CarL1 Myrtle Beach Pelicans

The Bus To Roll Into The Beach

Published on February 18, 2009 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Myrtle Beach Pelicans News Release


MYRTLE BEACH, SC - The Myrtle Beach Pelicans will welcome six-time Pro Bowler, the NFL's fifth all-time leading rusher and Super Bowl champion Jerome "The Bus" Bettis to BB&T Coastal Field on Tuesday, April 14 when the Pelicans face the Frederick Keys. Bettis, along with good friend and business manager Jahmal Dokes and former NFL running back Eddie George, partnered to invest in the Pelicans prior to the 2008 season. Bettis has a history of involvement in Minor League Baseball. In addition to his interest with the Pelicans, he also has stake in the State College Spikes, the Pittsburgh Pirates Single-A affiliate. He was also involved with the Pirates Double-A affiliate, the Altoona Curve, for several years.

"We are thrilled to have Jerome visit the Grand Strand, our beautiful ballpark and look forward to showing him a great time," said Pelicans Chairman and Managing Partner Chuck Greenberg.

"I'm looking forward to coming to BB&T Coastal Field and spending some time in Myrtle Beach to enjoy the beautiful golf courses and watching my favorite baseball team, the Pelicans," said Bettis. "I'm also looking forward to meeting the best fans in Minor League Baseball."

George made his first trip to BB&T Coastal Field last summer to attend the Carolina League-California League All-Star Game where he threw out the first pitch. Bettis will be making his first trip to the Grand Strand since investing in the franchise prior to the 2008 season. Bettis will appear on the Pelicans' Game Day Show live on the field prior to the mid-April game. Following that he will throw out the first pitch before the game's 7:05 scheduled start.

"I know the many great Steeler and football fans in Pelicans country will be excited to hear about Jerome's visit to BB&T Coastal Field," said Pelicans' General Manager North Johnson. "We look forward to a wonderful start to the season, and having Jerome here during the first homestand will certainly contribute to that."

After a career at Notre Dame where he rushed for nearly 2,000 yards, Bettis was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams 10th overall. He followed the franchise as they moved to St. Louis, and remained with the franchise for his first three years in the league. Bettis then signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the team he would finish out the final 10 seasons of his legendary career with. During his remarkable 13-year stint in the NFL, Bettis became one of only six players in league history to rush for 13,000 yards and one of only eight players in league history to rush for 1,000 yards in eight or more seasons. His 13,662 rushing yards ranks him fifth all-time in the NFL. His career ended in fairytale fashion. In 2006, after his Steelers claimed a 21-10 victory over the Seattle Seahawks to win Super Bowl XL played in his hometown of Detroit, Bettis announced his retirement from the National Football League.

Since retirement, Bettis has remained active in his "The Bus Stops Here Foundation" which aims to improve the quality of life for disadvantaged and underprivileged children. Currently, he serves as a studio analyst on NBC's "Football Night in America."

Single-game tickets will go on sale Saturday, February 28 at 9 a.m. To secure tickets for this event in advance of that date, season tickets, flex books and group packages are all on sale now. These packages may be purchased by calling the Pelicans' box office at (843) 918-6000. The Pelicans open the season at home on April 9 at 7:05 against the Wilmington Blue Rocks. As a precursor to Opening Day the Pelicans will hold Fan Fest on March 7 with details being announced soon.

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Carolina League Stories from February 18, 2009


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