July 31, 2012
It’s not often that the Hornets can be associated with a walk-off home run, but the New Orleans Zephyrs provided that opportunity Sunday night. The local Triple-A baseball team hosted the fourth annual Hornets Day at Zephyr Field on July 29, and delivered a dramatic finish for Krewe members in attendance. The Zephyrs concluded the game with a three-run home run in the bottom of the 10th inning.
While the end of the game delivered plenty of excitement, Hornets fans were treated to entertainment throughout the evening with plenty of festivities prior to and during the game as well. Hornets season ticket holders were treated to jambalaya, sno-balls and drinks at a pregame tailgate that also included Hornets inflatables, the Mathmobile and face-painting stations for kids to enjoy.
One lucky Hornets Krewe member was provided the chance to be even more involved with the evening’s festivities. Nicholas Tartaglia of Metairie has been a Hornets season ticket holder since 2002 and was presented with a rare opportunity to throw out the first pitch before the game.
“It was completely random,” said Tartaglia. “My season ticket representative approached me and asked me if I wanted to do it, and I said ‘sure.’ I’m excited about it.”
Tartaglia said fans love events like these because they allow the community to have a connection to the team and the organization.
“The Hornets do a great job of making the fans feel involved,” he said. “My season ticket representative always stays in contact and checks in to see how I am. The employees do such an amazing job keeping us engaged and connected with the team and the organization.”
The day also included appearances by the Honeybees, Hugo and Buzz Patrol. The Honeybees performed on the field during the second inning then signed autographs for fans in the concourse during the third inning. The dance crew, along with Hugo and Buzz Patrol, also joined in all the on-field promotions during the game. After the dramatic finish to the game, the festivities ended with a bang as well with a postgame fireworks show. Fans like Tartaglia are hoping the team can provide some fireworks of their own next season.
“I’m pretty excited about this upcoming season and the recent acquisitions,” he said. “It will be a rebuilding year, but the staff has built the team for a great future. I have loved my experience with the Hornets as a season ticket holder and I am really looking forward to this season.”