The time has come.  The winter doldrums are a thing of the past and we can all wake up from our long off-season hibernation.  After falling just shy of a championship last season, the 2019 year brings New Hope for the St. Paul Saints.  We celebrate the past in the City of Baseball as well as honoring the bravest men and women of the Good Ole’ USA.  We may drop the gloves, fly off the top rope and smash some copiers as there will be at least one “ruff” night at the ballpark.  It’s the longest opening homestand in 14 years as the Saints open season number 27 from May 16-26.

Thursday, May 18 7:05 p.m. vs. Milwaukee Milkmen – Grand Opening of City of Baseball Museum (first 5,000 fans receive an 1898 St. Paul Apostles jersey t-shirt)

The history of the Saints dates back to the late 1800s and the stories to be told include names like Charles Comiskey, Babe Ruth, Miller Huggins, Roy Campanella, Toni Stone, Kevin Millar and Darryl Strawberry.  In Dave Winfield, Paul Molitor and Jack Morris St. Paul boasts three native sons already enshrined in Baseball’s Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.  Many would argue a fourth is on the way with Joe Mauer’s recent retirement.  While St. Paul’s baseball story extends well beyond the St. Paul Saints, the various versions of this storied franchise are the tie that binds.  From Comiskey’s teams of the late 1890s, to the Brooklyn Dodgers affiliates of the 1940s and 50s, to the Saints of 1993 (the team that brought baseball back to the capital city after a 32-year hiatus).  Those teams and stories come to life with the opening of the City of Baseball Museum.  The first 5,000 people through the gates will receive the first of four Museum Series giveaways with the 1898 St. Paul Apostles jersey t-shirt.  The team began in 1884 in the Northwest League, but left St. Paul in 1892.  Comiskey moved a team from Sioux City, IA to St. Paul and called them the Apostles in 1895. In 1898 they moved to Lexington Park and played there from 1898,  1902-14.  The walk from the City of Baseball Museum to the Craft Beer Corner is mere feet, which is convenient since it’s Thirsty Thursday presented by Anoka Ramsey Community College a partner of Minnesota State.

Friday, May 17 7:05 p.m. vs. Milwaukee Milkmen – Star Wars Night presented by Pizza Ranch with Xcel Energy Friday Night Fireworks

From Anakin Skywalker, to Luke Skywaylker, to Kylo Ren the force will be strong at CHS Field on this game during Star Wars Night presented by Pizza Ranch.  Never tell us the odds of putting on a memorable show because we will Do. Or Do Not. There is No Try.  The Force Runs Strong in Our Family as you will not Sense Much Fear in Us.  We will not allow the Republic to fall under the control of a Dark Lord of the Sith.  Our post-game fireworks show, presented by Xcel Energy, will have the musical accompaniment of, what else, Star Wars music.

Saturday, May 18 7:05 p.m. – Fighting Saints Night featuring the Hanson Brothers

We will try to capture the spirit of this promotion, but there is no guarantee we keep our gloves on.  Don’t be mad when we’re putting on the foil, because we do it every night.  For the second consecutive season we honor the team that we often get confused with: the Fighting Saints.  The Fighting Saints were part of the 12 original teams of the WHA from 1972-76.  After not finishing the 1976 season, the second installment of the Saints came from Cleveland, Ohio for the 1976-77 season.  Among the most notable players were Wayne Connelly, the team’s leading scorer, Mike Antonovich, the team’s career games leader, Hockey Hall of Famer Dave Keon, Gord Gallant, and Mike Holmgren.  The famed trio from the movie, the Hanson Brothers, will be in attendance to sign autographs and perhaps get a little rough during some on field promotions.  The triad, whose real last name is Carlson, played for the Fighting Saints in 1975 and 76.  We’ve got something to help you relax if all this hockey talk has you too amped up with Treasure Island Resort and Casino Saturday.

Sunday, May 19 7:05 p.m. – The Year of the Pig (first 5,000 fans receive a Magnet Schedule)

For 27-years it’s been the Year of the Pig with the Saints, but for just the third time in franchise history the Chinese zodiac has cycled back around to the swine.  According to one myth, the Jade Emperor said the order would be decided by the order in which they arrived at his party.  The pig was late, the final of the 12 guests, because he overslept.  One thing can be said about all of our porcine ball handlers, none of them lack energy.  We honor the Chinese culture during this special year as many Chinese Immersion Schools from the Twin Cities will attend the evening game.  The first 5,000 fans in attendance won’t forget the next Saints game as they will receive a magnet schedule.  Stick around following the game as kids run the bases and get team autographs on Cub Family Sunday.

Tuesday, May 21 7:05 p.m. vs. Chicago Dogs – Military Appreciation Night Presented by Enbridge

There are 50 incredible days on the home schedule, but each season the one in which we honor the men and women who fight for our freedom seems to be the most special on Military Appreciation Night presented by Enbridge.  Military members will be honored throughout the game and the Saints will wear special black uniforms with camo script.  Fans will have an opportunity to bid on the uniforms at the auction table located on the concourse near the souvenir shop.  Get ready for take off on Sun Country Travel Tuesday.

Wednesday, May 22 1:05 p.m. vs. Chicago Dogs – 20^th Anniversary of Office Space

If you could just go ahead and show up to this game that would be great.  This might be a difficult day if your name is Michael Bolton, so make sure the TPS reports are in order because we’re celebrating the 20^th Anniversary of the cult classic film Office Space.  We’ll do more than 15 minutes of actual work to make sure you’re entertained including smashing a few fax machines.  Throw on 37 pieces of flair, but make sure you don’t take our stapler.  Enjoy the Craziest Tailgate Party of the Year on Walser Wednesday.

Thursday, May 23 7:05 p.m. vs. Chicago Dogs – Honoring Minnesota Native, WWE Hall of Famer Mean Gene Okerlund with Post-Game Professional Wrestling From F1RST Wrestling

He may have been born in Brookings, South Dakota, but Eugene Arthur Okerlund later moved to Minneapolis and worked for WDGY radio as a host under the name Gene Leader. He followed that by becoming Program Director at KDWB.  We honor the man that called the Twin Cities home for many years on Mene Gene Okerlund night.  Okerlund spent 14-years in the American Wrestling Association before making his mark in the WWF from 1984-93.  Okerlund had another memorable moment in Minneapolis when he participated in 1984 when he and Hulk Hogan faced off in a tag team match against Mr. Fuji and George Steele. Okerlund wound up pinning Mr. Fuji.  He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2006.  After the game stick around for some top rope excitement with Professional Wrestling from F1RST Wrestling.  What better way to enjoy some ringside action that with Thirsty Thursday presented by Anoka Technical College a partner of Minnesota State.

Friday, May 24 7:05 p.m. – Game of Throwns with Xcel Energy Friday Night Fireworks Featuring the Music of Royalty

Winter is Coming.  Forget it.  We’ve seen enough of winter around these parts, but by this time you’ll know whether John Snow has defeated the White Walkers, if Daenerys will die behind the wall, or if Euron Grejoy is the father of Cresi’s Child.  Whether you’re a fan of Targaryen, Lannister, Greyjoy or any of the other six houses this is a chance for you to show your allegiance on Game of Throwns Night.  Enjoy the post-game Xcel Energy fireworks show set to the music of royalty.

Saturday, May 25 7:05 p.m. – Dog Day presented by Chuck & Don’s

Ain’t Nothin But A Hound Dog on this day as the Saints encourage everyone to bring out their four-legged canine friends on Dog Day presented by Chuck & Don’s.  Whether you bring the dog to the game, or your dog brings you, there will be plenty of fun for both.  Fire hydrants will adorn the concourse, but only for the dogs, and various contests will go on during the night including which owner looks most like their dog and which owner can sit, stay and roll-over on command.  Make sure man’s best friend is on a leash, and hold on tight, because when a foul ball is hit there will be a mad dash to get the ball.  Come ready to kick back and relax on Treasure Island Resort and Casino Saturday.

Sunday, May 26 5:05 p.m. – Memorial Day Celebration with Post-Game Monster Food Truck Rally and SPIRE-works Super Show

This is a day to remember and honor the persons who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.  It was originally known as Decoration Day, originating in the years after the Civil War where people decorated the graves of the fallen men and women.  Each year on Memorial Day a national moment of remembrance takes place at 3:00 p.m. local time.  We honor all of the men and women of our U.S. Armed Forces with the Memorial Day Celebration.  Stick around following the game as kids run the bases and get team autographs on Cub Family Sunday.  At the conclusion of all that fun is a post-game monster food truck rally.  The food trucks scheduled to appear are: OHM Brownies, RA MacSammys, Cupcake Social, Sandy’s Grill & Italian Ice, Chili Lime Truck, TOT BOSS, Taste of Twins Territory, Dine 1-1, Bacon Me Crazy, and Dough Dough.  Once you’ve feasted on all the delectable items get ready for an amazing array of loud noises and colors exploding in the sky with our SPIRE-works Super Show.

After 10 days of fun we’ll all need to take a little break, but not to rest.  We’ll be getting ready for the next homestand.  The season is officially underway, but before you know it the Dog Days of summer will be here.  We remember our past, but look to the future as one team will claim the throne at the end of the season.  We can only hope it’s the Saints ending their 15-year title drought because after all it is The Year of the Pig.

Saints tickets continue to be a tremendous value.  Tickets begin at $5 for the Treasure Island berm seating (limited number available in advance of each game while the remainder will be offered only on game day, in person at the box office), $6 for SPLASH bleacher seats, $14 for outfield reserved, $16 for the drink rail and $18 for infield reserved and home plate reserved.  Friday Home Games with Post-Game Fireworks are an additional $2 per ticket.  Post-Game Fireworks Supershows (May 27, July 2 and September 2) are an additional $3 per ticket.  Tickets purchased on the day of the game are an additional $2 per ticket.  Children under the age of 12 and seniors 65 and older receive $1 off the admission price.  Children under 2 that don’t require a seat are free.

Saints Box Office hours on non-game days are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.  On game days, the Box Office will open at 9 a.m., Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. Saturday and 12:00 p.m. on Sunday and will remain open until 15 minutes following each game.  Tickets are always available at saintsbaseball.com.

The Saints open the 2019 season with a 10-game homestand with Opening Day on Thursday, May 16 against the newest team in the American Association, the Milwaukee Milkmen, at 7:05 p.m.  For more information contact the Saints at 651-644-6659 or visit saintsbaseball.com.

By Sean Aronson