Mayor's Alliance Sponsors 'Bark in the Park' in Coney Island - Summer 2008 - Out of the Cage!, the E-Newsletter of the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals

Sponsored by Maddie's Fund, The Pet Rescue Foundation

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Mayor's Alliance Sponsors "Bark in the Park" in Coney Island

Cheered on by more than 7,000 fans, the Maddie's Fund mascot winds up to throw the game's ceremonial first pitch at Bark in the Park. (Photo by Rick Edwards).

Cheered on by more than 7,000 fans, the Maddie's Fund mascot winds up to throw the game's ceremonial first pitch at Bark in the Park.

(Photo by Rick Edwards)

When does a baseball game spell a home run for NYC's homeless animals? When it's the Brooklyn Cyclones' "Bark in the Park" night at Coney Island's KeySpan Park, and the Mayor's Alliance and Maddie's Fund sponsor the big event!

That's exactly what happened on Monday, August 11, when the Cyclones hosted their annual "bring your dog to the ballpark" night, where they edged out an exciting 2–1 victory over the Batavia Muckdogs before a home crowd or more than 7,000 fans. Dozens of fans brought their dogs to the ball game, where they had the opportunity to have them microchipped at a Mayor's Alliance low-cost microchipping clinic.

Earlier in the afternoon, an excited crowd of eager adopters gathered in front of the stadium to greet the North Shore Animal League adoption van bringing dogs and cats from NYC's Animal Care & Control (AC&C) hoping to find new homes. The Maddie's Fund mascot greeted adopters and fans at the gate before heading inside the stadium to throw out the ceremonial first pitch of the game before the cheering crowd.

Nancy Fahnstock of CSM Stray Foundation, an Alliance Participating Organization, attended the game with her rescue dog, Leo. (Photo by Carole S. Milker).

Nancy Fahnstock of CSM Stray Foundation, an Alliance Participating Organization, attended the game with her rescue dog, Leo.

(Photo by Carole S. Milker)

As a memento of the event, the first 2,500 fans to arrive received a bobblehead statue of Maverick, the Cyclones' team dog, with the Maddie's Fund logo featured front and center.

This year's "Bark in the Park" marked the first time ever the Mayor's Alliance has sponsored a sports event. We look forward to future collaborations with the Brooklyn Cyclones and more opportunities to gain supporters among one of New York City's animal-friendliest group of fans!