THOMASVILLE, N.C. (Jan. 25, 2019) — Old Dominion Freight Line, the Official Freight Carrier of Major League Baseball (MLB), is driving the celebrations for the annual Spring Training send-off tradition with MLB teams across the country.
This year, the less-than-truckload (LTL) carrier will partner with the Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Angels, Kansas City Royals, New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies for their Spring Training send-offs.
Traditionally, MLB teams flock to warmer states for Spring Training. Old Dominion is helping teams move everything from exercise equipment, baseball bats and balls, to sports drinks to their Spring Training destinations. Before the trucks hit the road, teams have special send-off events with fans, players, coaches, mascots and former players in attendance to celebrate the unofficial start of the 2019 baseball season.
On Jan. 25-27, Old Dominion will kick off the Spring Training send-offs with the 27th annual SoxFest, moving the team's equipment to the Hilton Chicago for the White Sox fan convention. SoxFest will feature events, autograph sessions, Q&A sessions and more.
The Los Angeles Angels will celebrate its "Moving Day" on Jan. 26, with player autographs, a merchandise "yard sale" with proceeds going to the Angels Baseball Foundation, interactive games and photo opportunities for fans. During the festivities, Old Dominion will load the commemorative trailer with the team's Spring Training essentials for Tempe, Ariz.
On Jan. 31, Old Dominion will also help the Kansas City Royals prepare for their annual trip to Surprise, Ariz., loading two trailers at Kauffman Stadium with players' equipment and exercise equipment.
In New York City, Mets fans are purchasing tickets and Mr. Met and Mrs. Met are gearing up for the exclusive celebration at Citi Field. The big send-off will include pitching in the bullpen, a behind-the-scenes tour, raffle giveaways and a player alumni appearance from Mets legend, Ed Kranepool. Old Dominion will move the Mets to Port St. Lucie, Fla. for Spring Training on Feb. 4.
"These MLB clubs understand the value of Old Dominion's premium service, ensuring its transportation to Spring Training goes as planned," said Dick Podiak, vice president of marketing and communication at Old Dominion Freight Line. "We're excited to move clubs again this year and help kick off the 2019 baseball season."
Finally, on Feb. 8, Old Dominion will load the Philadelphia Phillies gear onto two 33-foot trailers with help from the team's mascot, the Phillie Phanatic, who will also escort the truck out of Citizens Bank Park before it embarks to Clearwater, Fla. Each of the two trailers will be wrapped with a custom design celebrating the start of the Phillies Spring Training. For some social media fun, fans will be encouraged to send photos of their truck sightings to @Phillies and @ODFL_Inc, using the team's popular hashtag #RingTheBell.
For more information about Old Dominion, visit www.odfl.com or call (800) 432-6335. On Twitter and Instagram: @ODFL_Inc and Facebook: Old Dominion Freight Line Inc.
About Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.
Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. is a leading, less-than-truckload ("LTL"), union-free motor carrier providing regional, inter-regional and national LTL services through a single integrated organization. Our service offerings, which include expedited transportation, are provided through a network of 235 service centers located throughout the continental United States. Through strategic alliances, the Company also provides LTL services throughout North America. In addition to its core LTL services, the Company offers a range of value-added services including container drayage, truckload brokerage and supply chain consulting. To learn more about the company's industry leadership, click here.
