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Lexington Legends and Bowling Green Hot Rods Announce 2020 Game at Whitaker Bank Ballpark

November 21, 2019 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Lexington Legends News Release


WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) - The Lexington Legends (Class-A Affiliate of the Kansas City Royals) and the Bowling Green Hot Rods (Class-A Affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays) are excited to announce an agreement to play an exhibition game between the two clubs on Tuesday, April 7th, 2020 at Whitaker Bank Ballpark in Lexington, Kentucky ahead of the 2020 Minor League Baseball regular season opener. The agreement is two years in length with the game then being held at Bowling Green Ballpark in 2021.

The idea came from a comment on social media that turned into a conversation between Hot Rods GM/COO Eric C. Leach and Legends President & CEO, Andy Shea. Leach, a former member of the Legends front office staff, worked with Shea early on in his career with Lexington so the lines of communication were already open.

"We are thrilled to bring back the rivalry from 2009. It will be extra special with two championship caliber organizations with the Hot Rods winning the Midwest League in 2018 and the Legends going back-to-back in the South Atlantic League in 2018 and 2019," said Legends President/CEO, Andy Shea. "This renewed partnership is just one example of the power of social media bringing these two clubs together again."

"The Kansas City Royals have been excited about the opportunity to play an exhibition game with Bowling Green from the time Andy Shea asked if we'd like to participate in the game. Being part of an inter-league game with two affiliates from the state of Kentucky will be a unique experience for our players. It will also be something Legends fans will enjoy and will give the fans a preview of our team prior to the opener just a few days later," said Kansas City Royals Vice President/Assistant General Manager - Player Personnel, JJ Picollo.

"With both teams playing in the great state of Kentucky, it only makes sense that the Hot Rods and Legends would come together to give fans what they really want", Leach said. "Everyone enjoyed the rivalry during our inaugural season (in 2009), and after a fan mentioned the idea on Twitter, Andy and I got together to make it happen."

The game pits two championship-winning franchises against one-another after the Legends captured the 2018 and 2019 South Atlantic League titles while the Hot Rods did the same in the Midwest League in 2018. The two teams played one another 18-times in 2009, the lone year Bowling Green was a member of the South Atlantic League during their inaugural season. Lexington won the season-series 12-6 as an affiliate of the Houston Astros.

The game will be included in all Legends season ticket holder and flex plans. Fans can purchase a Stables package that includes a ticket and food for just $27. Suites are also available through the Legends.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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