After spending the daytime catching some sun, many Myrtle Beach locals and tourists alike spend their nights catching the stars - future big-league baseball stars, that is.

The Myrtle Beach Pelicans, the Class A minor league team for the Atlanta Braves, are playing their 11th season after relocating as another famous franchise - the Durham Bulls.

Taking a page from the movie ``Bull Durham,'' the Pelicans also have built their own star power in a short period of time. Part owners of the team include former NFL star running backs Jerome Bettis and Eddie George, who make appearances at the ballpark.

As of the start of the 2009 season, a total of 69 former players have gone on to the Major Leagues, including rising stars Jeff Franceour, Rafael Furcal and Jarrod Saltalamacchia. Braves veterans like pitcher Tom Glavine and Mark DeRosa have done rehab stints here.

The Pelicans play in the historic Carolina League, competing against such rivals as the Kinston Indians, Frederick Keys, Potomac Nationals, Wilmington Blue Rocks, Lynchburg Hillcats, Salem Red Sox and the Winston-Salem Dash on a rotating basis.

In 2008 the Pelicans played host to the California League-Carolina League All-Star game, which featured the top prospects from around the country and a star-studded game.

Their ballpark, BB&T Coastal Field, was built in 1999 and offers a new facility with a historic feel. Brickwork surrounds the stadium and iron roofing covers the grandstands. It seats more than 5,000 fans but generally draw between 2,000 and 3,000 in the summers.

The field also features general admission outfield bleachers known as Land Shark Landing, sponsored by Jimmy Buffet's beer brand and headquarters for ``Parrothead Nights'' at the ballpark. There's also a picnic area down the left-field line and an on-field section known as ``Pelican Beach,'' complete with beach chairs, sand and its own bar.

Since landing on the Strand, the Pelicans have become known for providing quality family entertainment. On-field activities include sumo wrestling and other events between innings, and an in-park playground allows children to release some energy.

The team gets annual visits from some of the top entertainment character in baseball, such as the World Famous San Diego Chicken, the Philly Phanatic, Myron Noodleman and the Zooperstars, which appeared on the popular TV show ``America's Got Talent.''

The regular weekday calendar features Mascot Mondays, when famous mascots visit the park; Team Tuesdays for local youth clubs; Wee Wednesdays, when kids get to run the bases after the games; and Thirsty Thursdays, when adults can get $1 drafts at the game.

The kids also will love Splash, the team mascot, and Dinger the Home Run Dog, who runs the bases after home victories and carries new baseballs and towels to the umpire. He is being replaced this season by his son, Deuce, who is learning the new tricks.

The Pelicans play 70 home games a year between April and September. Tickets range from $7 to $11. The team offers special promotions and giveaways throughout the year.

The stadium is located at the corner of 21st Avenue North and Bob Grissom Parkway, next door to the Broadway at the Beach complex. For more information, visit the team's official Web site at www.myrtlebeachpelicans.com or call the box office at 843-918-6000.

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