Thunder Welcomes Oakland Athletics Pitcher, Stockton Native Dallas Braden to Stockton Arena

December 14, 2011 - ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - The Stockton Thunder, a two-time recipient of the ECHL "Award of Excellence," announced Oakland Athletics pitcher and Stockton native Dallas Braden will appear at Stockton Arena on Friday, Dec. 30 for "Dallas Braden 209 Night With the Stockton Thunder," when the Thunder hosts the Ontario Reign at 7:30 p.m.

Braden, who threw the second perfect game in A's history (19th all time in Major League Baseball) on May 9, 2010 against the Tampa Bay Rays, will meet Thunder fans for autographs and photos during the game at Stockton Arena and participate in the pregame ceremonial faceoff.

"One thing that many of us in our great community have in common is the passion for Thunder hockey and pride for those who achieve greatness while staying true to our local roots," said Thunder president Dan Chapman. "Therefore, it's only fitting that we celebrate the achievements of a man like Dallas amongst a passionate crowd at Stockton Arena. It will certainly be a special night that many will remember for a very long time."

To help commemorate the night for the native of the "209," a one of a kind ticket offer is available in Braden's honor. The A's hurler will give away a limited edition, autographed photo from his perfect game to the first 209 tickets sold in section 209 of Stockton Arena, located behind the net where the Thunder attack twice during the game.

Additional commemorative merchandise will be available for purchase and will be autographed by Braden during the night.

"It is really exciting to branch out and cross the baseball barrier to help the community," said Braden. "It is about doing whatever it takes to help provide life and to help the community. That includes stepping off the pitching mound and dropping a puck on a frozen pond with the Thunder."

Ticket packages for "Dallas Braden 209 Night With the Stockton Thunder" are available for $15 at www.stocktonthunder.com/dallas or by calling the Thunder at (209) 373-1521. Proceeds for tickets sold and autographed merchandise will benefit the United Way of San Joaquin County.

Braden, 28, has pitched in five Major League seasons (2007-11) for the Athletics and continues to make his home in Stockton, where he grew up playing Little League baseball and attended Amos Alonzo Stagg High School.

In 2010, he finished as the co-leader in the American League with two shutouts and ranked fourth with five complete games. Following his perfect game feat, Braden was awarded the key to the city in Stockton on May 22, where he proudly displayed a "209" tattoo across his body.

The Thunder, has frozen most Season Ticket prices for the 2011-12 season, which are on sale now and can be purchased by calling (209) 373-1500 or by visiting www.stocktonthunder.com. Thunder Season Ticket Holders enjoy the highest demanded seating locations in Stockton Arena, benefits including admission to Season Ticket Holder-only events, discount opportunities on Thunder merchandise, a free e-newsletter, an exclusive gift, admission to the first two rounds of the Kelly Cup Playoffs and more.

For more information about tickets, merchandise, or other inquiries contact the Stockton Thunder offices at (209) 373-1500 or visit http://www.stocktonthunder.com/.



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