Swing for the fences: Asheville Tourists serve up speed dating

Posted on by Jason Sandford

Looking to make it to first base with that special someone? Maybe you’re a big swinger. Ready to score a home run? If so, the Asheville Tourists want to invite you to attend Speed Dating Night beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 5, at historic McCormick Field.

The event is the brainchild of Mike Bauer, the Asheville Tourists’ executive director, who saw an article late last year about Michael Gelman’s Asheville Speed Dating business. “Being a minor-league baseball team, we’re always looking for something fun and quirky,” said Bauer, who pitched the idea to Gelman. A match was made.

Thursday night, which also happens to be the Thirsty Thursday at the ball field (with beers costing a dollar), a $29 ticket will get 20 men and 20 women between the ages of 21 and 40 into the right-field picnic area for a buffet including hot dogs and burgers, a cash bar and baseball. Bauer said each person will have six minutes to impress, then move on.

About half the tickets for the speed dating event have been sold, Bauer said, adding that he expects the tickets to sell out. It’s all in good fun, “and you might meet the man or woman of your dreams,” Bauer added.

So, are you good with a bat and balls? Got a squeeze play in mind? Maybe you just like to play pitch and catch. Whatever the case, call the Asheville Tourists’ front office at 258-0428 for more information.

— Jason Sandford, multimedia editor

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