ALLENTOWN, Pa. — You thought there was going to be a cat pun in the headline, didn't you?
Braving chilly temperatures and occasional raindrops, IronPigs fans descended upon Coca-Cola Park on Saturday night to watch a classic American baseball game — complete with hot dogs, home runs and ...
Rescue cats.
Saturday transformed into the team's first-ever "Caturday," where, for one night, the Triple-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies swapped their usual powder blues for tabby coats, and player headshots were replaced with cat memes. Even a faint meow was heard in between innings.
"We could not have been more excited for our first-ever 'Caturday," said Sam Jellinek, manager of broadcasting and media relations for the IronPigs.
"The cat has been consistently overlooked in terms of overall popularity and within the promotional category of minor league baseball. It's time that we changed that."
For the fans, it was a unique opportunity to interact with the many cat rescues present at the park, and, if they wanted, bring their feline friend along for the game.
Despite the chilly weather, many fans took advantage.
Want a Willow with your Bagel?
Cradled in a pile of blankets in the outfield was not a baby, but Bagel, a 3-year-old orange tabby who lives in Northampton with mom Allison, dad Marc, and 5-year-old Ashlyn Reicher, who claims that "this was the best night ever."
"Everything is all about dogs, so it's nice for cats to get the recognition." said Marc Reicher.
"I told all of my friends that we were taking our cat to the baseball game, and they said I was crazy," added Allison. "But he is loving it."
Also cuddled in a blanket was 5-year-old Willow, a silver tabby with big green eyes and a pink leash.
Owners Megan and Eddie Lalama are newly-married and trying to start a family of their own, but for now, they say, a sassy cat from the Lehigh Valley Humane Society will just have to do.
"This is so great that they did this, because you normally don't see cats outside," said Eddie.
"I feel like a lot of people don't realize that all of the outdoor activities you can do with dogs, you can also do with cats, as long as you keep them safe," Megan added, pointing at a see-through, breathable "cat-pack" that Willow arrived in.
All for a good cause
Although the memes and cat puns were all in good fun, the true purpose of "Caturday" was to support local animal shelters and raise public awareness about the importance of animal adoption.
Present at the game were several local animal rescues, whose staffers chatted with patrons about available animals and answered questions about adopting or fostering.
"Our goal tonight is to simply get the word out about our mission," said Alan Raisman of Stray Cat Blues Inc., a feline animal rescue based out of Colmar, Montgomery County. "Everyone has a [feline] best friend waiting for them. Some just don't know it yet."
Also tabling was the Lehigh Valley Humane Society, which played a key part in the charitable component of the evening. Not only did some of the game's ticket proceeds go back to the Humane Society, "Cats" jerseys worn by players were auctioned off in partnership with Floor & Decor, with the 'Pigs and the Humane Society splitting the proceeds 50/50.
Stephanie Skyriotis, community events coordinator for the Lehigh Valley Humane Society, says the money will support its community vet clinic, which provides low-cost veterinary services to the community.
"It helps cover the cost of spaying, neutering, and other potentially life-saving procedures for these animals," she says. "The IronPigs have been so great to work with, and it's awesome to be out in the community spreading awareness like this."
"You have to win, it's cat night!"
Ultimately, the 'Pigs — um, Cats — coasted to an 8-4 victory over the visiting Charlotte Knights, thanks to a five-run fourth inning and a solid prrr-formance from pitcher Tyler Phillips.
Sunday's game at Coca-Cola Park is back to normal, with the first pitch slated for 1:30 p.m.
The IronPigs have plenty of other special events planned this season. You can check out upcoming promotional nights available here.
