CornBelters to Host Michael Collins Tribute Night
Published on July 17, 2014 under Frontier League (FL)
Normal CornBelters News Release
NORMAL, Ill. - The Normal CornBelters, presented by Illinois Corn Farmers, have announced they are hosting a Michael Collins Tribute Night on August 19. The CornBelters are playing the Schaumburg Boomers at the Corn Crib at 7 p.m.
The CornBelters have teamed up with Heartland Community College to host a night to remember and celebrate the life of Collins.
Collins was a member of the Heartland Community College baseball team for two seasons and was a current Illinois State University student before he passed away as a result of injuries he suffered in a car accident on April 2, 2014.
"Michael loved baseball, loved playing for Heartland, and loved playing at the Corn Crib. We are proud of the 22 years Michael spent on this earth," said Jim Collins, Michael's father. "Some of the very best days of his life were spent playing and practicing with the Heartland Hawks at the Corn Crib, and we are thrilled the CornBelters will pay tribute to him in a stadium that had a special place in his heart - and on the 19th no less."
"Heartland Community College and the Heartland Athletic Department thanks the Normal CornBelters in advance for creating a special night to honor the memory of Michael Collins but even more so to help carry on his spirit," said Nate Metzger Director of Heartland Community College Athletics. "The spirit has already provided much widespread love and kindness among our community, and even nationally."
The CornBelters are going to donate half of the revenue of the tickets sold from the night to the Michael Collins Foundation. Additionally, half of the 50/50 raffle on the 19th will be donated to the Michael Collins Foundation. To commemorate Collins' role as a Heartland Hawk baseball player, a blue seat (contrasting with the green seats around it) will be designated on the 3rd base side of the ballpark behind the Heartland dugout. It will have Collins' name and number and the
CornBelters will retire the seat after that date forever.
"We are honored the CornBelters are paying tribute to him with a special night and by dedicating 'the best seat in the house' to him," said Collins. "We are so grateful for the CornBelters support of the Michael Collins Foundation, and for them and Heartland baseball working with us to place a memorial plaque in honor of Michael at the Corn Crib."
"It is appropriate that the date would be August 19th since Michael wore #19 and his jersey has since been "retired" here," said Metzger. "We look forward to keeping Michael's spirit alive and certainly the goal of his family and subsequent creation of the Michael Collins Foundation is to continue to honor his legacy through random acts of kindness and a "pay it forward" attitude just like he exemplified and certainly this night will help do just that!"
THE NIBLET : Mini-Plan Packages for the 2014 season are currently on sale! To purchase Mini-Plan Package tickets, or for more information, please contact the CornBelters today at (309) 454-2255 (BALL) or stop by The Mid-Illini Credit Union Box Office at The Corn Crib during normal business hours.
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