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Baseball professionals and political leaders are joining forces in Connecticut, as The Norwich Navigators Double-A baseball team hosts a “Save Our U.S. Sub Base” rally on Tuesday, June 14 prior to its 6:35 p.m. home game. The statewide effort has drawn the attention of Connecticut Governor Jodi Rell, who has committed to appearing at the event, and other local and national political leaders who are fighting to keep the Groton Submarine Base open. The Connecticut Sub Base is one of numerous national military operations targeted for closure by the U.S. Government later this year.
“As a business in Southeast Connecticut this issue clearly supersedes regional boundaries,” said Lou DiBella, president and managing partner of the Navigators. “Groton will be one of the highest impacted base closures across the nation. Our rally is an opportunity to unite the community and join with the “Save Our Sub Base Committee” to raise our voice on a critical issue of national importance.”
Dodd Stadium Gates will open at 5:00 p.m. and fans will be admitted to both the rally and Navigators game for FREE. The pre-game rally begins at 6:00 p.m. The team is also encouraging all game attendees to wear red and create signs that express support for the Groton Submarine Base. Eastern Connecticut’s very own Rock Band, Superbald, will be playing their hit song “Submarine Town” live prior to the start of the game.
According to local media sources, economists predict closure of the Groton base would devastate the state economy and threaten 31,000 jobs statewide, more than 8,000 of them at the base itself. The Groton facility was built in 1872 as the Navy’s first submarine base and is home to the Naval Submarine School and 18 attack submarines. Its effect on the regional economy is estimated at $2.5 billion. A final decision to actually close the base occurs in September.
The Navigators are the Double-A Affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, celebrating their 11th season in Connecticut. Tickets for all home games are now available by calling 860-887-7962 or by visiting www.gators.com. Group outings, corporate picnics and skybox rentals are also currently on sale. In addition, appearances by both team mascots, Tater the Gator and Rally the Raven, are available for various children’s events.
