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AA Sioux Falls Canaries

83-year-old to break baseball record at Birdcage

July 7, 2006 - American Association (AA)
Sioux Falls Canaries News Release


Sioux Falls, SD - In 2003, Minnie Minoso became the oldest person to ever play professional baseball at the age of 80 when he drew a walk playing for the St. Paul Saints. On Tuesday, the record will fall when 83 year-old Jim Eriotes suits up for the Sioux Falls Canaries in a game against the St. Joe Blacksnakes.

"Jim has taken batting practice with many of the Goldklang Group teams," noted Canaries President John Kuhn. "During the off-season, he told Mike Veeck that he wanted to try his hand in an actual game, and Mike sent Jim our way and quite frankly, I thought it sounded like a great idea."

Veeck pointed Eriotes in the direction of the Sioux Falls Canaries because of the team's community ties with active seniors. The Canaries and Humana team-up to promote activeness amongst seniors by offering a special half-price ticket for senior citizens at Canaries games on every Tuesday night.

"By having Jim take part in a game we hope to send the message that the quality of a person's life does not have top stop at a certain age, but can go on as long as the will to live remains strong," said Canaries Director of Promotions John Kouris. "In talking to him it was very clear that he is not just coming to Sioux Falls to take an at bat. He is coming here looking to get a hit!"

On Tuesday, the Canaries will host the St. Joe Blacksnakes at The Birdcage for a 7:05 p.m. game. In addition to Jim Eriotes setting the record for the oldest person to ever play in a professional baseball game, the night will feature the a Baseball Giveaway presented by Frontier Bank.

The first 500 kids, 14 and under, will receive a Canaries logo baseball.

The Sioux Falls Canaries are charter members of the new American Association of Independent Professional Baseball. The team's 2006 Season is presented by First PREMIER Bank/PREMIER Bankcard.

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