Father-son duo ready for baseball season
(Central Islip, N.Y., Mar. 21, 2012) – Spring has officially arrived and so have the Kamers! On Wednesday morning, 13-year old Ryan Kamer and his father, Charlie, arrived at Bethpage Ballpark in Central Islip becoming the first fans in line for the annual opening day of Ducks individual ticket sales. The Kamers, who have now been the first fans on line for three consecutive years, lined up 75 hours prior to the ticket windows opening at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 24.
“The Kamers are like our own version of Punxsutawney Phil,” says Ducks president/general manager Michael Pfaff. “Ryan and Charlie’s dedication to Ducks baseball helps signal that spring has arrived and baseball is right around the corner.”
Stocked with a tent, sleeping bags, and plenty of food and water, the Kamers staked their claim as “first fans in line” by setting up shop outside the West Gate of Bethpage Ballpark at 7:00 a.m. The pair, who waited a record 143 hours last year for their Ducks tickets, is more excited than ever for Ducks baseball. A mild weather forecast has helped them grow even more eager to see their beloved team defend their Liberty Division title and bring the Atlantic League championship back to Long Island.
“This time of year is always something special for us,” says Charlie. “Ryan works so hard throughout the year to make sure he has this opportunity, and it’s always fun to spend a few days camping out with him as we wait for the ticket windows to open.”
Beginning in the early morning hours on Saturday, March 24, both Ryan and Charlie will see a Carnival-like atmosphere descend upon Bethpage Ballpark as the Ducks kick off a new season of fun and affordable family entertainment. Coach Bud Harrelson, manager Kevin Baez, Ducks players and QuackerJack will be on hand to take part in all the morning fun from the ballpark, including meeting fans and signing autographs. Fans will be treated to complimentary food and beverage, courtesy of Centerplate, Bethpage, Pepsi, Herr’s, and Tropical Smoothie Café. Send in the Clowns Entertainment will be providing fun and entertainment for everyone in attendance, including a magician and caricaturist, while Bethpage and Monster Mini Golf will have prizes and games for fans. Super Mario and Luigi will also join in all the fun, courtesy of Play-N-Trade Video Games, as Long Islanders wait to purchase the hottest baseball tickets on Long Island.
Fans wishing to skip the lines on opening day of ticket sales are encouraged to contact the ticket sales department at (631) 940-3825, extensions 115 or 116, to find out how to become a season ticket or 10-game mini-plan holder today.
The Long Island Ducks are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball and play their home games at Bethpage Ballpark in Central Islip, N.Y. Opening Day is May 4. For further information, call (631) 940-DUCK or visit www.liducks.com.
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