Shorebirds will host the 2011 All-Star game

The Delmarva Shorebirds have announced that they will host the 2011 South Atlantic League All-Star Game on June 21, 2011 at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium. "We are extremely excited to host the 2011 All-Star Game, and to showcase Arthur W. Perdue Stadium and Delmarva's attractions to the rest of the league," said General Manager Chris Bitters. "We're also excited to partner with Perdue and use this opportunity to highlight the importance of the three local food banks. This partnership is something unique in the league and we're proud to be able to increase the Shorebird's involvement in the Eastern Shore community." The South Atlantic League All-Star Game features the top players from the Northern Division pitted against the premier talent from the Southern Division. Over the years, the SAL All-Star Game has featured major league talent including current Atlanta Braves right fielder Jason Heyward, who starred in the SAL back in 2008 for the Rome Braves. Other former SAL All-Star participants include: Hank Aaron, Bob Gibson, Chipper Jones, Don Mattingly, Eddie Murray and Willie Stargell. Current Shorebirds skipper Ryan Minor was selected to the 1997 All-Star Game. The last time the Shorebirds hosted the SAL All-Star Game was in 1999. The South defeated the North 5-2 in 10 innings. The Shorebirds are planning three-days of festivities surrounding the 2011 All-Star Game. Fans, area visitors, team dignitaries, league representatives and Delmarva residents will be treated to three-days worth of planned events. A formal announcement of the All-Star Game was made as part of an on-field ceremony before tonight's game vs. Lexington. General Manager Chris Bitters spoke about the event and provided further details about the 2011 mid-season classic. Representatives from Perdue and from the Delaware Food Bank, the Eastern Shore Branch of the Maryland Food Bank and Virginia's Food Bank of the Eastern Shore were on hand.