With the crack of the bat "Pop" and the pop of the mit "Boom" the start of baseball is right around the corner at PNC field. Workers just feet away from players put on the finishing touches to the $43 million dollar ballpark. Wednesday was the first official practice for the 2013 RailRiders and player are excited to get things started.
"I think it's good to get our there and see how the ball flies in BP and take some more ground balls and get a little more acclimated to the field. We're excited to get out there and get a little more acclimated as well," said Luke Murton-SWB RailRiders first baseman.
For the first time in the history of this stadium this concourse is wide open. It goes the entire length around PNC field and it allows fans a much more up close and personal view with their favorite RailRiders player.
"Yes the ballpark was designed so it's 360 degrees. Three times around the ballpark is actually a mile. So now you can hand out in left field, you can hang out in center field, right field you can hang out above the bullpens that are designed to the fan amenities to hang out above and look down and watch the pitchers warm-up," said Mike Trudnak Vice-President of Corporate Partnerships.
"It's good get familiar with everything before opening night and see all the sponsors support that the team got. And there's a lot here for the fans this evening so we'll check it out for the first time," said Dan Lamagna.
"We're just excited to be here to open up a brand new ballpark. I know Scranton is excited to have baseball back. Everybody is just really excited to get out here get on the field for the first time today and get back out under the lights. We're just ready to be out here at night again and just come out here and play the game we love," said Cody Johnson-SWB RailRiders outfielder.
As David Adams hits the hot corner on this new field of dreams, 8-year-old Tameer Coe smiles with excitement. Baseball is back and better than ever.