Skyhawks promise fans endless entertainment

Augusta — Baseball is a game of excitement, enjoyment and fun. And fans of the Sussex Skyhawks are going to have all three this summer. Especially fun. “Plain and simple, it’s going to be fun,” said Ben Wittkowski, the general manager for the new Canadian-American League team. “We’re going to have a lot of promotions, a lot of fireworks shows and hopefully, a very good team, too.” The Skyhawks are the new kids in town and are moving into Skylands Park, which the New Jersey Cardinals inhabited until last fall. Skylands Park, which first opened in 1994 when the Cards came to town, is undergoing changes many important changes. Team officials said their preparation for the upcoming season is all part of their desire to better serve fans and customers alike. “Renovation-wise, the biggest project we are doing this season is we are renovating the concession stands to give us the capability to sell more concession items that we didn’t have last year,” explained Wittkowski. “In addition to the concessions, we are building a brand new souvenir shop.” Renovating the concessions is part of a larger project. “More or less, we’re cleaning up the suites with new walls and furniture,” Wittkowski continued. “And what goes hand in hand with these suites are the concession renovations.” The Skyhawks, which recently unveiled their flashy new logo, are slated to open their 2006 season at home on May 29, at 7:05 p.m. against the North Shore Spirit of Lynn, Mass. Soon after the game, fans will be treated to a display of fireworks to celebrate Memorial Day. In all, 21 promotional dates are slated, including eight firework displays, two scout sleepovers and several other dates in which team-related paraphernalia will be dispensed, including a logo baseball giveaway on Sat., June 17, prior to a 5:05 p.m. game against the Quebec City Capitales. “We’re going to have Saturday nights filled with a lot of giveaways,” Wittkowski said. “And we’re going to do everything we can to make the games more entertaining for anyone from a 5-year-old to an 85-year-old.” Something less noticeable to fans will be renovations of the team’s management offices, as well as the interior of the players’ clubhouse, where new ceilings and new carpet are being installed. Wittkowski said the team has begun signing players for the upcoming season as part of “an ongoing process.” Unlike the Cardinals, who played at a Single A minor league level, the Skyhawks, as part of the independent Can-Am League, will be able to sign not only rookies, but also players who have two years of professional experience, including players who have already played in the major leagues.