RiverDogs awarded Sally All-Star Game

NEW YORK -- Charleston will host the South Atlantic All-Star Game for the second time in nine years in 2012 when the league's best talents meet for the 53rd time June 19 at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park.

The RiverDogs, the Yankees' Class A affiliate, announced the news on Friday, three days after Delmarva served as host of the 2011 All-Star Game. Charleston was also the site of the annual exhibition in 1998, 2000 and 2004.

"The Charleston RiverDogs are extremely proud to serve once again as the host for the South Atlantic League's All-Star Game," said the team's general manager, Dave Echols. "We know that Charleston is one of the friendliest cities in America and one of the league's premier destination cities, and we will certainly roll out the red carpet for the players, coaches, fans and sponsors."

The club, owned by the Goldklang Group, a baseball entity known for it's on-field entertainment, has already scheduled a full week of activities, from a welcome party June 17 to an All-Star Golf Tournament at Patriots Point Golf Club on June 18. The festivities will also include an awards luncheon, a FanFest event and a home run derby before the game. Fireworks and live music are also planned for postgame celebrations.

"We will also highlight many of the Lowcountry's great restaurants and culinary experiences while saluting our military personnel," Echols said.

The team also revealed the All-Star logo, a blue and gold emblem that features the RiverDogs' familiar logo along with a palm tree and baseball moon over a starry night sky.

The game will be sponsored by the Charleston Restaurant Association in conjunction with Force Protection Industries. Fans can purchase tickets through the RiverDogs' website as well as by phone.