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Tennessee Smokies

Smokies to "Play Two" to Honor the Late Ernie Banks

May 5, 2015 - Southern League (SL1)
Tennessee Smokies News Release


KODAK - The Tennessee Smokies will be playing a day-night doubleheader at Smokies Stadium on Tuesday, May 12th against the Montgomery Biscuits to honor the late Ernie Banks, affectionately known as "Mr. Cub", and famous for saying "Let's play two!". Highlights from Banks' legendary career will be played on the videoboard throughout the day, while the first 1,000 fans attending the nightcap will receive an Ernie Banks t-shirt jersey.

"The impact Ernie Banks had not just on baseball, but on the nation, was simply tremendous," stated Smokies Team President Doug Kirchhofer. "It will be very fitting to honor 'Mr. Cub' with a doubleheader, a day he surely would have enjoyed himself."

In addition to the festivities honoring Banks, the Smokies will also attempt to set a single-day franchise record for attendance with "The March for 10K". A pair of former Tennessee Volunteer quarterbacks Sterling Hinton and Tony Robinson will also be on hand that evening to sign free autographs for all fans in attendance, while select concessions items will also be on sale for just $2.00. Dogs will also be welcome to join their owners at the ballpark as part of NexGard-Heartgard Tail Waggin' Tuesday.

The late Hall of Famer, who passed away prior to this season at the age of 83, will be remembered by the Smokies throughout the day and night in many ways. Highlights, photos and features on the life and playing career of Banks will be played on the Smokies' video board during both games, while the first 1,000 fans attending the second game of the twinbill will receive a Ernie Banks Cubs jersey t-shirt.

The date itself is also significant in Banks' career, as it will be the 44th anniversary of the shortstop's 500th career home run, which Banks blasted on May 12, 1970 at Wrigley Field. Over his 19-year career with the Cubs, the 1977 National Baseball Hall of Fame inductee recorded 2,583 hits, along with 407 doubles, 512 home runs and 1,636 RBI in 2,528 total games for Chicago. Banks during his playing career was also voted the National League's Most Valuable Player in consecutive seasons in 1958 and 1959, won a Gold Glove Award in 1960, and was also a 14-time All-Star selection.

The Smokies' first game versus the Biscuits on May 12th will begin at 11:30 a.m. ET, with the second contest slated for a 7:05 p.m. first pitch time. Gates for each matchup will open approximately one hour prior to first pitch.

A separate ticket will be required for each game, while both contests are scheduled to go a full nine innings. The twinbill will also mark the first ever day-night doubleheader to be played at Smokies Stadium.

Tickets for both games, as well as the remaining home contests at Smokies Stadium, are on sale and can be purchased online at smokiesbaseball.com, or by calling the Smokies Ticket Office at 865-286-2300.

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