Birds home for five games in four days

THE OPPOSITION: The Redbirds return to AutoZone Park for a busy weekend series with the Iowa Cubs. The Cubs and 'Birds will play five games in four days with a double-header scheduled for Saturday. The twin-bill on Saturday includes the last of three make-up games lost at Iowa in late April due to heavy rainstorms. This will mark the final meetings between the two teams this season. Iowa has dominated the Redbirds in 2006, winning 9-of-11 contests. The 'Birds own a 56-51 advantage against the Cubs all-time.

HOMESTAND HIGHLIGHTS: Redbirds fan will receive a special treat on Friday, August 11th as St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Mark Mulder will make a rehab start in Memphis. The big lefty will be making his second stop on his rehab assignment since being place on the disabled list June 21st. The Redbirds and Bank of America will also team up to honor "Neighborhood Champions" with a special presentation before the game. Saturday, August 12th the Redbirds will light up the skies with a Back-to-School Fireworks Extravaganza following the 'Birds double-header with Iowa. The first 1,500 fans will receive a back-to-school notebook courtesy of International Paper. The first game of the double-dip is scheduled to begin at 5:40 p.m. Fans can follow along with the game and win great prizes by playing FUNGO on Sunday, August 13th. The Redbirds' baseball version of BINGO allows fans the chance to win great prizes while watching the action on the field. Also, season ticket holders with have the opportunity to play catch on the field after the game and kids can run the bases like a Redbird. AutoZone Park will host the Rock 103 Great Unsigned Showcase Summer Concert Series featuring Patty Harper and Faultline with special guest Steve Harper in the entry plaza following the Redbirds final game with the Cubs on Monday, August 14th.

BIG LEAGUE BIRD: The St. Louis Cardinals playoff hopes might hinge on return of lefty Mark Mulder to the starting rotation and Redbirds fans will have the opportunity to see him live at AutoZone Park on Friday, August 11th. Mulder will make a rehab start for Memphis as he attempts to make his way back to the big leagues after being placed on the disabled list back on June 21st. He made a start for Single-A Quad Cities last week and allowed one run on two hits in five innings of work.

ONE LAST DAY OF SUMMER: The Redbirds will celebrate the end of summer and the beginning of a new school year with a Back-to-School Fireworks Extravaganza on Saturday, August 12th. On top of the fireworks show, fans will receive two games for the price of one as the Redbirds and Iowa Cubs will square off in a double-header. The teams will play two seven-inning games with the first game scheduled for 5:40 p.m. The fireworks show will begin shortly after the completion of the second game.

FANS TAKE THE FIELD: Kids of all ages will get a chance to fulfill their big league dreams on Sunday, August 13th as the Redbirds invite them to take the field following the game. Kids are invited to run the bases like a Redbird and season ticket holders will have the opportunity to play catch on the field following the Redbirds 2:10 p.m. game with the I-Cubs.

LOOKING AHEAD: Following the homstand the Redbirds will hit the road for four days as they travel to the Bricktown Ballpark in Oklahoma City, OK. The 'Birds will battle the RedHawks in a four-game series before returning home for their last homestand of the year. Memphis will host Round Rock and Nashville for nine games August 19-27 to close out the home portion of the 2006 schedule.

Friday, August 11 - 7:10 - Iowa

Bank of America-Higher Standards "Neighborhood Champions"

Sponsor: Bank of America/Smuckers

St. Louis Cardinal Mark Mulder to start for Redbirds

Saturday, August 12 - 5:40 (DH) - Iowa

Back-to-School Fireworks Extravaganza

Sponsor: International Paper

Promotion: Notebook giveaway for first 1,500 fans

Sunday, August 13 - 2:10 - Iowa

Season Ticket Holder Catch on the Field

Kids Run the Bases

FUNGO

Media Sponsor: WRVR the River

Monday, August 14 - 7:10 - Iowa

Rock 103 Great Unsigned Summer Concert Series

Band: Patty Harper with Faultline with special guest Steve Harper

For ticket information visit www.memphisredbirds.com or call 721-6000