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FL Joliet Slammers

Joliet Native Steve Parris to Attend Grand Slammer

March 9, 2011 - Frontier League (FL)
Joliet Slammers News Release


(Joliet, IL) - He starred for Joliet West High School and St. Francis College before making "The Show." Now one of Joliet's favorite sons is headed to the Rialto Square Theatre this Thursday for the unveiling of the Joliet Slammers' logo.

Steve Parris is one of four St. Francis Fighting Saints to make the major leagues. Of the four, Parris had the longest career. He was their ace pitcher during their run to the 1989 national title game.

The Philadelphia Phillies made Parris their fifth round draft pick in 1989. He would make his major league debut in 1995 with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Parris' best season came in 1999 with the Cincinnati Reds as the right-hander went 11-4 with a 3.50 ERA.

During his eight seasons at baseball's highest level, Parris pitched for the Pirates, Reds, Blue Jays, and the Devil Rays before retiring after the 2003 season.

The red carpet event known as "The Grand Slammer" is scheduled for 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. this Thursday at the Rialto Square Theatre and hosted by Chet Coppock . Blackhawk's national anthem singer Jim Cornelison and American Idol's Chris Medina will perform. The "Grand Slammer" will also feature Dodgers legend Maury Wills, four-time batting champion Bill Madlock, "Sudden" Sam McDowell, Joliet baseball legend Jack Perconte, former Northwestern baseball star Michael Huff, entertainment from the Blooze Brothers band and recently retired Chicago White Sox organist Nancy Faust . Former Negro League players Johnny "Lefty" Washington and Hank "Baby" Presswood will be on hand as well.

Slammers players Josh Flores and Zach Rodeghero along with manager Bart Zeller and pitching coach Carmen Pignatiello will model the brand new uniforms. More players are also expected to attend.

Tickets for the event are sold out! A waiting list has been created. Call the Slammers at (815) 722-BATS (2287) to put your name on the list. For more information you can visit the Joliet Slammers Facebook Page.

The Joliet Slammers are members of the Frontier League of Professional Baseball. The Frontier League is the oldest continuously operating independent professional league, in its 19th season in 2011. For more information about the Frontier League visit www.frontierleague.com.

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