GREENSBORO, N.C. — It's a home run for High Point every spring — the shining moment the team's beloved minor league baseball team, the High Point Rockers, takes the mound to tee off a statistically likely winning season.
The Rockers will do just that this Tues., April 30, in the team's home opener, with momentum they hope will carry them to a third-consecutive playoff series by the end of summer. After a four-and-zero winning run on the road, they'll take on the Charleston Dirty Birds beneath the familiar Elm St. lights., in a hometown celebration full of memorable fanfare -- including the first pitch by 100- and 101-year-old World War II veterans.
"It's always a big night for us. We've got fireworks after the game and a lot of festivities around opening day. We're ready to keep winning and keep playing," remarked team president Pete Fisch, who joined the WFMY News 2 Good Morning Show Tuesday morning.
"We always try to have a few local players involved. We also have UNC, ECU, and Asheville represented. The big thing is we have nine former major leaguers with more than 500 games of major league experience," he said.
He also expressed optimism about fan turnout this year, noticing its growth over the years as the surrounding area has expanded. The ballpark is now adjacent to the new 'Stock + Grain Assembly,' featuring 12,000 square feet of restaurants and takeout counters.
Overall, Fisch is confident in a fun and successful season. He reflected on his taking of the president position days before COVID, seeing firsthand how the Rockers rallied through unexpected setbacks to win and make the playoffs in four of the five seasons.