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Eau Claire Express

Details announced for 2013 Northwoods League All-Star festivities

April 9, 2013 - Northwoods League (Northwoods)
Eau Claire Express News Release


EAU CLAIRE, Wis. - April 9, 2013- The Eau Claire Express and Northwoods League today announced details for the 2013 league All-Star festivities, scheduled for July 22 and 23 in Eau Claire, Wis. The game will feature the Northwoods League's top performers in the first half of the summer season. The two-day event will begin with a banquet to honor the all-stars featuring two-time World Series champion and former Minnesota Twins Manager Tom Kelly as the keynote speaker. Day two will include a fan fest and Home Run Derby prior to the game. The entire two-day event is presented in part by Marshfield Clinic, who has supported the Northwoods League All-Star Game in past seasons.

Eau Claire's second hosting of the Northwoods League's All-Star festivities will kick off on Monday, July 22 at the Plaza Hotel & Suites with a banquet recognizing top performers from the 16 teams. The banquet is sponsored by Visit Eau Claire and the Plaza Hotel & Suites and will be open to the public for the price of $50 per ticket. The event is set to begin at 6:00 PM with a full banquet meal, followed by the program portion of the evening featuring Tom Kelly.

Kelly began his managerial career following a short playing career in the Minnesota Twins minor league system in 1978 with the Single-A Visalia Oaks. He took a year off from coaching before being named manager of the Twins' Double-A affiliate, the Orlando Twins. Following one year there, Kelly was named as a coach on the Major League staff for the 1983 season. He was named the Manager in 1986, a role he held until shortly after the 2001 season. During his 16-year tenure, Kelly led the Twins to two World Series titles (1987 and 1991) and 1,140 wins. His tenure is the longest of any Twins Manager and his number 10 was retired to honor his accomplishments late in the 2012 season. Kelly still works with the Twins, currently serving as a Special Assistant to the General Manager, focusing on Spring Training instruction and Major League scouting.

Day two of the Northwoods League's 19th all-star event will be held on Tuesday, July 23 at historic Carson Park with a variety of activities. The day begins with a fan fest at 4:00 PM that gives fans the opportunity to interact with the all-stars and obtain autographs. The annual Home Run Derby will begin at 6:00 PM with the game to follow at 7:35 PM. The two-day event will be capped off with a fireworks display following the completion of the game.

Tickets for both the all-star banquet ($50) and game (starting at $6) are available at the Express Depot, 108 E. Grand Avenue or by calling (715)839-7788. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.eauclaireexpress.com . Tickets will become available at the Carson Park box office beginning with the home opener on June 2. Start time of that contest is 5:05 PM.

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