Hundreds of people showed up to TVA Credit Union Ballpark for Sunday’s Fan Fest, which included samples of new stadium menu items, a three-inning intrasquad scrimmage and an autograph session with several Cardinals players. The event itself, for some, was so much more than just a night out at the ballpark, it was a night for several fathers to spend time with their children and family.
“I’m feeling pretty good,” said Steven Church, who attended the event with his wife and three children, one of whom works at the ballpark. “It’s been a great day just out with the family and having a good Father’s Day.”
For Church, there’s no better way to spend Father’s Day — something Steve Reis, who attended the game with his wife, two kids and father-in-law, would agree with.
“I think it’s great” he said. “I thought it was something fun to do than Father’s Day.”
For the team, the success of Sunday’s Fan Fest may end up forcing them to host it on Father’s Day permanently.
“It just shows that the community is excited and to see this kind of support on Father’s Day is really exciting,” said Cardinals general manager Zach Clark. “I think we had a hit here, baseball is a great vehicle to bring people together.”
On Tuesday, the Johnson City Cardinals will kick off the 2019 Appalachian League season against the Pulaski Yankees at TVA Credit Union Ballpark at 6:30 p.m.