America's pastime in its most athletic form is coming to Memphis. Baseball fans will get a chance to see Ken Griffey Jr., Vernon Wells, Sean Casey and other young players, like slugger Adam Dunn, at AutoZone Park tomorrow as the Toronto Blue Jays face the Cincinnati Reds at 5:05 p.m.
With opening day three days away, the exhibition provides a chance for the city, fans and players to get ready for the baseball season.Dave Chase, president and general manager of the Memphis Redbirds, called everyone he knew in baseball to get nine innings in Memphis. And his Rolodex was packed.
One of those calls went to Dean Taylor, assistant GM for the Reds. And the game was on.
Taylor, impressed with AutoZone Park, jumped at the chance to play in Memphis, according to Chase.
In a year when the St. Louis Cardinals would not make an appearance in Memphis, the city will still get a chance to see the pros on the diamond.
The game will feature a designated hitter, allowing Ken Griffey Jr. to display his offensive skills and not risk a possible injury playing in the outfield.
Fans will get to see two teams that played well in the spring.
The Blue Jays boast the second best record in pre-season play with a 16-8 mark as the Reds are just over .500 at 15-14.
"We hope the fans will be excited about it," Chase said.
Rob Butcher, director of media relations for the Reds, said Cincinnati looks to have one spring training game outside of Florida, the spring training home for many major league baseball teams. The change of scenery is welcomed.
"Some players like to get out of Florida," Chase said.
Other than a change of setting, Butcher said Memphis weather may bring them weather closer to what they have in Ohio, which may prepare the team better for the regular season.
Accustomed to small spring training crowds, the Reds and the Blue Jays will be able to entertain a bigger crowd, something many players would like to do.
"People that love what they do love to play in front of fans," Chase said.
Adding to the list of attractive qualities for coming to Memphis, Butcher is familiar with AutoZone Park.
"We hear it's spectacular," he said.
No matter how nice or state-of-the-art AutoZone Park is, the Memphis Redbirds will still struggle to make a profit of the game.
According to Chase, the Redbirds are paying each team approximately $125,000. To get their money back, the Redbirds would likely have to sell out the stadium.
Chase said what they rely on are retained sales and concession sales. The organization also hopes they attract season ticket buyers.
Ticket prices range from $15-$60. Ticket packages are also available for the exhibition game with options for future Redbirds games.
