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Reitsma Comes Home

May 30, 2008 - Golden Baseball League (GBL)
Calgary Vipers News Release


The Vipers will welcome Chris Reitsma to Foothills Stadium on Saturday afternoon for a double-header against the Edmonton Cracker Cats starting at 5:05 PM (MDT). The ex-major leaguer will throw out the first pitch, sign autographs, and meet with fans. Reitsma, the Calgary native, has pitched in 338 Major League games and has 359 strikeouts. The former Red, Brave, and Mariner will compete for Canada this summer at the Olympics in Beijing.

The Vipers also made a quick trade today of the bats they received in the John Odom trade only a week ago. Ripley's Believe it Or Not contacted the Vipers earlier in the week and late Thursday the Vipers completed the following deal as reported on the Golden Baseball League transactions. Calgary Vipers: Traded 10 Prairie Sticks double-dipped maple black bats labelled John Odom Trade Bat and numbered 1 through 10 to Ripley Entertainment for display purposes in exchange for a $10,000 cash donation to the Vipers Children's Charity, Snakes and Batters.

"Originally we were going to put the bats up for sale on EBAY with proceeds going to our Children's Charity", said Vipers President Peter Young. But when an old friend, Jim Pattison, Jr. called from Ripley's we decided it was a much better fit. Instead of the bats hanging in basements or sports bar around the country they will be properly displayed for many more fans to see."

The Snakes play tonight at 7:00 PM (MDT) with Nate Melek (0-0) starting. Jordy Alexander (0-1) and Reggie Rivard (0-0) are expected to start the double dip games on Saturday and on Sunday afternoon at 1:30 PM (MDT) the five game series will wrap up with Dallas Mahan (0-0) toeing the rubber for the Vipers. Tickets can be ordered by calling 277-BALL (2255). All games can be heard live online at www.calgaryvipers.com.

Two teams never before seen in Calgary will then head in for the next home stand. The St. George Roadrunners with former Chicago White Sox infielder Liu Rodriguez will be here June 11, 12 and 13. Then the defending champion Chico Outlaws hit town. Friday, June 13th it's an afternoon "Skip out of Work" special so fans can watch both the Vipers and then the Stamps exhibition game. On Saturday June 14th it's Ripley's Believe It or Not Day at Foothills Stadium. A full contingent from the famous tourist attraction will be in Calgary to take possession of the 10 bats acquired in the Odom trade and to present the check to the Vipers Children's Charity. On Sunday, June 15th it's the Vipers Father's Day Extravaganza. Hall of Famer Gary Carter will be the Vipers special guest to throw out the first pitch and sign autographs. The Calgary Minor Softball Association will be holding their Opening ceremonies following the game and will be out in full force. The Vipers will be teaming with PharmaChoice Drug Stores and the Calgary Prostate Society to raise awareness for prostate cancer treatments. And the Vipers will be helping to launch the new Warner Brothers movie "Get Smart" with Agent 99 and Maxwell Smart making a special appearance.

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Golden Baseball League Stories from May 30, 2008


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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