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Opening Day Social Media Starting Pitcher

By John Patterson, 05/08/17, 9:00AM EDT

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Rockland Boulders And Sprint Partner On Unique Fantasy Sports Promotion

The Rockland Boulders announced today they have partnered with Sprint on a never been done before concept that will place one of the most important baseball decisions of the season directly in the hands of baseball fans.  From May 8th at 9AM until May 15th at 12PM, fans will be driven to the Boulders website at http://www.rocklandboulders.com/sprint-starting-pitcher to vote on one of three possible pitchers to start the home opener on May 18th.  Boulders manager Jamie Keefe announced the three possible pitchers - being Bo Budkevics, Richard Salazar and Markus Solbach - at 9AM May 8th via Facebook Live.  This promotion will be the first in the history of professional baseball and is the ultimate convergence of professional sports and social media.

“We respect how important an honor it is to be selected by the manager as the Opening Day starting pitcher for a professional baseball team,” said Ken Lehner, President.  “We don’t take that lightly.  However, in this day and age sports are being consumed differently.  Due to emerging technology fans expectations have changed and we recognize that.  We are creating an experience that is truly the essence of fantasy baseball.  Fans essentially become Manager Jamie Keefe.  This is not an on-line All-Star vote.  This is a critical decision that sets in motion the starting rotation for the entire season.”  

Traffic to the website will come from a variety of social media platforms including email blasts, Facebook, Instagram, SnapChat, Twitter etc.  All fans that vote will receive two ticket vouchers to the Boulders home opener.  If you attend the home opener and the pitcher you have voted for is the Opening Day Social Media Starting Pitcher, you will be able to enjoy a meet and greet with the starting pitcher post game.  In addition, one lucky winner will be able to throw out the first pitch and present the Opening Day lineup card to the umpires at home plate prior to the game in essence becoming the Boulders manager.

The Opening Day Social Media Starting Pitcher presented by Sprint and the rest of the Boulders will begin their seventh season with a #BouldOpening on Thursday, May 18th when they host the Sussex County Miners at 7:00pm at Palisades Credit Union Park. Season Ticket Memberships and numerous other ticket packages are currently on-sale and can be purchased by visiting the box office or calling (845) 364-0009.  For more information, slide to Rocklandboulders.com