SAL1 Greenville Drive

Drive Set to Honor Hall of Famer Jim Rice on September 3rd

Published on August 13, 2009 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Greenville, SC - Down to his final at bat, Red Sox great Jim Rice was finally elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Just a few weeks ago, the Anderson, South Carolina native took his rightful place in Cooperstown with all of baseball's immortal greats.

And on Thursday, September 3rd, Rice will make his first public appearance in the Upstate at Fluor Field since being enshrined as the Drive will honor the hometown hero. Prior to the Drive's game with the Bowling Green Hot Rods, Rice will throw out the ceremonial first pitch. The Drive will also honor Rice in-game with a jersey presentation.

Greenville Drive General Manager commented on Jim Rice Night, saying, "Jim Rice's election into the Hall of Fame was well deserved and long overdue. He was one of the greatest players during his era, striking fear in opposing pitchers. At Fluor Field on September 3rd, the Drive, along with all baseball fans of the Upstate, will honor and congratulate Jim on his selection."

Just like the two Hall of Fame left fielders who preceded him at Fenway Park - Ted Williams and Carl Yastrzemski - Rice spent his entire 16-year career with the Red Sox. In fact, he joined Williams, Yastrzemski and Bobby Doerr as the only Hall of Famers to play their entire career with the Sox.

Rice's accomplishments speak for themselves. Following the 1978 campaign, in which he finished third with a .315 average while leading the league in home runs (46), RBIs (139), hits (213), triples (15), and slugging percentage (.600), Rice was named the American League's Most Valuable Player.

He also topped 20 homers in 11 seasons, knocked in 100-plus RBIs eight times, was an All-Star eight times, hit .300 in seven seasons and he finished in the top five in the American League MVP voting six times. Also, Rice hit 39-plus homers four times, the most of anyone who played in the American League during his time period.

In addition, Rice was the only Major Leaguer in his era to hit over .300 with 375-plus home runs during the first 15 years of his career. There were only 12 players who accomplished the same feat prior to Rice, all of whom are Hall of Famers including Babe Ruth and Hank Aaron.

"Jim Rice was one of the best players of his era and his Hall of Fame nod further proves that he is amongst the best of all time," added Drive Co-Owner and President Craig Brown. "We are thoroughly excited to have him at Fluor Field, where he'll be surrounded by friends, family, former teammates, and longtime supporters."

Rice's appearance at Fluor Field will kick-off a four-day celebration of Rice's accomplishments by the City of Anderson. Prior to his appearance at Fluor Field, a special reception will be held at T.L. Hanna High School, where Rice graduated. On Friday, September 4th, Rice will attend the Westside home football game as the Rams host Belton-Honea Path. Rice gained his reputation as a multi-sport standout for the Westside in baseball, football, basketball, and track and field.

"Here we are in 2009 and I'm now standing amongst baseball's elite, in front of my family, friends, and fans, having accepted baseball's pinnacle achievement," commented Rice. "To be recognized by the Upstate, where it all began, just adds to the whirlwind of emotions I have gone through over the last few weeks."

For more information regarding Jim Rice Night at Fluor Field, single-game tickets, group outings, and luxury accommodations, visit www.GreenvilleDrive.com or call the Drive Front Office at (864) 240-4500.

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South Atlantic League Stories from August 13, 2009


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