SACRAMENTO RIVER CATS
Defending Triple-A Champions Again!

The Sacramento River Cats look to defend their Pacific Coast League and Triple-A championship as they head into the 2008 season with new manager Todd Steverson. Fans bring an amazing passion to Raley Field, where the River Cats have now won six division titles and three Pacific Coast League championships. It's clear this team, leading the league in attendance for eight consecutive years, will be a fan favorite for years to come.

The Pacific Coast League has been in existence since 1903 and has seen the rise of baseball legends like Ted Williams and Joe DiMaggio, as well as modern greats like Barry Bonds.

As the Triple-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics, the River Cats boast an all-star roster of alumni, including 2005 American League Rookie of the Year Huston Street, 2004 American League Rookie of the Year Bobby Crosby and 2002 American League Cy Young Award-winner Barry Zito. Other major-league greats like Eric Chavez, Rich Harden, Nick Swisher, Mark Mulder, Mark Bellhorn and star of the future Daric Barton have also called Raley Field home.

The River Cats and the A's have a truly symbiotic relationship. The Oakland organization is serious about player development. A's General Manger Billy Beane credits Director of Player Development Keith Lieppman as being an integral part of the A's success over the past decade. Lieppman stresses consistent coaching throughout the organization as a major factor in grooming players for success in the majors, a strategy from which both Oakland and Sacramento have reaped benefits. In the 2008 season, look for top prospects like infielder Gregorio Petit, outfielder Carlos Gonzalez and left-hander Greg Smith to have breakout years in Sacramento.

The team's 2008 home opener is on April 11, against the Las Vegas 51s. Steverson, formerly the manager of Oakland A's Double-A affiliate Midland Rockhounds, has some big shoes to fill with the departure of manager Tony DeFrancesco, the A's new third-base coach. On staff for the 2008 season are hitting coach Brian McArn, pitching coach Rick Rodriguez and new athletic trainer Brad La Rosa.

The River Cats' home ballpark is Raley Field in West Sacramento, located just across the Sacramento River from the city's vibrant downtown area. The beautiful and easily accessible modern ballpark is one of the best in the league and has been a key element in attracting record-setting crowds. With a seating capacity of 14,414, Raley Field offers all the amenities of a major-league park. Park highlights include catered luxury suites, a party deck that can be reserved, delicious concessions and an on-site cantina.

Perhaps the most compelling aspect of River Cats baseball is the fun, excitement and convenience. Minor-league baseball is a low-cost, low-stress alternative to a major-league game, while offering a high level of play. Creative and exciting promotions are the norm at Raley Field, including many that are family oriented. River Cats games are home to KCRA-Channel 3 giveaways, where items like youth River Cats jersey T-shirts and bobbleheads are handed out. Other exciting events this summer will include a singles night, couples night, golf night, faith nights, teacher-appreciation night and Boy/Girl Scout night. Monday nights will feature baseball bingo. Tecate Fiesta Tuesdays will feature $2 beers. Elvis House Barbecue will be a sure hit on Thursdays. Friday nights will feature $1 hotdogs and ice cream. Fireworks sponsored by Sutter Health will follow every Saturday night game. And that always popular postgame activity, fans running the bases, will happen every Sunday, making every day a fun one this season. For more information, visit rivercats.com.