IL1 Buffalo Bisons

Opening Day Set for April 10 at 2:05 p.m.

Published on April 8, 2002 under International League (IL1)
Buffalo Bisons News Release


On Wednesday, April 10, 2002, the Buffalo Bisons will begin play in their 117th season of professional baseball in Buffalo. The Herd will open the home portion of the schedule against the Ottawa Lynx, the Triple-A affiliate of the Montreal Expos. With the opener, the Bisons will begin defense of the their fourth division championship in the last 5 years.

"Opening Day is such a great occasion not only in Buffalo, but throughout the country," said Bisons Vice President/ General Manager Mike Buczkowski. "This year, more than ever, it not only marks the beginning of the baseball season, but it is also a great time for people throughout the country to come together to celebrate the many great things America's Pastime represents."

ON FIELD FESTIVITIES

The Opening Day festivities will begin on the field at approximately 1:45 PM. The ceremonies before the game include;

2001 International League North Division Championship Cermeony
The pennant, representing the Bisons 2001 International League North Division Championship, will be presented to the returning Eric Wedge and the players and coaches from last year's team. After the presentation of the pennant, it will be taken to left field and raised in Championship Corner.

Opening Day Video
Following the pennant ceremony, the Bisons Big Board will feature an exciting Opening Day video, set to the music of My Sacrifice by Creed. The video's dedicated to Bisons fans of all ages.

Ceremonial Pitches
There will be two ceremonial pitches before the Bisons-Lynx game. One of the guests will be Buffalo's own heavyweight boxer "Baby" Joe Mesi. Mesi scored a technical knockout of Keith McKnight on Friday night to improve his professional record to 22-0 with 20 knockouts. The second ceremonial pitch guest is Mr. Len Castriano from Williamsville. Mr. Castriano's son, Leonard, lost his life during the attack on the World Trade Center in New York City last September. He will throw out a ceremonial pitch in honor of his son, and all of the victims and families who were touched by the tragic events of September 11th.

The ceremonial first pitch baseballs will be carried into Dunn Tire Park by the Gift of Wings Sky Diving team.

NATIONAL ANTHEMS

The players of both the Bisons and the Lynx will be introduced to the field, with fireworks salutes throughout the intros.

The United States Air Force 914th Airlift Wing will present the colors for the afternoon and the National Anthems will be sung by Sergeant Mark Blue, also from the United States Air Force 914th Airlift Wing from Niagara Falls, NY.

Before the start of the game, the Buffalo Bisons will be welcomed to the field with a special video presentation from Buffalo native, Tim Russert. This will be the second straight season in which Russert will welcome the Bisons to the field for the start of the season.

FAN GIFTS & OPENING DAY ENTERTAINMENT

All fans through the gates on Opening Day will receive a 2002 Magnetic Schedule. The schedule, features the Bisons Stan Barron Most Valuable Player from 2001, Anthony Medrano and third baseman Greg LaRocca. Upon entering, fans will hear live music from the Bison City Stompers.

OPENING DAY SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

1:00 PM Ballpark Gates Open
1:00 PM – 1:45 PM Live music in main concourse
1:45 PM Bisons VP/GM Mike Buczkowski welcomes fans and presents division championship banner.
1:50 PM Welcome to Baseball - My Sacrifice Video
1:55 PM Ceremonial First Pitch presented by Gift of Wings
2:00 PM Ceremonial First Pitches
2:05 PM Players are Introduced to Foul Lines
2:10 PM Canadian And United States National Anthems
2:20 PM Bisons take the field and Play Ball!

TICKET INFORMATION

Tickets for Opening Day, and the entire 2002 season, are available now at the Dunn Tire Park box office, which is open weekdays from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM and on Saturdays from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Tickets are also available at all Tickets.com locations in Tops Friendly Markets and select Sam the Record Man and Sports Obsession locations in Southern Ontario. Fans can charge by phone at 1-888-223-6000 or they can order on-line at www.Bisons.com. For more information, please contact the Bisons media relations department at (716) 846-2211.

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International League Stories from April 8, 2002


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