IL1 Lehigh Valley IronPigs

Honorary Guests Announced for All-Star Week

Published on July 11, 2010 under International League (IL1)
Lehigh Valley IronPigs News Release


(Allentown, Pa.) - The most recognizable sports figures in the history of the Lehigh Valley, Pro Football Hall of Famer Chuck Bednarik and former Heavyweight Champion of the World Larry Holmes, will both toss ceremonial first pitches and sign autograph's during this week's All-Star activities presented by the Lehigh Valley Health Network, the IronPigs announced today. The two will also be joined by Pocono native Chase Mattioli, currently vying for Rookie of the Year honors in racing's ARCA Series.

Larry Holmes will make his second all-time appearance at Coca-Cola Park and throw out the Home Run Derby's ceremonial first pitch proceeding the event's start time of 7:05 p.m. He will also be signing autographs (limited to one autograph per person) for a limited time behind Section 111 on the concourse soon after the Derby gets underway.

Holmes reigned as Heavyweight Champion for nearly a decade, successfully defending his crown 20 times - the second-longest title run in heavyweight history. The long-time Lehigh Valley resident earned the nickname "The Easton Assassin" while winning his first 48 bouts and defeating, among others, Muhammad Ali, Ken Norton and Earnie Shavers. Holmes first captured the heavyweight championship with a victory over Ken Norton by decision in 1978, winning the fight with a final round cited by boxing historians and experts as one of the greatest in boxing history. In a career that spanned more than three decades, Holmes posted an impressive 69-6 overall record and notched 44 knockouts.

A member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame, Holmes also threw out a ceremonial first pitch at Coca-Cola Park on Opening Day in 2009.

Bethlehem native Chuck Bednarik will throw out the ceremonial first pitch of the 2010 Triple-A All-Star Game presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network on Wednesday at 7:05 p.m. Similarly to Holmes, Bednarik will also be signing autographs behind Section 111 on the concourse soon after the All-Star Game commences.

Known for his fierce tackling style and his two-way play on both offense and defense, Bednarik is regarded as one of the greatest Philadelphia Eagles ever. During a 14-year playing career (all with the Eagles), he was named All-Pro on ten occasions and guided the club to their last two Championships in 1949 and 1960. Celebrated as one of the last of the "Sixty-Minute Men", he played 58 minutes in the 1960 title game and made the game-saving tackle to preserve a 17-13 victory over Green Bay. He was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1967 and is one of only seven Eagles to have their number retired by the team.

Also during Wednesday's pre-game festivities, ARCA racer Chase Mattioli will do a ceremonial lap in a Pocono Raceway Pace Car and then signify the start of the 2010 Triple-A All-Star Game by yelling, "Play Ball!". Mattioli is the grandson of Drs. Joe and Rose Mattioli, one of NASCAR's legendary families and the owners of Pocono Raceway. He is currently a Rookie of the Year candidate on the ARCA Series.

After the pre-game festivities, Mattioli and the Pace Car will be situated in the AT&T Plaza and the driver will be signing autographs throughout the early portions of the game.

For both the Home Run Derby and the Triple-A All-Star Game, all gates will open extra-early at 5 p.m. to allow fans to partake in the All-Star excitement. Every fan attending both events will receive a commemorative ticket holder and lanyard. There will also be a post-game fireworks show immediately following Monday's Home Run Derby and Wednesday's All-Star Game.

Fans can get an up close look at all of the International League and Pacific Coast League All-Stars during the Triple-A All-Star Workout Day on Tuesday, July 13 at Coca-Cola Park that is free and open to the public. For more information, visit ironpigsbaseball.com.

Fans are reminded that there are three entry points for parking and are encouraged to use the Dauphin Street entrance when traveling from downtown Allentown. In addition to the Dauphin Street entrance, entry to Coca-Cola Park can be gained off American Parkway and Union Boulevard. Preferred/Handicapped Parking access is available via American Parkway only.

The cost of parking for all IronPigs home games is $3 per vehicle.

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International League Stories from July 11, 2010


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