April brings more than showers in Memphis.  It means it’s time to enjoy warm evenings with friends and family; ice cold drinks and some delectable BBQ nachos, peanuts, burgers, or whatever concession you crave  (I’m getting hungry just thinking about it); the crack of a towering homerun and the cheers of the crowd.   Yes, April means the start of baseball, and in Memphis, that means it’s time to head downtown to beautiful AutoZone Park to catch some Redbirds action.  

The team put together a solid season in 2008, finishing second in the Pacific Coast League American North division with a 75-67 record.  The team returns a number of outstanding prospects, as they will look to take the division title this year and earn a spot in the playoffs.  Among the returning starters are outfielder Jon Jay, who hit .345 when he was called up last year, slick-fielding shortstop Tyler Greene, and top prospect, outfielder Colby Rasmus, who was hindered last season by a knee injury but is expected to have a big year in 2009.  Leading the way on the mound will be 2008 Baseball America Triple-A All Star Mitchell Boggs and hot prospect Jess Todd.  

We’re only 13 days away from Opening Day when the Redbirds kick off the season against the Oklahoma City Redhawks on April 9 at AutoZone Park.  The game is the first of an eight-game homestand to kick off the year, with a four-game series against the Redhawks and another versus the New Orleans Zephyrs.

But you don’t have to wait until the 9th to catch the Redbirds.  On April 3 and 4, they’ll take on their big league brothers, the St. Louis Cardinals, in exhibition games at AutoZone Park.  The game will mark the return of former Redbird great Rick Ankiel to AZP.  You can purchase single-game tickets for the exhibition games as well as regular season games at the Redbird’s website: http://memphis.redbirds.milb.com/index.jsp?sid=t235.  You can also take advantage of a “Vacation Package” (spring or summer).  For only $79, you’ll get a ticket to one of the exhibition games plus five regular-season games.  Don’t miss a chance to enjoy some terrific Triple-A action at an affordable price.