Joliet Slammers Gear Up For First Ever Home Opener

Noted coffeemaker pitchman Joe DiMaggio once supposedly said, "You always get a special kick on opening day, no matter how many you go through. You look forward to it like a birthday party when you're a kid. You think something wonderful is going to happen."

Joliet's newest professional baseball team has never been through an opening day, so the one Thursday night is going to be even more special.

And the way the Slammers management has set things up, it won't just be a big deal for the original Slammers — who will be taking on the Washington Wild Things. It's sure to be a hit for the fans in the stands as well.

For one thing, the Slammers will be unveiling a new mascot to replace Jammer, the beloved blue and orange Phillie Phanatic ripoff who endeared himself to JackHammer fans for nearly a decade.

On top of that, the Slammers are giving away free magnet schedules, and one lucky fan is going to walk away with a refrigerator to stick his magnet to.

Jim Cornelison, who has free time now that the Blackhawks have been bounced from the playoffs, will sing the national anthem, and Dodgers legend Maury Wills is going to be around to meet fans and sign autographs.

To top it all off, the Slammers are putting on a postgame fireworks show to cap the night.

With all that going on, it's hard to argue against making the short trip in from Shorewood to Silver Cross Field.

“This is a new era in professional baseball for Will County,” said Slammers Director of Marketing Sarah Eichenberger. “The Slammers are excited to be part of this community and we are putting on a show that will not only be entertaining but also very affordable.”