Summer Knights: 5 things to know about Charlotte’s baseball team this year

(1) All-Star summer

The Knights host the AAA All-Star Game on July 13 and the AAA Home Run Derby on July 11. The game pits the future stars from the AAA International League (where the Knights play) against the stars from the AAA Pacific Coast League.

Tickets start at $10 for standing room only and $15 for actual seats. Note that All-Star Game and Home Run Derby tickets are sold separately. Casual baseball fans may only recognize a few names on the All-Star rosters but these are baseball’s future stars — the best of the best — right in Charlotte. 

(2) Ticket prices

Ticket prices are unchanged from last season. Prices start with $8 standing room only tickets and go up to $50 for Diamonds Direct upper deck seating along the first base line. Discounts are available for children under 12, seniors and active military members. Buy your tickets in advance; prices increase $2 on game days.

(3) Rollie Fingers, Sweet Lou and a Strawberry

The Knights continue their tradition of bringing former stars out to meet fans and sign autographs at BB&T Ballpark again this year. Hall of Fame pitcher Rollie Fingers (yes, that’s his real name and yes, that’s his real mustache pictured below) and former player/manager “Sweet” Lou Piniella, ‘90s star Javy Lopez, and ‘80s star Darryl Strawberry will all sign free autographs and meet fans at appearances this summer. 

Here are the dates you need to know:

• April 19: Darryl Strawberry
• May 18: Rollie Fingers (#MustacheBash)
• June 1: Lou Piniella
• August 17: Javy Lopez
  

(4) I love the ‘90s / The Grateful Dead tribute band

If you love the ‘90s get ready for Space Jam star and Hornets legend Muggsy Bogues, Seinfeld’s Soup Nazi and Saved by the Bell’s Principal Belding, all of whom will also appear during Knights games this summer. The Grateful Dead tribute band “Dark Star Orchestra” will perform on August 2 in a concert special (no Knights game that day).

Here are the dates:

• July 18: Larry Thomas, Seinfeld’s Soup Nazi

• August 2: Grateful Dead tribute band “Dark Star Orchestra”
• August 10: Dennis Haskins, Saved by the Bell’s Principal Belding
• August 21: Muggsy Bogues

(5) Take the light rail to the game

If you live in Charlotte’s South End or points south, just ride the light rail to the game. It’s cheap ($4.40 per person round trip) and you don’t have to worry about the hassle of parking near the ballpark. You’ll want to get off at the 3 Street / Convention Center station and walk five blocks down 3rd Street to the ballpark. If you get there early enough you might even be able to jump in on a game of wiffle ball in Romare Bearden Park.

Enjoy Knights baseball this summer. I’ll see you at the ballpark.