EMU Today

YPSILANTI – The Eagles are coming to Mud Hen territory.

Reflecting the increasing number of students from Northeast Ohio attending Eastern Michigan University, staff, students, alumni and friends of Eastern will enjoy a night at the ballpark on June 16, when they visit the home of the Toledo Mud Hens, the top farm team of the Detroit Tigers.

Eastern Michigan supporters will watch the Mud Hens duel the Louisville Bats beginning at 7:05 p.m. The Mud Hens, who play in Triple A, the highest level of minor league baseball, lead the International League’s West Division by seven games.

Fans attending this first-ever TRUEMU Night at the Mud Hens will get a chance to see a variety of past and future Tigers on the roster when they visit Fifth Third Field, the modern home of the Mud Hens, a community gathering spot where distinct and fun fan experiences are a major part of every game.

The special package for the Eastern group includes

• One ticket to Toledo Mud Hens vs. Louisville Bats.
• One food voucher redeemable for a hot dog, chips and soft drink.
• One co-branded Mud Hens/EMU baseball hat.
• $5 of the package price going back as a donation to the EMU Alumni Association.

You can buy your tickets and game package at this special link.

The Eastern contingent will include University President James Smith along with Jill Hunsberger, EMU’s associate vice president for advancement, who will sing the National Anthem.

“A night at the ballpark is always fun, and the Toledo Mud Hens make it a truly festive experience,” President Smith said. “I’m eager to join many other members of the Eastern community for a relaxing and exciting evening of top-notch baseball and entertainment.”

Eastern Michigan offers in-state tuition to students from Ohio, and from other states, and the increased attention and marketing in region has led to a significant increase in the number of Ohio students attending Eastern over the last decade.

"Our Ohio neighbors have always been strong supporters of Eastern Michigan," said Walter Kraft, vice president for communications. "Northeast Ohio is one of our strongest recruiting areas outside of Michigan -- and we also have robust and committed alumni involvement."

The Mud Hens are named after a marsh bird, also called Marsh Hens or American Coots, with short wings and long legs that inhabits swamps or marshes. The team earned its name in 1896, and has kept it for the most part ever since. In that year, the team at times played next to the Maumee River at Bay View Park, where the surrounding land was frequented by Mud Hens.

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest university in Michigan. It currently serves 20,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Health and Human Services; Technology, and its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website.