RiverDogs to host North Charleston youth baseball teams whose game was halted by gunfire

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - The two North Charleston youth baseball teams who had their game interrupted by gunfire on Monday night will get to finish their game at a pro stadium next week.

The Charleston RiverDogs announced that they’ll host the teams on May 3rd and allow them to resume the game at Riley Park.

First pitch will be at 5pm.

“As a huge supporter of youth baseball, we felt that is was our responsibility to do something for these children that might help them move on from this traumatic experience”, said RiverDogs President and General Manager Dave Echols. “We have a tremendous opportunity, with what we do night in and night out, to help in difficult situations like these.  Thankfully, with the help of the city of North Charleston and the North Charleston Recreation Department, we were able to put this special night together quickly.”

The teams, which featured 9 and 10 year old boys were part of what’s become a viral video from Monday when dozens of shots could be heard from the Pepperhill Park parking lot as the kids were getting ready to begin the next inning of their game.

Major League Baseball is purchasing tickets to the game for all three youth teams, as well as hosting a post-game picnic for everyone involved.  In addition, the Tampa Bay Rays, the RiverDogs major league affiliate, are sending t-shirts and hats for the children.  

“Major League Baseball and Minor League Baseball were deeply saddened by the incident that took place Monday night and we are relieved that nobody was injured,” said Peter Woodfork, Major League Baseball’s Senior Vice President of Minor League Operations and Development. “We are pleased that these children and their families will have an opportunity to finish this game at Joseph Riley Park prior to the RiverDogs hosting the Fayetteville Woodpeckers on Tuesday. We hope the experience at The Joe will be a small step towards helping those involved in that frightening incident.”

There was also a 15 and under softball team practicing at the field during the shooting. The girls will also be attending the game at Riley Park next week.

“The RiverDogs are a true community partner. Following the events of Monday night affecting three of our youth athletic teams, the RiverDogs were among the first to reach out to offer support to the young players and their families,” said North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey. “Playing at The Joe will be a much needed positive and joyful experience for our kids.”

Games at Pepperhill Park have been canceled since the incident. There’s no word on when they will play there again.

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