April 10, 2006

Charleston, S.C. -

Fans can click on Press Conference Photos to look at a photo gallery of the day's events.

The Citadel baseball, along with the College of Charleston and Charleston RiverDogs, announced Monday, April 10 that the Bulldogs and Cougars will face each other for the Trademark Properties "Turn Back the Century" game presented by Builder's First Source on Tuesday, April 25 at 6 p.m. at Riley Park. The contest will not count towards Southern Conference play, while both teams will use wooden bats and will wear "throwback" style jerseys from the early 1900's.

The Bulldogs and Cougars modeled the jerseys at a press conference coordinated by the RiverDogs Monday afternoon at Riley Park, while Citadel head coach Fred Jordan and College of Charleston head coach John Pawlowski were on hand to comment on the event.

This is a first in the Charleston area as the Charleston RiverDogs, the second-year Class A affiliate of the New York Yankees, will promote the game as one of its own with their famed "Fun Is Good" approach. The RiverDogs will handle all game operations for the collegiate contest, including the various in-between inning stunts, whacky promotions, giveaways, music, and the like.

The RiverDogs will give away replica "throwback" longsleeved t-shirts to the first 500 fans from each team to enter the park.

The RiverDogs will also distribute replica shirts, based on the uniform design, to the first 1,000 fans (500 Citadel shirts; 500 College of Charleston shirts) that enter the park.

The game marks the first time The Citadel and College of Charleston have hosted such an event, while it is also the first time in the Charleston area that a professional organization will coordinate and promote a collegiate baseball game.

Of note, aluminum bats were first introduced to college baseball at the 1974 College World Series when Southern California defeated Miami (FL).

Fans can purchase tickets through etix.com, by calling The Citadel ticket office at 843.953.7181 or through the RiverDogs ticket office.

Quotes on The Citadel-College of Charleston "Turn Back the Century" Game

RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols:

"We are very excited about hosting this game. Both colleges have strong followings and we're hoping the many fans will enjoy the fun that we put in RiverDogs baseball and share that with this exciting college, cross-town rivalry."

The Citadel Head Baseball Coach Fred Jordan:

"We are glad to do this. It's going to be a night to remember. We tried to put this together last year but weren't able to get it done in time. We kept pursuing it throughout the year."

On the RiverDogs being in charge of promotions: "Why not have Mike Veeck and his group be a part of this? He is one of the greatest promoters in baseball."

Citadel players Ryan Owens and Link Saunders also took time out to model the uniforms to be worn at The Citadel-College of Charleston game.

College of Charleston Head Baseball Coach John Pawlowski:

"I appreciate all the help from everyone involved in putting this in motion. For the first time, two college teams will be playing with wooden bats and throwback uniforms. I'm very excited and am looking forward to it."

RiverDogs Assistant GM Andy Lange:

"We are very excited to be a part of this game and to have the opportunity to bring our 'Fun Is Good' approach to the college game. We are very excited to help put on this event."

RiverDogs Director of Promotions Jim Pfander:

 "We're very excited to bring our 'Fun Is Good' philosophy to the college game. We are thrilled to be able to partner up with these two great schools."