Altoona Curve to wear Mr. Rogers-inspired sweater uniforms
The Altoona Curve — Double-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates — are hoping Sunday will be a beautiful day in their neighborhood.
For this evening’s game against the Harrisburg Senators, Altoona will join WPSU Penn State and The Fred Rogers Company in presenting “A Night in the Neighborhood,” a celebration of the classic children’s series Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood and current PBS KIDS television show Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood.
Of course, the highlight of almost any minor league promotion is the uniforms. This will be no different, especially for those who grew up watching the original program or have become familiar with Mister Rogers’ collection of cardigan sweaters that he’d pluck from the closet to begin every show.
There was no greater symbol of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, so we applaud the choice.
Now, if they only came in several different colors, that would be perfect.
Oh well, we can’t be too picky. And besides, they’re also using this promotion to benefit the American Rescue Workers. That fact alone makes it a worthwhile promotion.
Here’s more from the Altoona Curve website:
For the game on July 5, the Curve will also be holding a Daniel Tiger/Mister Rogers Sweater Drive to benefit the American Rescue Workers. People are encouraged to donate new or gently-worn sweaters, as well as other clothing, as they come to the game. Neighborhood Sweater Drive bins will be placed at each of the gates at Peoples Natural Gas Field as well as at the Laurel Eye Clinic Customer Service Booth. All of Fred Rogers’ original sweaters were knitted by his mother.
That’s a factoid you probably didn’t know.
The event also sounds like a can’t miss for kids.
WPSU will be at the ballpark that day and will hand out 500 books to children during the game. In addition, one special child could win a grand prize of a Daniel Tiger Prize Pack that will feature Daniel Tiger merchandise, including books, a plush toy, and additional items.
There’s a little something for several generations to enjoy.
Now won’t you grab those tickets, neighbor?
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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Townie813
