Public relations pros take a break, enjoy a different kind of 'pitch' with Asheville's Tourists

If you're tired of being asked to "play ball" in the business world, here's a great opportunity watch the show with Public Relations Association of Western North Carolina.

Continuing its efforts to offer communications professionals highly entertaining, effective networking opportunities, PRAWNC has come through yet again with the second annual "Take Me Out to the Ballgame: an Afternoon with the Asheville Tourists." Members and guests alike are invited to yell at the ump, cheer the action and enjoy a hotdog or pizza as the Asheville Tourists take on the Kannapolis Intimidators Sunday, May 23, at 2 p.m.

In addition to catching the action, attendees will be able to learn the history behind the Tourists, one of professional baseball's most storied clubs, from Chris Smith, assistant general manager and Tourist historian.

Baseball fans enjoy the spectacle of the game. All-American pastimes include people-watching, sampling ballpark fare, talking with fellow fans, and - as crazy as it sounds - actually watching the game. Sherri L. McLendon, PRAWNC president, admits to a fascination with pitching styles.

"No two pitches and no two pitchers are alike," she says. "It's a difference those of us who 'pitch' for a living really appreciate. We get the psychology of the game."

Brian Jennings, the PRAWNC board member organizing the event, recalls a two-decades past conversation with a former Tourist owner who said, "I don't promote baseball; I promote entertainment where a baseball game is being played."

The concept was not only years ahead of its time, but remains a nugget of knowledge PR professionals may choose to embrace in our own "fields" of expertise, says Jennings.

The Public Relations Association of Western North Carolina hosts "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" at historic McCormick Field, Sunday, May 23, at 2 p.m. The cost is $15 for members and guests, $13 for children ages 12-3, and free under age 3. Ticket includes game admission, food, drink and an official Asheville Tourist souvenir. McCormick Field is located at 30 Buchanan Place Asheville, NC 28801. RSVP by Monday, May 17, to finance@prawnc.org/