PCL1 Oklahoma City Comets

RedHawks, Hertz to Honor Reverend Bill Greason Tomorrow

Published on August 29, 2012 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Oklahoma City Comets News Release


OKLAHOMA CITY-Hertz and the Oklahoma City RedHawks are pleased to announce the return of Reverend Bill Greason to Oklahoma City. Rev. Greason broke the professional sports color barrier in Oklahoma 60 years ago and his achievements will be honored on Thursday, August 30 at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

Rev. Greason's visit from his home in Birmingham, Alabama has been partly made possible by Hertz. The event is part of the Hertz Grand Slam Mission, combining youth, teamwork, and education in an initiative to provide opportunities for coaches and student-athletes in the Oklahoma City and surrounding communities, as well as serving to honor the city's rich baseball history.

"The RedHawks are thrilled that Hertz gave us this opportunity to shed light on such an important story in both the baseball world and our city's history," RedHawks President & General Manager Michael Byrnes said. "We're glad to play host to the festivities on Thursday and give our fans such a cool experience."

A pitcher for the Oklahoma City Indians, Rev. Greason was a promising talent on the mound known for mixing his fastball with a sharp breaking curve. In 1952, Rev. Greason went 9-1 with a 2.14 ERA then followed the stellar season with 193 strikeouts and two shutouts with a 3.61 ERA in 1953.

The rest of his 13-year baseball career included stints with the Negro League, Mexican League and International League, where he was an all-star. During that time, he was teammates with players such as Willie Mays and Roberto Clemente. He broke into the majors for a short time, playing for the St. Louis Cardinals in 1954.

Rev. Greason also served in the Marines, where he was in the battle of Iwo Jima during World War II and also served in the Korean War. Recently, Rev. Greason received the Congressional Gold Medal, the nation's highest civilian honor, for his service in the military and the community. He continues to serve his community as the pastor at the Bethel Baptist Church in Birmingham for more than 30 years.

Thursday night will the RedHawks and Hertz will celebrate Rev. Greason and his achievements in Oklahoma City and across the world.

Join the RedHawks on Thursday, August 30 to see Rev. Greason throw out the first pitch on the field and sign autographs during the game. First pitch for against the Albuquerque Isotopes is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Tickets for all remaining home games are available through the RedHawks ticket office on 2 S. Mickey Mantle Drive, by phone at (405) 218-1000 or by visiting okcredhawks.com.

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