Best game you never saw

Riverdogs fans were faced with locked gates

A baseball team have set a bizarre new record after playing a match in front of no spectators.

The Charleston Riverdogs purposefully discouraged fans from attending Monday night's South Atlantic League clash with the Columbus Redstixx.

Gates were padlocked and supporters persuaded to stay outside listening to live commentary on loud speakers, while consuming cut-price hot dogs and beers.

As a result, the Riverdogs will go down in history as having the lowest gate ever for a professional game.

The previous record was set by the 12 hardy souls who defied a rainstorm to see the Chicago Cubs beat the Troy Trojans on 17 September 1881.

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Riverdogs PA announcer Atom Taler said: "There was nobody in the ball park. I think it was one of the most fun, intriguing and successful promotions of all time. It really was a gas.

'Nobody Night'

"We had a real party outside and fans were allowed to climb ladders and look inside for a minute at a time, as long as they paid money to charity."

Tonya Harding Day anyone?

The wacky stunt - dubbed 'Nobody Night' - was the brainchild of team owner Mike Veeck.

Previous schemes have included Friday The 13th Night (inadvertently scheduled on Good Friday), Tonya Harding Bat Day and Vasectomy Night - which was fittingly given the chop.

Nobody Night was finally declared over once five innings had been played - making it an official match in the eyes of the law.

Once the landmark was reached, spectators poured into the Joe Riley Stadium to watch the rest of the match.

Riverdogs fans must have wished they hadn't bothered - the Redstixx won 4-2.