Wrestling superstar Mick Foley appearing April 14

Published on April 12, 2006 under International League (IL1)
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees News Release


Mick Foley, three-time WWE World Champion, will be making a special appearance at Lackawanna County Stadium on April 14 - the Red Barons home opener vs. Norfolk. The wrestling legend will be throwing out the ceremonial first pitch, make public address announcements and sign autographs. Mick Foley's name is legend in the sports-entertainment industry. The story of how he became involved transcends the business. His inspiration came when he hitchhiked to Madison Square Garden and watched as Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka soar off the top of a 15-foot high steel cage onto Don Muraco. At that moment, Foley knew exactly what he wanted to do with his life. He compiled a video full of vignettes, including one where he flew off the roof of his home, crashing onto a bed of mattresses and cushions, all in the dream of how he would one day become WWE Champion.

After training with former WWE star and Tag Team Champion Dominic DeNucci, Foley began to compete using the name Cactus Jack in various regions of the United States, before making his way to Japan. Returning to the United States, he joined with WCW, and then after a few years, aligned himself with Extreme Championship Wrestling, where Foley's name would become recognized as a cult icon. Performing in front of smaller crowds, Foley put his body and soul to the limits. Many of Foley's actions resulted in severe bruises and broken bones, but his legacy for never quitting, continuing to press toward his dream of becoming a WWE Superstar.

In 1996, he finally made it. Mick Foley was now with World Wrestling Entertainment. His performances in various matches are remembered by all who saw them either live or on television. Who can forget the unbelievable sight of Foley being thrown off the top of a cell and crash through an announcing table in a Hell in the Cell Match at the 1998 King of the Ring pay-per-view event. Later on, he formed The Rock N Sock Connection, one of the most popular tag teams in WWE history with The Rock. They went on to win the World Tag Team Championship three times. Individually, he captured the WWE Championship three times, once in '98, and twice in '99. His stamina to perform day after day garnered the attention and loyalty of millions of fans worldwide.

In addition, Foley has become a successful author. His 1999 autobiography, "Have A Nice Day" - written in longhand on 760 pages of notebook paper during a European tour - reached No. 1 on the New York Times Bestseller List. In 2000 and 2001, Foley wrote two children's holiday books, titled "Christmas Chaos" and "Halloween Hijinx." Mick wrote a follow-up to "Have a Nice Day," entitled "Foley is Good." Later, Foley wrote his first fictional novel, "Tietam Brown," and another children's book entitled "Tales from Wrescal Lane." Foley's newest offering is "Scooter," telling the fictional tale of a young man growing up in the Bronx, NY in the 1960s.

He has appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Today Show, Good Morning America, The Late Show with David Letterman, Later with Conan O'Brien, The Howard Stern Show, Hardball, World News Tonight and Who Wants to be a Millionaire?

His heart is just as big outside the ring, as Mick Foley has participated in numerous Make-A-Wish Foundation events as well as surprise visits to children under strict medical care in hospitals. Foley has also visited schools and libraries, talking to students about the necessity of education and the importance of reading in and out of the classroom. Foley has also traveled to various military bases and military hospitals to visit U.S. troops, boosting morale and get-well wishes to soldiers.

Mick looks forward to making appearances at ballparks across the country during the upcoming season. He is looking forward to putting smiles on fans faces, introducing new faces to the family fun of minor league baseball and signing his name on dolls, figures, books and socks until every fan leaves happy.

Individual tickets for the home opener and all 2006 regular season games will go on sale March 25. For additional information please call 570-969-BALL.

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International League Stories from April 12, 2006


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