It’s Time for Charlotte Knights Baseball!
Photo: nbcsports.com
With the major league season underway, it’s almost time for the return of minor league baseball, and more importantly, our Charlotte Knights. The first game of the season will be this Thursday, April 4, and it will take place at home at BB&T Ballpark. The Knights will square off against in-state divisional opponent Durham Bulls at 7:04 p.m., the first of a four game opening series that will wrap up Sunday afternoon.
The team will once again be managed by former big leaguer Mark Grudzielanek, who managed the club the previous two seasons. Although top prospect Eloy Jimenez has moved onto the major league White Sox, there will still be plenty of players to watch for the Knights this upcoming season. The Chicago White Sox have one of the top farm systems in baseball, led by Jimenez and Michael Kopech (who will miss the 2019 season due to Tommy John recovery). They also have the 21st overall rated prospect in the game in right handed pitcher Dylan Cease. Cease is the 7th best pitching prospect in baseball, whose fastball regularly hits triple-digits. Luis Robert and Nick Madrigal also rank as the 39th and 46th best prospects in baseball, respectively, and even though they will start the season in High Single-A Winston-Salem, should see time in Charlotte at some point this season. Robert is the 10th best outfield prospect in baseball while Madrigal is the 3rd best second base prospect.
Photo: Lebo/The Sports Chief
The Knights will be looking to rebound from a 64-75 2018 campaign, which led to them finishing last in the International League South division behind the Durham Bulls, Gwinnett Stripers, and Norfolk Tides. Make sure to come out to the ballpark this season to support the team and enjoy a good time. Knights fans are the best in minor league baseball, allowing the team to lead the minor leagues in average attendance per game four times in the last five seasons. Nearly 9,000 fans were in attendance for each game last season, with 23 total sellouts. If you’ve never been, the ballpark is absolutely beautiful in its uptown Charlotte setting. And after every Friday night game a firework show will take place. You can get your tickets by visiting the team’s website, or by clicking HERE. Go Knights!
Garett