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EL1 Richmond Flying Squirrels

Squirrels Add Mini-Me, JMU Head Coach to Schedule

March 30, 2017 - Eastern League (EL1)
Richmond Flying Squirrels News Release


RVA - The Richmond Flying Squirrels, Double-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, are excited to announce a pair of celebrity guests have been added to the 2017 promotional schedule.

On Thursday, July 27, the Flying Squirrels will welcome to The Diamond actor Verne Troyer for Yeah Baby! Night, a tribute to Austin Powers. Troyer famously played the Austin Powers cloned character Mini-Me in "Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me." Troyer's visit on July 27 will be his first official appearance on the minor league baseball circuit. VIP meet and greet tickets will be available for the event.

James Madison University head football coach Mike Houston has also been added to the Flying Squirrels festivities and will join in on the funn for JMU Night on Thursday, June 15. Houston will throw out the ceremonial first pitch to kick off a night dedicated to the Dukes at The Diamond. Houston and the Dukes are coming off a 14-1 season that ended with the program's second-ever national championship. June 15 will also feature an appearance from the Human Cannonball with In-Your-Face-Fireworks following the game.

Tickets for both events, along with the entire 2017 schedule, are on sale now. The Flying Squirrels begin their eighth season of affordable family funn on April 6 with three-time MLB All-Star David Justice. Opening day ceremonies begin at 6:30 p.m. with gates opening at 5:30 p.m.

"As we are only one week away from what we are working hard for, our eighth straight opening night sell out, the staff keeps striving to give our fans great memories here at The Diamond," said Flying Squirrels VP & COO Todd "Parney" Parnell .

About Verne Troyer

Verne Troyer quickly shot to fame after playing the unforgettable role of Mini-Me in the Austin Powers film franchise. Since then he has appeared in numerous films including "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas," "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," "The Love Guru," and also starred alongside Christopher Plummer, Heath Ledger, Johnny Depp, Colin Farrell, and Jude Law in the twice-Oscar nominated film, "The lmaginarium of Dr. Parnassus." Troyer was recently in the 2015 BAFTA Cymru award winning comedy film, "Convenience."

Troyer is currently featured in a range of original series and topical videos on his official YouTube channel.

The videos and images capturing Verne's whimsical persona have caught the attention of media outlets across the world. Everything from his ALS Ice Bucket Challenge with milk and cookies, to his epic costume honoring Shark Week, and his charming dancing rendition of Drake's Hotline Bling.

About Head Coach Mike Houston

Mike Houston was hired as James Madison University's seventh head football coach on January 18, 2016.

In his first season at the helm, he guided the Dukes to heights they hadn't seen in over a decade, winning the program's second-ever national championship.

JMU finished the 2016 season with a 14-1 record, setting a program record for wins. The Dukes won their final 12 games to end the year with the longest active win streak in all of Division I. During the regular season, Houston led JMU to a perfect 8-0 mark in Colonial Athletic Association play to clinch the outright conference title. It was the second time the Dukes went unbeaten in league play and won the CAA outright.

After going 10-1 in the regular season, JMU earned the No. 4 seed for the FCS playoffs and a first-round bye. The Dukes notched convincing victories at home against New Hampshire (55-22) and previously unbeaten Sam Houston State (65-7) before conquering five-time defending national champion North Dakota State (27-17) in the national semifinals in Fargo, N.D. The win at NDSU ended the Bison's 22-game playoff win streak and a string of 18 straight home playoff wins.

On Jan. 7, JMU completed its title run with a 28-14 triumph against Youngstown State in the national championship game at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas. Khalid Abdullah was named the Most Outstanding Player for the championship, and the Dukes limited a strong run team in YSU to only 21 rushing yards in the win.

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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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