself. I just can't believe what we've grown into and what I think we can still do."
Just for the All-Star game, admission is $5, but children 18 and under get in
free along with those 65 and older. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. Sunday with the home run derby starting at 5:30 p.m., the All-Star game to follow at 7 p.m. and postgame fireworks.
