WHEREAS, the Tri-City Chili Peppers, a Coastal Plain League baseball team in Colonial Heights, created a unique experience for fans by establishing Cosmic Baseball nights, using a custom-made ultraviolet light system and special equipment to turn a typical night game into a swirling spectacle of neon; and

WHEREAS, the Tri-City Chili Peppers were founded in 2019 by Chris Martin, a longtime coach and owner of a baseball training foundation, who wanted to create new opportunities for young players in the region; the team plays in the Coastal Plain League, a summer league featuring top players from colleges throughout the region; and

WHEREAS, after a 1980s-themed event, during which the organization handed out glow sticks to fans, Chris Martin was inspired to make the next event even more memorable by turning out the stadium lights; the idea evolved into an entire game played in the dark under blacklight with reflective uniforms and equipment, similar to cosmic bowling; and

WHEREAS, Chris Martin consulted multiple lighting companies about the unique challenges of installing ultraviolet lights at an outdoor baseball stadium; the firms JW Lighting, Federated Lighting Virginia, and Sonaray ultimately developed a solution and conducted a comprehensive renovation of Shepherd Stadium's lighting system; and

WHEREAS, with the first major hurdle addressed, Chris Martin sourced reflective paint for baseballs and worked with Tucci Limited to produce special bats and 3N2 Sports to produce custom uniforms with neon pinstripes and lettering on a pink background; and

WHEREAS, all four Cosmic Baseball nights sold out within 24 hours of a promotional video being posted in May 2024, and the Tri-City Chili Peppers received national media attention from ESPN and The New York Times; and

WHEREAS, the Tri-City Chili Peppers held the first Cosmic Baseball game on June 1, 2024, with an electric riot of color blazing over players and fans alike and vaporous tails of starlight yellow trailing off the ball on every hit; and

WHEREAS, additional Cosmic Baseball games were scheduled for the 2024 season, including June 15, June 28, and July 20, and, after the smash success of the first round of Cosmic Baseball, the Tri-City Chili Peppers plan to add another game later in the summer; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That the Tri-City Chili Peppers hereby be commended on the successful implementation of Cosmic Baseball nights; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Chris Martin, owner of the Tri-City Chili Peppers, as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for the team's commitment to innovation.