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Michigan Baseball Team: Take Your Guns Out To The Ballpark

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. (CBSNewYork/AP) — Fans are being encouraged to bring their guns to a Michigan ballpark Friday night as part of a promotional event by a collegiate summer league baseball team.

"2nd Amendment Education Night" is being held at C.O. Brown Stadium when the Battle Creek Bombers of the Northwoods League host the Rochester (Minnesota) Honkers.

Bombers general manager Tony Iovieno told the Battle Creek Enquirer that the event is a way to promote gun safety and to showcase Freedom Firearms, the area business that is sponsoring the event.

"There are always going to be folks who don't agree with what we do," Iovieno told TMZ Sports. "We just had LGBT Pride Night the other night and some people didn't like that either. You can't please everyone."

Battle Creek Bombers
Battle Creek Bombers logo

Iovieno, who said the team is taking no political stance on gun control, said extra security is planned. Those with guns will get a wristband and won't be allowed to purchase alcohol.

The Bombers will provide free trigger locks to fans.

Linda Brundage, executive director of the Michigan Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence, told the Battle Creek Enquirer that the event is an example "the NRA and the gun lobby working overtime to sell more guns." She urged the Bombers, the league and the team's corporate sponsors to cancel the promotion.

It's also Boy Scout Night and Fireworks Night at the ballpark.

(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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