Gardenhire and Twins Players to Visit Rapid City

RAPID CITY, SD, January 09, 2011 (Press-News.org) Rapid City will be the first stop for several Minnesota Twins players and coaches on their 2011 Winter Caravan tour. The Twins contingent will greet and interact with fans in the Crown Ballroom at the Comfort Suites on Monday, Jan. 17 from 8 to 10 a.m. Fans are encouraged to bring a can of food for the local food bank as admission to the first-come-first-serve event.

The Twins' manager Ron Gardenhire, American League Manager of the Year, along with catcher Drew Butera, pitcher Jeff Manship and batting coach Joe Vavra will visit Rapid City. Chris Attebery, a member of the Twins broadcasting team along with TC, the Twins' mascot, are also scheduled to appear. Attendees will see a video presentation and be able to participate in a question and answer session. Young fans will have an opportunity to receive autographs, and are encouraged to bring cameras.

"This event is a good opportunity for the Twins to interact with their fans in the community," says Domico Rodriguez, sports and event sales director at the Rapid City Convention & Visitors Bureau. "Since the event is on Martin Luther King Jr. Day it is also a great way for the kids to spend a day out of school."

The event will allow Twins fans in the Rapid City area to meet members of the team they follow and support each season.

"The event is an opportunity that doesn't come around very often. Professional baseball players do not come to Rapid City everyday, and it is a 9 hour drive to see the Twins play in person," says Lonnie Glasford, event organizer and General Manager of KRKI - 99.5 ESPN Radio. "Everyone in the Black Hills who is a baseball fan should come, whether they are a Twins fan or not."

"Rapid City is a strong baseball community, and this is a great opportunity for fans to meet professional, high-caliber players on our home turf," says Kevin Larson, a member of the sales staff at KRKI - 99.5 ESPN Radio. "The Twins have a small payroll, but are still able to win division championships, like they did this year. Their hometown feel helps them relate very well to people in this area."

The Twins Winter Caravan stop in Rapid City is sponsored by KRKI - 99.5 ESPN Radio. As a Minnesota Twins affiliate, KRKI airs the play-by-play coverage of the Twins in the Rapid City area. Visit 995espn.com for more information.

The Rapid City CVB is a division of the Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce. The CVB's mission is to market the Rapid City area as a convention and leisure destination and to promote economic growth that will enhance the area for visitors and residents.

CONTACT: Lonnie Glasford, 605-721-9005