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CarL1 Myrtle Beach Pelicans

Gridiron Greats Join Pelicans' Ownership Group

February 21, 2008 - Carolina League (CarL1)
Myrtle Beach Pelicans News Release


MYRTLE BEACH, SC - The Myrtle Beach Pelicans are pleased to announce that former National Football League greats Jerome Bettis and Eddie George have joined the Pelicans ownership group, Myrtle Beach Pelicans LP.

Aside from being fellow All-Pro running backs and long-time friends, Bettis and George are both represented by Marketing Agent/Business Manager Jahmal Dokes of Pro Life Management and Entertainment, Inc., based in West Bloomfield, Michigan, who also joins the Pelicans ownership group.

Bettis is also an investor in Curve Baseball LP, the ownership group of the Pelicans' two Pennsylvania-based sister-franchises, the Altoona Curve (AA-Eastern) and the State College Spikes (Short-Season A-New York-Penn). All three franchises are operated by Greensons Baseball.

"I am ecstatic to be investing in my third Minor League Baseball franchise with Greensons Baseball," said Bettis. "This ownership group has proven to be winners both on and off the field and I really appreciate the opportunity to continue with such a successful group and to become part of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans."

George has continued the success of his storied playing career in his post-NFL endeavors. His contributions can be felt beyond the world of sports and into areas such as music, film and television, education, health and fitness and social awareness. While his venture with the Pelicans will mark his first foray into professional sports ownership, he is the founder and part owner of the The EDGE Group and "Eddie's Sports Grill" in Columbus, OH.

"When my NFL fraternity brother and good friend Jerome Bettis asked me to invest in a Minor League Baseball franchise I jumped at the opportunity because of the great things I've heard about the Altoona Curve and State College Spikes franchises, which Jerome has been involved with for several years," said Eddie George. "Being part of a first-class organization like Greensons Baseball, which now includes Jerome and myself, will bring nothing but more great opportunities and success to the Pelicans and the fans of Myrtle Beach."

"I can't think of anything that stands as a firmer statement of the strides taken by the Pelicans organization than partnering with two men who have known nothing but unabashed success throughout their professional life," said Pelicans' President and Managing Partner Chuck Greenberg. "We have had an outstanding relationship with Jerome, and it gives us great pride that he shares our excitement about Pelicans baseball to the level of not only getting involved, but to also bringing in trusted friends and colleagues like Eddie and Jahmal."

"To have the opportunity to partner with two of the sporting worlds all-time greats is in itself a tremendous advantage," added Greenberg. "The fact that both are respected ambassadors of sports throughout the community makes the partnership a perfect fit."

Dubbed "The Bus" as a result of his bruising running style, Bettis spent 13 seasons as a running back in the NFL. He finished his playing career as the fifth-leading rusher in league history amassing 13,662 yards. A six-time Pro Bowl selection and three-time All-Pro, he spent 10 of his 13 seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers and helped the team to the AFC playoffs six times, including four trips to the AFC Championship Game and an appearance in Super Bowl XL on February 5th, 2006. Following the Steelers' 21-10 win over the Seattle Seahawks, Bettis announced his retirement from professional football, affording him the rare opportunity among pro athletes to leave the field for the final time as a champion.

The jovial superstar made the transition to the television broadcast booth following his playing career, serving as a studio analyst for NBC's Sunday Night NFL package. He has help spear-head philanthropic efforts throughout his professional live, starting "The Bus Stops Here" Foundation to help improve the overall quality of life for troubled and underprivileged children in the Pittsburgh area in 1996. In 1997, he received the "Pittsburgh Dapper Dan Man of the Year Award" for his work on social issues in the community. Jerome continues his campaign for community involvement with continued support of various programs and endless work by his Foundation. He was acknowledged by the league for his work when he was named the 2002 NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year.

"Having admired both Jerome and Eddie as players, it has been very rewarding to watch this relationship take shape and reach this partnership," said Pelicans' General Manager North Johnson. "Seldom in minor league baseball do you get the chance to be associated with guys that have reached their respective sports' pinnacle. We feel very fortunate."

After setting a school record by rushing for 1,927 yards as a senior at the Ohio State University in 1995, George was awarded the Heisman Trophy. The Houston Oilers made George their first-round draft choice in 1996, and the decision paid immediate dividends as he won the league's Offensive Rookie of the Year Award. George remained the starting running back for the Oilers/Titans through the 2003 season and never missed a start. He and Hall of Famer Jim Brown are the only two running backs to rush for over 10,000 yards while never missing a start. A four-time Pro Bowl selection and three-time All-Pro, he helped the Titans to an appearance in Super Bowl XXXIV against the St. Louis Rams. He spent his final season with the Dallas Cowboys in 2004, and retired from football following the season. His career totals include 10,441 rushing yards, 268 receptions, 2,227 receiving yards, and 78 touchdowns (68 rushing and 10 receiving).

He has gone on to many television roles, including NFL broadcasts as well as Fox's coverage of the Bowl Championship Series. On October 1, 2006, George was appointed spokesperson for Tennessee's GetFitTN program by Governor Phil Bredesen. The initiative is aimed at the prevention of Type 2 diabetes and the promotion of healthier, more active lifestyles.

Single-game tickets for the Pelicans' April 11th Home Opener, The 2008 California-Carolina League All-Star Game, as well as the rest of the Pelicans' 2008 home schedule, will go on sale to the public on Saturday, March 1st at 9 a.m. in conjunction with the club's annual TicketPalooza event at BB&T Coastal Field. However, fans can reserve their Home Opener tickets as well as the best seats to all 2008 Pelicans home games today by purchasing Season Tickets, Mini-Plan packages, a group ticket package, picnics, birthday parties, or luxury suite rentals. To order any Pelicans ticket package or for additional information fans can call (843) 918-6000 or toll-free at (877) 918-TIXX, or visit MyrtleBeachPelicans.com.

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