July 31st marked the 4th annual “Kids Day” at Cheney Stadium, an event that started in 2021 through a partnership between the Ben B. Cheney Foundation, YMCA of Pierce & Kitsap Counties, and the Tacoma Rainiers. This year’s “Kids Day” event also celebrated the 70th Anniversary of the Cheney Studs Pacific International League baseball team.
“Kids Day” was designed to make Tacoma Rainiers baseball accessible to more families in our immediate area. In its fourth year, this special event celebrating kids and baseball continued as an exciting, family-friendly evening at the ballpark complete with kid-friendly activities.
This year, each child in attendance with a special “Kids Day” game ticket from the YMCA received a logoed batting helmet and a meal. Throughout the game kids took the spotlight in key roles singing the national anthem, announcing from the broadcast booth, and an appearance of a mini “Epic Sax Gorilla.”
“When you think about the YMCA, you think about kids” said Erika Tucci, Executive Director of the Ben B. Cheney Foundation. “Our Foundation started with a focus on youth and sports, so we are thrilled to partner with the “Y” and the Rainiers to provide access for more kids and families to attend the great game of baseball. Our most memorable days at the park as kids included a hot dog and souvenir, and we wanted that to be their experience too.”
In celebration of the Cheney Studs’ 70th anniversary. The souvenir batting helmets featured the Studs’ anniversary logo and the team’s history was highlighted during the game. Learn more about the Cheney Studs’ anniversary through the article “70 Years of Excellence.”