Virginia Governor Ralph Northam and Speaker of the House of Delegates Kirk Cox have a little good-natured bipartisan wagering going as the governor’s “Summer of Baseball [1],” a series of visits across the Commonwealth to visit nine local minor league baseball teams, begins.
It kicked off over the weekend in Richmond with the Flying Squirrels opening game [2] when Northam threw out the opening pitch [3].
When the governor announced the tour on Twitter, he received a response from a fellow politico in the capital.
It’s officially the Summer of Baseball and I’m ready to bring the heat to all nine of Virginia’s minor league teams this season. pic.twitter.com/vKFqr2eKVW [4]
— Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) April 13, 2018 [5]
Up for a small wager @GovernorVA [6] ? For every strike you throw this season I will donate $100 to a baseball charity of your choice. Good luck! https://t.co/UTsAlmwIqH [7]
— Kirk Cox (@SpeakerCox) April 13, 2018 [8]
You’ve got yourself a bet, @SpeakerCox [9]. https://t.co/CRx2NyLLYa [10]
— Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) April 13, 2018 [11]
Virginia boasts nine Minor League Baseball teams, with seasons traditionally running from April through September. Governor Northam’s schedule will include stops in the following locations:
April 13th – Richmond Flying Squirrels
April 27th—Salem Red Sox
May 19th—Norfolk Tides
May 26th—Potomac Nationals
June 23rd—Lynchburg Hillcats
June 30th—Danville Braves
July 21st—Bristol Pirates
August 4th—Bluefield Blue Jays
August 18th – Pulaski Yankees
“Baseball is known as America’s national pastime, and that certainly rings true for the people of Virginia, as well,” said Governor Northam. “Our nine minor league baseball teams are important contributors to communities across the Commonwealth, uniting friends and family and bringing Virginians of all ages together to enjoy a night out at the ballpark.
“Tonight’s home opener is the perfect opportunity to celebrate baseball in Virginia. I encourage all Virginians to attend baseball games in their own communities and across the Commonwealth, and discover for yourselves why Virginia is for Baseball Lovers.
Let the friendly wager begin. Play ball!