Carl Gutelius was just sitting around the offices at Falcon Park trying to think of a way to add some more excitement to the season when an idea popped up.

“We play Batavia a thousand times a season, so it's become a rivalry,” he said. “We wanted to spice it up somehow.”

From this was born the “Jailbird Series” - a fitting title since both cities house prisons.

Actually, the Doubledays and Muckdogs square off 12 times this season, and new for 2007, the rivalry will be jazzed up beginning on Opening Day, Tuesday, when the Muckdogs visit Falcon Park for a 7 p.m. contest.

The game will mark the beginning of a best-of-nine series with the winner receiving the “Jailbird Trophy.”

The loser of the series will have to complete several tasks: The loser's front office staff will spend a night in the winner's bullpen, the loser's general manager will sit in a dunk tank at the winner's stadium and the loser's mascot will be jailed in the winner's stadium.

Fans can get into the action, too. On Aug. 17, buses will be available for a trip down the Thruway in an attempt out-draw the Muckdogs in Batavia. Fans are encouraged to show up in their Doubledays gear to cheer on the Doubledays.

The two teams square off for the last time in a three-game series Aug. 25-27.

Here are some other dates to remember throughout the season:

Sunday, June 24

The Doubledays know a thing or two about celebrating championships, and this season is no exception. The 2006 Pinckney Division Championship banner - the Doubledays' fifth straight - will be raised at Falcon Park. Plus fans have a chance to get a collectible Pinckney Division pin.

Tuesday, July 3

Food lovers mark your calendars. The Falcon Park Chef Competition hits the Falcon Park stadium for a special 1 p.m. game.

Fans can sign up to participate in the competition, which gives fans ballpark ingredients and nine innings to concoct a recipe. The top meal will be featured on the Doubledays menu.

Monday, July 30

You've seen him dance, you've seen him conduct. Now see Dancin' Bill as a bobblehead.

A take-home version of the legendary Bill Jayne will be given away to the first 1,000 fans.

Tuesday, Aug. 28

For the first time in team history, the Doubledays are giving away two bobbleheads in a single season. This time, the featured star is former Auburn pitcher Johan Santana, a two-time Cy Young Award winner.

Thursday, Aug. 30

Tug McGraw's family will be on hand for the annual Wall of Fame induction ceremony, which will honor the legendary pitcher. Also to be enshrined are Charlie Wride, Vince Klein, Dr. Thomas Stapleton and Bill Graney.

Sunday, Sept. 2

The Doubledays' final regular-season home game brings the Jamestown Jammers to Falcon Park. Auburn then closes out the regular season with five road games.