PCL1 Fresno Grizzlies

Grizzlies Will Honor Local Heroes On Opening Night

April 15, 2010 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Fresno Grizzlies News Release


FRESNO, CA - The Fresno Grizzlies announced today that they will welcome six very special guests to Chukchansi Park to be honored on Opening Night, presented by Wendy's. Distinguished members of the Fresno County Sheriffs Office will be recognized for their courage in the line of duty in a pregame ceremony at Chukchansi Park on Friday, April 16th.

On the morning of Thursday, February 25th, the Valley community was shocked to learn of a tragic incident. While serving a search warrant in Minkler, Sheriff Deputies, Cal Fire officials and Reedley Police Officers came under gunfire. During the ordeal, Fresno County Sheriff's Deputy Joel Wahlenmaier and Reedley Police Officer Javier Bejar both lost their lives in the line of duty.

The Grizzlies will honor and recognize not only the two fallen members of our local law enforcement, but also a half dozen other men who put their lives on the line for their communities that morning. The organization is proud to welcome Sheriff's deputies Mark Harris, Sergio Toscano, Mark Eaton, Leo Lopez, Mark Chapman and Robert McEwen to be recognized on the field. Deputy Harris, who suffered gunshot wounds during the incident but has since fully recovered, will throw out the first ceremonial first pitch of the 2010 season.

As part of the pregame ceremonies, the Grizzlies will also recognize Fresno County and City of Fresno officials including members of the Fresno County Board of Supervisors, Fresno City Council, Mayor Ashley Swearengin and new City Manager Mark Scott. In addition, the organization will unveil the new Daktronics video boards recently installed at Chukchansi Park. To round out the Opening Night pregame festivities, the 144th Fighter Wing of the California Air National Guard will provide a flyover upon the conclusion of the National Anthem.

For more information about the pregame ceremonies on Opening Night, presented by Wendy's, please contact Noah Frank at 559.320.2526. The Grizzlies open the home portion of the 2010 campaign on Friday, April 16th when they welcome the Portland Beavers to downtown Fresno. Tickets for Opening Night and the entire first homestand are on sale now at the new www.fresnogrizzlies.com, through the Chukchansi Park ticket office, or by phone at 559.320.TIXS.

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