The Cowlitz Black Bears and the West Coast League are hosting events open to the public Monday and Tuesday to kick off All-Star festivities for Tuesday’s WCL All-Star Game and Home Run Derby at David Story Field.
The All-Star Bowling Social begins at 7 p.m. Monday at Triangle Bowl in Longview. It’s a chance for the community to meet select players from the North and South divisions playing in Tuesday’s All-Star Game.
Cost is $20 per person, which includes two hours of bowling and pizza and soda, and an autograph session.
On Tuesday, the WCL’s All-Star Luncheon is at 12:30 p.m at the Red Lion Hotel in Kelso. Keynote speakers are first-year WCL president Donnie Marbut, who served as Washington State’s baseball coach for 11 seasons (2005-15) and Rob Nelson, the inventor of Big League Chew and former independent league pitcher. The duo will address All-Star Game participants, scouts, and WCL team and league representatives.
Black Bears general manager Jim Appleby said he’s received confirmation from scouts of 27 Major League clubs who plan to be in attendance. One of them, Appleby said, is Tom McNamara, the Seattle Mariners’ director of scouting.
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Cost is $30 per person or $200 for a table of eight.
To pre-register for either event, call the Black Bears front office at 360-703-3195 or email Bob Gutridge at bgutridge@cowlitzblackbears.com.
TICKETS SELLING FAST: Appleby said around 300 tickets remain for Tuesday’s All-Star Game and Home Run Derby. General admission ($8) and grandstand ($10) tickets are still available, he said.
“We’re getting awfully close to selling out,” Appleby added.
Pre-ordering is recommended; Appleby said he can’t guarantee tickets will still be available by game day.
Gates open Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. for the 6 p.m. Home Run Derby, followed by the All-Star Game at 7:30 p.m.
