Mormon Times briefly

LDS Night at AT&T Park on June 15

SAN FRANCISCO — For the first official time ever, the San Francisco Giants are reaching out to Bay Area Mormons by holding an LDS Night at AT&T Park.

The Giants will play an interleague game against the Baltimore Orioles on June 15 at 7:15 p.m. Before the first pitch, a player from San Francisco's past will receive a family history gift from a representative of the LDS Church. While this isn't the first time San Francisco has had an LDS-theme night, Cameron Lochte, special events coordinator for the Giants, said it will definitely be the biggest one they've done.

"Last year was more of a group ticket offer for the LDS community," Lochte said. "We sold a few hundred tickets. But this year, we're trying to grow the event and make it more interactive".

Festivities start at 5:30 p.m., when the club will host "Giants County Fair" in lot A at the ballpark. LDS entertainers will perform on the main stage, and admission is free. The first 2,500 people who buy tickets will also get a free ride at the fair.

Instead of seating everyone in the same general place, the Giants have decided to give fans options: there will be sections in the lower box, bleachers and box level for Mormons to purchase. Group rates are available. Lochte said this was so Latter-day Saints who want to pay more to be closer to the action can do that at a discounted rate, but those who want to be part of it for a more family-friendly and affordable price.

Lochte added that the prices of tickets will decrease with the amount of people that purchase in one given group.

Mormons who are planning a vacation in the area or who are visiting family are also encouraged to come to the event.

"Bring your whole wards and stakes," he said. "It will give the event a more community feel."

Tickets can be purchased at sfgiants.com/specialevents, or by calling 415-972-2233. For groups of 25 or more, call Lochte at 415-972-2254.

— Nick Newman

Reactivation through church sports

A calling to a husband and wife to serve as scorekeepers at LDS Church sports events led the couple, who had not been attending church meetings, to become more active in the church.

Their story is told in the May newsletter of the church's Utah Area Sports Committee. It is posted online at MormonTimes.com; on the home page, near the bottom, click on the link "Utah Area sports monthly newsletter."