Redbirds home opener: What to know
The Redbirds open their home schedule on Tuesday against the Omaha Storm Chasers at 7:05 p.m. at AutoZone Park. Here are five things to know about the reigning Pacific Coast League champions:
Penny Hardaway to throw out first pitch
The Redbirds immediately seized on Penny Hardaway's hire as Memphis basketball coach to sell tickets for Tuesday's game at one cent, a nod to Hardaway's number during his NBA career. On Monday, the team announced that he would throw out the first pitch before the game.
It's sure to add even more buzz to a game that will feature a pregame ceremony honoring the Redbirds winning the PCL championship. The one cent promotion sold out in 48 hours, but tickets are still available on the Redbirds' website
Redbirds' offense is off to a fast start
The Redbirds' bats have been red hot to start the year. In their first four games (all wins) they've scored 40 runs, including a 12-run seventh inning in Friday's 17-4 win over Round Rock. So expect some fireworks to start this seven-game homestand.
Right fielder Tyler O'Neill, who hit 31 home runs last season, is off to a torrid pace, hitting four home runs and driving in 10 runs during the weekend. Right fielder Patrick Wisdom hit .462 in his first three games as he's looking to improve after hitting .243 last year with 31 home runs and 89 RBIs.
First 1,500 fans will receive free PCL championship pennant
The Redbirds will celebrate their PCL championship with a banner-raising ceremony that should start around 6:40 p.m.
The first 1,500 fans in attendance will receive a free championship pennant that will feature every player and coach's name on it
Also fans can enjoy hot dogs for $1 as part of the team's Polk's Dollar Dog
Expect plenty of new faces
Speaking of players, don't be surprised to see revolving door of names this season. The Redbirds used a clubrecord 62 players during last year's championship run, a year after using 56.
It didn't matter who suited up for the Redbirds last year as they won 91 games, set a team record for ERA (3.77) and tied
New rules to know
Teams will be limited to six mound visits, and pitchers have 15 seconds to deliver the ball with no runners on base (extended to 20 seconds with runners on base).
If games go to extra innings, both teams will start with a runner on second base.