By JOHN BOHNENKAMP
The Burlington Bees’ Sunday home game against the Thrillville Thrillbillies has been canceled, but there will still be a Community Basket Day event.
The Bees announced on Friday that the game was canceled so that members of the Thrillbillies could attend the funeral of player Ashton Smith, who died on Monday.
The team tried to find an alternate opponent within the Prospect League to play in an exhibition game, but no team was available.
The Community Basket game is one of the biggest of the year for the franchise, dating back to the late 1990s during its affiliation with the Midwest League.
Instead, the Bees’ players and coaches will play in a five-inning “sandlot” exhibition game, beginning at 2 p.m., followed by a home run derby.
Community Basket winners will be drawn throughout the day, with the final prize awarded at approximately 4 p.m. after the home run contest. Winners must be present for the third prize of $2500 cash, as well as the basket and its contents.
General admission will be $5. Concessions will be available, with special drink prices.
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