Spinners To Host Rice, Pesky For Number Retirement Ceremonies
August 25, 2009 - New York-Penn League (NYPL)
Lowell Spinners News Release
LOWELL, MASS. - The Lowell Spinners, Class-A Affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, announced today that they will celebrate the careers of a pair of Red Sox legends next week when they retire the Red Sox numbers of recent inductee to the Baseball Hall of Fame, Jim Rice and Mr. Red Sox, Johnny Pesky, on consecutive days to end the season: Monday, August 31 for Jim Rice Day and Tuesday, September 1 for Johnny Pesky Day.
Both baseball legends will be on hand at LeLacheur Park for the festivities, where their numbers will be hung on the right field walls during in-game ceremonies during the Spinners games against the Brooklyn Cyclones. Each will throw out a ceremonial pitch following a tribute video prior to the start of the game.
Rice, who became the third straight Red Sox left fielder elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame, following the footsteps of Ted Williams and Carl Yastrzemski before him, spent his entire 16-year playing career with the Red Sox.
The 1978 American League Most Valuable Player, Rice led the league that year in home runs (46), RBI (139), hits (213), triples (15) and slugging percentage (.600) in one of the most dominating seasons a player has ever had.
"Jim Rice was one of the most feared hitters of his era," said Spinners Vice President/General Manager Tim Bawmann. "It was fitting to see Rice come through in the clutch as he had so many times during his Red Sox career, earning a well deserved nomination to the Hall of Fame. We are very excited to welcome Jim to Lowell to celebrate his career here at LeLacheur Park with this latest honor."
Pesky personifies what it is to be a member of the Boston Red Sox, as a true ambassador of both the game and the organization. One of the best to ever don a Red Sox uniform, Pesky retired after 10 seasons with a .307 lifetime average, better numbers than many shortstops enshrined in the Hall of Fame.
A former Red Sox manager, coach, broadcaster and player development staffer, Pesky is still in uniform, in the clubhouse and out on the field before every Red Sox game.
"Few men are better for the game of baseball than Johnny Pesky," said Bawmann. "It was a moving ceremony to see the Red Sox retire Johnny's number six at Fenway Park. We look forward to having a similar moment with Johnny here at LeLacheur Park September 1."
In addition to the Jim Rice ceremony Monday, the Spinners will also honor Billerica, Mass. native and Spinners manager Gary DiSarcina with a Bobble Head Giveaway, sponsored by Collins Dentistry for Children.
In addition to honoring Johnny Pesky Tuesday, the Spinners will also host Boston Red Sox night, including jerseys off their back silent auctions for special Red Sox jerseys.
Both nights will also feature an end of summer closeout on Miller Lite and Coors Light, the Spinners will offer $2 domestic drafts. This end of summer special is a one-time event!
Tickets remain available for both games by calling the Spinners Box Office at 978-459-1702 or online at LowellSpinners.com.
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