RiverDogs REIGN AT RILEY
by: Marlene Biondo

Like many momentous occasions, Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park began with a wish and a prayer. The wish began with principal owner, Mr. Marvin Goldklang, and minority owners Mike Veeck and Bill Murray. The stadium, however, would have been a near impossibility without the support and direction given by Charleston's Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. who was the undeniable celebrity at the baseball stadium's grand opening.

The evening opened with a prayer offered by Monsignor Sam R. Miglarese, Vicar General, Diocese of Charleston.

Loving God,

We Praise you for your glory. Look on us with love as we gather here this evening to dedicate and bless this field of play, a field of dreams for this community.
Bless our Mayor Riley, for whom this field is named, and all those who worked so hard to make this ballpark a place of pride for our community and support for America's national pastime.
Bless all who play here, especially the Charleston RiverDogs and the Citadel Bulldogs, and all of us who use this place as a center of recreation and enjoyment.
May this ballpark be a symbol of home for us all as we cheer for those who represent us on the field of sport.
Grant that Riley Park may be a place where a spirit of community and fellowship is nurtured in our beautiful City of Charleston and the Tri-County area.
Father, we give you thanks and praise for ever and ever. Amen.

This solemn moment was followed by an excellent rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner. Following that, Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr., for whom the stadium was named, delivered the opening address, threw the first practice pitch, and signed autographs. As he was recognized in the crowd, hands flew out to greet him like fans reaching for a ball that's been home run hit into the stadium. After all the energy Mayor Riley had expended to bring him to this occasion, he looked like a spry youth whose dream had just come true. Mayor Riley is and will always be a die-hard RiverDogs fan, and vice versa.

The RiverDogs' owners are Mayor Riley fans, too, but they are even more focused on the leadership and fans that support the RiverDogs. Marvin Goldklang brings professional experience to his new role as the RiverDogs' principal owner. He is a minority owner of the New York Yankees, a part owner of the St. Paul Saints' Northern League, the Fort Myers Miracle of the Florida State League. The RiverDogs' promotional motto is, "There is no such thing as too much fun." RiverDogs fans agree. Mike Veeck comes to his career in baseball with entrepreneurial skills learned from his father, Bill Veeck, who was once owner of the Chicago White Sox, and legendary for his special talents in creating fan involvement to enhance enjoyment of the game of baseball. Bill Murray is a famous actor/comedian who has starred in many movies, among them, "What about Bob," "Ground Hog Day," and "Larger than Life." One can imagine the laughs behind the scenes as the dynamic duo of Mike Veeck and Bill Murray, and their partners hatch such plans as Chia Pet Night, Red Neck Night, Yo-Yo Mama Night, with complimentary yo-yos for the first 1000 fans as a Mother's Day tribute, and Bill Murray Night, with autographs, and hand held fans with the Bill Murray's image the fan itself, wearing a Charleston RiverDogs baseball cap. Noting the positive response, it seems that RiverDogs fans are Bill Murray fans as well.

The result of these and other events is just too much fun, but RiverDogs fans are not complaining.

Another entertainer at Riley Park is Charlie the RiverDog, a costumed mascot that plays games, hugs fans, and is reminiscent of a kinder, more benevolent San Diego Chicken. Volunteers dress in puffed up Sumo wrestler costumes for a match on the sidelines of the field. There is also a phantom of the baseball park that awards prizes, and there are 'dog races' for children dressed in dog costumes. Other relays, games, and family geared competitions are fun for the crowd to watch. Surprises of T-shirts, balls, and other items are occasionally thrown into the crowd. At Riley Park imagination runs rampant and too much fun is on the loose, and what the next surprise might be is alot like a pop fly--it's always up for grabs.

The Charleston RiverDogs have proven that they have much to offer baseball and family entertainment. The RiverDogs' opening day closed with a fireworks spectacular and cheers from a well-satisfied crowd of baseball fans. Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park and the Charleston RiverDogs are appreciated additions to the greater Charleston area, and they will be enjoyed for years to come, thanks to Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr., Marvin Goldklang, Mike Veeck, Bill Murray, the Charleston RiverDogs baseball team, and the fans who support them in America's favorite pastime. There's only one more comment SouthernPride has for the Charleston RiverDogs and that is . . . play ball!