The Durham Bulls will open their 2005 season at home against the Toledo Mudhens on April 7th. |
On Thursday, April 7, 2005, the gates will open at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park to usher in the 2005 Durham Bulls Baseball season. The team will begin its 11th season at the DBAP against the Toledo Mudhens at a special time of 1:00pm.
“We wanted to have a traditional Opening Day,” Durham Bulls General Manager Mike Birling said. “In baseball terms, Opening Day is the official first day of summer, so we’re inviting the people of the Triangle to turn off their computers, get out of the office and come on out to the ballpark.”
Included in the Opening Day pre-game ceremonies are baseline introductions of both teams, the presentation of the team’s oversized flag by Ft. Bragg soldiers that recently returned from a tour of duty in the War on Terror, and a special message on the video board from soldiers currently stationed in Tikrit, Iraq. The soldiers, normally based out of Fort Bragg, were sent Durham Bulls caps and t-shirts that they wore during filming.
The National Anthem will be performed by local country music singer and Athens High School student, Andrew Barker. He recently returned from Nashville, Tennessee where he recorded a country music CD with five original songs. Barker’s talent and popularity are on the rise as he was invited to return to Nashville and sing a duet with an up and coming female artist from South Carolina. The song, “Broken”, will be released to radio in the spring of 2005 and already has the attention of some major record labels.
Gene Higgins, President and CEO of HMG Nashville says, “Andrew brings a fresh new sound to the world of music. Originality is what it takes to rise to the next level. Andrew not only has originality but versatility as well.”
Barker recently auditioned for a Disney Movie that will begin production in May and has received a call back by producers. He has had parts in North Carolina Theatre productions and has spent some time in Los Angeles auditioning with major networks. He won the American Talent Showcase, which was held in November in Hilton Head, after participating in singing, dancing, and acting competitions. Barker also garnered success at the International Model and Talent Association showcase in New York, which launched his singing and acting career.
Tickets for Opening Day are available at the Durham Bulls Box Office, by phone at (919) 956-BULL or online at www.durhambulls.com.
