FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 20, 2008
OPENING NIGHT WEDNESDAY; GRIZZLIES TO HONOR FUNDERBURG
The Gateway Grizzlies will open their eighth season in the Frontier League Wednesday night when the Southern Illinois Miners come to town for a 7:05 start.
Aside from the normal excitement of Opening Night, the Grizzlies will also be honoring former General Manager Tony Funderburg in pre-game ceremonies.
Family and Friends of Funderburg have been invited to GCS Ballpark to be on hand for the ceremony.
"This is our fans' and staff's chance to say farewell to Tony," Grizzlies General Manager Steve Gomric said. "We'll get a chance to publicly thank him and wish him good luck. Plus we have to remind him of our deal."
As a gesture of good will, Gomric offered Funderburg a conditional severance package when he left in April. Gomric offered Funderburg $1,000 if he can get a picture with NBA Commissioner David Stern eating "Baseball's Best Burger." The offer increases to $10,000 if he can get Stern to GCS Ballpark to try "Baseball's Best Burger."
The ceremony honoring Funderburg will take place prior to the 7:05 first pitch and will be just part of the Opening Night festivities. Cover-man Paul Konya will play in concert outside the ballpark's front gate beginning at 5:30. The gates to the ballpark will open at 5:45. GCS Federal Credit Union will sponsor a magnet schedule giveaway for the first 1,000 fans. Inside inflatables will be available for kids down the left field line. Plus all fans will be treated to a post-game fireworks display.
The Grizzlies are the defending West Division Champions. They begin their eighth Frontier League season May 21st when they host the Southern Illinois Miners at 7:05 p.m.
Opening Night tickets are still available by calling the Grizzlies at 618-337-3000 or visiting the GCS Ballpark ticket office in person.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Joe Pott in the Grizzlies office by calling 618-337-3000.
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