PULASKI, Va. – Calfee Park will celebrate the return of baseball season with an all-new event this year, and the Pulaski River Turtles are ready to boogie.

On Monday, June 3, the River Turtles will welcome the Carolina Disco Turkeys to Calfee Park for a seven-inning baseball game christened “A Game for Hope” that will benefit charity.

The exhibition contest marks a historic first for the River Turtles organization. Not only will the event mark the River Turtles’ first pre-season game since its inception in 2021, but it will also be the first game ever played against an opponent not affiliated with the Appalachian League. The Carolina Disco Turkeys, headquartered in Winston-Salem, N.C., are a member of the Southern Collegiate Baseball League.

“We’re thrilled to be adding this event to the 2024 schedule. This game will introduce our 2024 River Turtles roster to our fanbase in a fun, competitive way against an organization we’ve never played,” Pulaski River Turtles general manager JW Martin said. “This game will be beneficial for the development of our team, but we’re hoping it will be very beneficial for the Pulaski Community Partners Coalition (PCPC) as well.”

A $2.00 General Admission ticket will be sold at the gate on June 3, with all proceeds benefiting the Pulaski Community Partners Coalition (PCPC). In addition, the River Turtles will wear a special themed jersey for the occasion, and all game-worn jerseys will be auctioned for charity. PCPC is the community prevention coalition for Pulaski County. The group is made up of community leaders and concerned citizens whose primary mission is to reduce substance abuse and misuse among youth by promoting healthy, thriving families and a safe community by connecting people, resources and ideas. PCPC is coordinated by New River Valley Community Services (NRVCS), the region’s largest public provider of behavioral health services. The theme of the charity game is borrowed from NRVCS’ ongoing “HOPE” campaign.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our organization and Pulaski County’s community prevention coalition,” noted Mike Wade, Coordinator of Community Wellness and Outreach for NRVCS and a long-time member of PCPC. “At a time when so many are struggling with substance use and mental health challenges, it’s never been more important to promote messages of hope and wellness. We are truly grateful to the Pulaski River Turtles for their partnership in this effort.”

Though this event is not included in season ticket packages or box packages, seats for season ticket holders and box holders will be reserved for this event. General Admission seating will be observed in most sections of the park for this event, for the exception of seats and boxes reserved for season ticket holders. No advance tickets will be sold.

Formed in 2021, the Carolina Disco Turkeys finished the 2023 season with a record of 21-13-1 in collegiate wood-bat play.

“The Disco Turkeys organization has a history of seeking out top quality opponents around the Southeast and beyond to challenge our players and build our brand,” said Greg Sullivan, team president of the Carolina Disco Turkeys. “We’re very excited for this matchup with an Appalachian League club and of course playing in one of the nicest ballparks in the country in Calfee Park. We want to thank the River Turtles organization for letting us partner with them on this wonderful event.”

Gates will open at 5:30 p.m., on June 3, with first pitch scheduled for 7 p.m. For more information on this event, visit www.pulaskiriverturtles.com.