Enjoy Baseball Followed by Fireworks at Cowboy Field

The Laramie Rangers American Legion baseball program is teaming up with another local organization, the Gem City Baseball Association, for a fundraising exhibition baseball game on the 4th of July at Cowboy Field. The Rangers will take on the Loveland Blue Jays starting at 6:35 p.m.

Laramie Rangers manager Rich Wilson said, "It's just going to be a fun day. I'd like to pack the stands out here. It should be some quality baseball. We're using woods bats, so it shouldn't be a slug-fest. Then, you can't really get a better seat for the fireworks, I don't think."

Due to various reasons, the Rangers had to cancel their annual Firecracker tournament. So, instead of not playing, they've teamed up with the GCBA to bring the community some affordable family entertainment that pairs baseball with the local fireworks show Thursday evening.

Wilson said of the cancellation, "It is disappointing. I just take it with the way the year's been. Our numbers are down, and I guess when it rains, it pours. We look at it as water under bridge, let's just go on, pick ourselves up and stay positive. You just can't put your finger on it. One way or another, we'll have some good quality teams come in for tournaments in the future."

The game will be nine innings and played with wood bats. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for students with ID and children 5 years and older. There will be free admission for children under 5 years of age, and all active and veteran military are free, as well. Gates open at 5:30 p.m.

Wilson said, "It's something that's affordable, and both programs will benefit from it."

There will be door prizes, a raffle, music and concessions are available.

After the game, fans are invited to stay and watch the fireworks from the stands or go down on the field at Cowboy Field. You can bring a chair or a blanket, and you may not want to forget the mosquito spray, just in case.

The City of Laramie's fireworks show is set to begin at 10 p.m.

The Gem City Baseball Association is a non-profit. Their mission is to facilitate a community-sponsored competitive collegiate summer baseball team that will provide affordable family entertainment, mentoring for local youth baseball programs, create and participate in community service projects and foster skills development for participating athletes who will return to compete in their various national collegiate baseball programs.