ST. PAUL, MN(July 16, 2010) – The St. Paul Saints have accepted a mission.  Goal: Bring smiles to the faces of children.  Date: July 20, 2010.  Mode of transportation: A Black Hawk Helicopter.

 

            Saints pitchers Frank Viola III, Jake Schmidt and Ryan Morse will travel from Holman Field in St. Paul to the National Guard Youth Camp at Camp Ripley in Brainerd, Minnesota on Tuesday, July 20 following their 1:05 p.m. game against the Fort Worth Cats.

 

The helicopter will depart in the late afternoon and, upon arrival at Camp Ripley, the players will spend time with kids participating in camp activities and learning more about the camp’s mission which is, in part, to help the dependents of National Guard members deal with the stress and confusion from the deployment of their family members.  Following that, the team will head over to the mess hall and enjoy dinner with the youngsters.  

 

The three players will spend the night at the barracks with the campers and then run a baseball instructional clinic for the campers the following morning, Wednesday, July 21.  Following the clinic, the players will return to St. Paul to begin preparation for that night’s game against the Fort Worth Cats.

 

            “This is an incredible opportunity for our players,” said Saints Executive Vice President/General Manager Derek Sharrer.  “How many people can say they have gotten an opportunity to fly in a Black Hawk?  More importantly, a chance to interact with kids whose parents are fighting for our country makes this the perfect mission.  It’s important to understand that these children are sacrificing for us at the same time their parents are, just in a very different way.”

 

                All three Saints players will be available for interviews prior to the July 20 and 21games at Midway Stadium.  Please contact Sean Aronson at 651-644-6659 for specifics regarding interview and video opportunities at Midway Stadium, Holman Field and Camp Ripley.