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IL1 Buffalo Bisons

Bisons Home Opener Festivities Schedule

April 13, 2004 - International League (IL1)
Buffalo Bisons News Release


On Friday, April 16, 2004, the Buffalo Bisons will hold their 119th Professional Baseball Home Opener in Buffalo. The Herd will host the Ottawa Lynx, the Triple-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. The pre game celebration will feature the future Heavyweight Champion of the World, "Baby Joe" Mesi, and is sure to provide something to fans of all ages. With the home opener, the Bisons will attempt to return to the playoffs for the 8th time in ten seasons and will look to get back to the Governors' Cup Championship series.

"The Home Opener is such a great occasion in Buffalo," said Bisons Vice President/General Manager Mike Buczkowski. "With our off season renovations and construction, we're extremely excited about presenting the new-look Dunn Tire Park to our fans. We are certain that the improvements we have made to the ballpark will enhance the enjoyment of Bisons fans of all ages."

ON FIELD FESTIVITIES
---Video Presentation: The Opening Day festivities will begin on the field at approximately 5:35 p.m. As is Bisons tradition, the Bisons Big Board will feature an exciting video, set to Keith Urban's "Somebody Like You", which will celebrate the start of the baseball season and the beginning of Spring, 2004 in Buffalo, NY.
---Tributes: The Bisons will pay tribute to Dr. Ignatius Bertola, who passed away in January. Bertola served as the team's doctor for more than 20 years. On the field, Mike Buczkowski will present Mrs. Judy Bertola with a plaque in Bertola's honor. The team will also pay tribute to the seven WNY natives and all members of the United States Armed Forces who have lost their lives while fighting for the US and freedom around the world. A 15-second moment of silence will follow.
---Team Intros: After the entire rosters of both the Bisons and the Lynx are introduced to the field, Miss Arin Dandes will sing the Canadian National Anthem and the Star Spangled Banner. The introductions and anthems will be highlighted with fireworks salutes throughout. The colors for Friday's ceremonies will be presented by the United States Air Force 914th Airlift Wing from Niagara Falls, NY.
---First Pitches: There will be three ceremonial pitches on Opening Day. Vaughn Rivers will throw out a pitch in honor of his brother, Private David Evans, who lost his life while serving in the United States Army in Iraq. Another pitch will be thrown by the future Heavyweight Champion of the World, Tonawanda's own "Baby Joe" Mesi. Mesi is 29-0 with 25 knockouts in his professional career and is determined to remain undefeated as he prepares for his ultimate battle to become the heavyweight champion. Erie County Executive, Joel Giambra will also throw out a ceremonial pitch before the Opening Day contest.

FAN GIFTS
---The first 10,000 fans in attendance on Opening Day will receive a 2004 Magnetic Schedule. The magnetic schedule is sponsored by Adelphia.

TICKET INFORMATION
---Tickets for Opening Day, and the entire 2004 season, are available now at the Dunn Tire Park box office, which is open weekdays from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Tickets are also available at all Tickets.com locations. Fans can charge by phone at 1-888-223-6000 or they can order on-line at Bisons.com.

For more information, please contact the Bisons media relations department at (716) 846-2211.
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