Tickets still available as Toledo Mud Hens begin homestand

Seats are reflected in standing water and a tarp covers the playing surface Wednesday at Fifth Third Field. Weather permitting, the Mud Hens will play their home opener today against Louisville.

The Mud Hens return to Toledo today for their 12th home opener at Fifth Third Field.

Standing-room only tickets for the 5 p.m. game are all that remain for the contest between Louisville and the Hens. Gates open at 3 p.m.

Throwing out the first pitch will be Wanda Butts, who created The Josh Project to provide low-cost swim lessons to Toledo children. Butts lost her son, Josh, when the 16-year-old drowned in 2006.

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After team introductions, the 180th Fighter Wing Color Guard will present the flags and WTOL news anchor Chrys Peterson will sing the national anthem.

The team also will honor longtime season-ticket holder Sis Deitrick, who died during the off-season. For nearly 30 years Deitrick traveled from Defiance with her son, Jimmy, to attend Mud Hens games.

The Mud Hens are hosting an “Opening Day Bash,” which includes a game ticket, an all-you-can-eat buffet and live music.

From 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. a band, 56DAZE, will perform in the Home Run Terrace behind the right-field fence, while The Bradberries will perform in The Nest in the right-field corner of the suite level.

Tickets for the “Opening Day Bash” are $30 and can be purchased at the Mud Hens box office.