Tornadoes, Becker College Team Up To Celebrate Perfection
Published on June 3, 2005 under Canadian American League (Can-Am)
Worcester Tornadoes News Release
Worcester, MA (June 3, 2005) â The Worcester Tornadoes and Becker College today announced a new partnership that celebrates a unique tie between one of the oldest and one of the newest Worcester institutions: the first perfect game in professional baseball history. As a result of this exciting promotion, the two hope to award two lucky contestants with up to four years of free tuition at Becker College, valued at more than $160,000.
The "Perfect Game, Perfect Education," promotion commemorates the achievement of J. Lee Richmond, a pitcher for Worcester's entry in the National League in 1880. On June 12, 1880, Richmond threw major league baseball's first-ever perfect game. In the 125 years since, only 16 other perfect games have been thrown. A marker honoring the event is located on the Becker College campus, which stands on what used to be the Worcester County Agricultural Fairgrounds, where the perfect game took place.
During the Tornadoes inaugural season, if a Worcester pitcher throws a nine-inning perfect game at Hanover Insurance Park at Fitton Field, two lucky contestants will win an education from Becker College. One winner will be selected from among registrations submitted at the park during that game, and another winner will be chosen from among entries mailed to the team. Entry forms may be downloaded at www.beckercollege.edu/perfect.
"This is a fun promotion that celebrates both Worcester's past and present," said Tornadoes general manager Mike Lieberman. "Worcester has a rich baseball history, one that offers a distinctive connection to Becker College. It is incredible to think that, if a Tornadoes pitcher matches the achievement of J. Lee Richmond, not one but two fans can win such a valuable prize."
"What better way to celebrate the college's unique connection to baseball history than by partnering with the Worcester Tornadoes?" asked Ken Zirkle, President of Becker College. "We're pleased to offer Tornadoes fans a chance at a free education â I hope that perfect game doesn't put too much pressure on the pitchers, but 'Pressure' is a pitcher's middle name."
Fans will get their first crack at a "Perfect Education" when the Tornadoes return to Worcester on Monday, June 6, for Opening Night against the Brockton Rox. The sold-out opener will be followed by five more games that comprise Tornadoes Opening Week, celebrating the return of professional baseball to Worcester after a 71-year absence. The Tornadoes will take on the Rox on June 7 and 8, followed by three games against the New Jersey Jackals, June 10 to 12. Tickets for Opening Week are still available through the box office located at 313 Main Street, over the phone by calling (508) 792-2288, or by logging on to www.worcestertornadoes.com.
On the afternoon of Sunday, June 12, Becker College and the Tornadoes will wrap up the homestand at Hanover Insurance Park at Fitton Field with Becker College "Perfect Game, Perfect Education" Day. Becker College starts the 125th anniversary celebration on Saturday, June 11, from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. on the Worcester campus, 61 Sever Street. Tornadoes representatives and our mascot will join the festivities.
About Becker College
Becker College traces its history to 1784 and has over 19,000 alumni. With campuses in Worcester and Leicester, Massachusetts, the college serves 1,600 students with a full-time enrollment of 1,100 from 18 states and 12 countries. Becker offers over 30 academic programs, including a choice among 22 bachelor degree level and extensive adult learning programs. The College's unique class offerings and hands-on professional practitioner orientation to higher education, have earned Becker a national reputation for career focused academics, particularly in the fields of business, education, veterinary sciences, health care and the arts.
Canadian American League Stories from June 3, 2005
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- Jackals hold off rain, Grays - New Jersey Jackals
- Tornadoes, Becker College Team Up To Celebrate Perfection - Worcester Tornadoes
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