Talons coach throws out first pitch at baseball game
August 15, 2005 - American Basketball Association (ABA)
Gallup Outlaws News Release
Albuquerque, NM. As a basketball player, Gallup Talon Head Coach Clayton Shields may have been out of his element standing on a pitcher's mound at the Albuquerque Isotopes Triple A baseball game, but his honorary first pitch, which was slightly low and outside, drew the applause of the near capacity crowd.
Prior to the Isotopes' game against the New Orlean's Zephyrs, Shields strode to the mound following introductions of Talon players and staff. Taking a large windup with his 6'8" frame, he delivered the ball to the ovation of the Albuquerque fans, many of whom cheered for him during his playing days with the University of New Mexico across the street from the baseball stadium. Talons' owner Joe Kolb said he wanted to establish a relationship with the cross-state baseball franchise so each team can support one another during the off-season.
"We're going to have their mascot here in the winter to shoot free throws against ours and we'll be at some of their games next summer," said Kolb. Kolb said the Triple A team of the Florida Marlins has been supportive of the Talons' effort and Nick Lobue, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Isotopes, has shared valuable information with Kolb. The Isotopes are among the most successfully marketed teams in minor league baseball. For more information, email herald01@cia-g.com or www.abalive.com.
Note: OurSports Central no longer actively covers the American Basketball Association (ABA) as a professional league due in part to its inability to publish and play a schedule and the transitory nature of many of its teams. For information on professional minor leagues, please see OSC's basketball section.
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American Basketball Association Stories from August 15, 2005
- Xplosion wins first pro summer league tournament - Pittsburgh Xplosion
- Talons coach throws out first pitch at baseball game - Gallup Outlaws
- AlleyCats announce results of first tryout camp - Indiana AlleyCats
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