Youth Spotlight Games

Click here to view the 2012 Spotlight Game Schedule

SAINTS & WALSER AUTOMOTIVE PUT KIDS IN THE SPOTLIGHT

As youth baseball players grow up, they dream of one day playing professional baseball. For the sixth straight year, and second partnered with Walser Automotive Group, the St. Paul Saints will give youngsters the chance to experience that feeling as they present community Spotlight Games.

Beginning in May and running through August, Spotlight Games will bring the Saints experience to youth leagues around the Twin Cities Metro Area. Those special things that fans have come to expect and enjoy about Saints games will take place at these Spotlight Games. The Saints will take their show on the road, from the public address announcer and organist to their between-innings promotions and mascot Mudonna.

"We do many events in the community during the year, but this is one of my favorites," said Saints Executive Vice President/General Manager Derek Sharrer. "The look on these kids faces when Mudonna is running around their ballpark or their parents are taking part in a promotion is priceless. These Spotlight Games are a staple of what the Saints are all about."

Walser Automotive Group will take care of the tailgating, an important part of any Saints game. At each Spotlight Game, their 45-foot RV will be primed and ready to go giving away hot dogs, drinks and prizes just like they do during Walser Wednesdays at Saints home games throughout the season.

"We look forward to our partnership with the Saints every year," said Paul Walser, Walser Automotive Group CEO. "The Youth Spotlight games are a fantastic way for us to give back to the community. Nothing says summer in Minnesota like Youth Baseball."

With the laughter and food taken care of it's up to the Saints entertainment team to provide the sounds. Master of Ceremonies Joe Wiener will announce each batter as he or she steps up to the plate, and organist Andy Crowley will get fans moving and grooving with his eclectic musical talents. Between-innings favorites such as the tire race, sumo wrestling and Karaoke with a Real Japanese Guy will entertain the crowd.

Once the game is over, athletes enjoy reading about their accomplishments. Each Spotlight Game will have a game story and box score produced and fans can go to the Saints website, saintsbaseball.com, to relive the ballgame.

Along with area youth baseball games, two fast-pitch softball games and one Miracle League Game will be added to the Spotlight schedule in 2011.

The Saints Youth Spotlight Game Program is one of the area's most unique partnerships between a professional team and youth athletics. The program is entering its sixth season and is considered a signature Saints community initiative.