Batting Around: Thunder Assistant Coach Gets Baseball Opportunity 5/28 In McKinney
May 8, 2008 - Intense Football League (Intense)
Frisco Thunder News Release
McKINNEY, Tex. -- A promotional opportunity has become a playing opportunity for Frisco Thunder assistant coach Eric Jackson. The Frisco Thunder's defensive coordinator will appear in the McKinney Blue Thunder's line-up when the Continental Baseball League team hosts the Corpus Christi Beach Dawgs on Wednesday, May 28. First pitch at the Ballfields at Craig Ranch (corner of SR 121 and Alma in McKinney, Tex.) will be 7 p.m. Jackson's appearance resulted from the Frisco Thunder's cross-promotion with the Blue Thunder. After arranging for Thunder owner Jake Reed to serve as an early-inning first base coach, a Thunder player to throw out the first pitch and appearances by the Frisco Thunder Dance Team and Crash The ThunderCat, the only thing missing was a Thunder representative in the actual game. Enter Jackson, whose first love is baseball � he was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds' organization in 1992 but elected to play football instead at Texas Tech and later San Angelo State. One more phone call, and thanks to a free roster spot left vacant for such purposes as well as some hustle by the Blue Thunder front office, Jackson now has his shot at pro baseball. He signed his one-day contract Tuesday, May 6 at the Blue Thunder's ballpark office complex. ``The Blue Thunder welcomes the opportunity to partner with the Frisco Thunder as the goals of each organization are similar,'' said owner Larry Faulkner.``We want to help our players get to the next level in professional baseball and we want to give an up-close, interactive, family-friendly experience for our fans in Collin County and the surrounding areas.We have heard nothing but positive comments about Jake Reed, and we look forward to having him coach first base for a few innings that night and to see what Coach Jackson brings to the plate!" Jackson's excited -- and SERIOUS -- about the chance to play. ``I'm looking forward to seeing what I can do,'' Jackson said. ``Swinging the bat and throwing the rock around in an organized setting like this, I can't wait. And let the record state I can still hit a curve ball ... sit back, keep my weight back and drive the pitch.'' The Blue Thunder is an independent team unaffiliated with Major League Baseball and its farm system, However, many players from the Blue Thunder and the CBL advance to the next level as the 72-game, 4-month season progresses. Trying to move up to the next level is something Jackson appreciates fully after his stints with indoor football as a coach and player. ``These baseball players truly exhibit the definition of chasing the dream and being willing to do whatever it takes,'' Jackson said. ``It's an honor to be associated with them.'' While he's not preparing the Thunder's defense, Jackson will practice with the Blue Thunder, who are managed by former Texas Ranger infielder Curtis Wilkerson. Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for children under 12. Fans can purchase online at www.bluethunderprobaseball.com/tickets.
Football-wise, Frisco (5-3) is coming off a two-week bye and faces former UT quarterback James Brown and the CenTex (4-3) Barracudas Saturday at 7 CST in Belton, Tex. For more information, contact (972) 731-6968 or visit www.friscothunderifl.com.
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