Cauley-Stein to throw first pitch Thursday
(WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK, Lexington, Ky.) The Lexington Legends will call on a tall right-hander Thursday night at their 2015 home opener.
University of Kentucky basketball All-American Willie Cauley-Stein will throw a ceremonial first pitch before the Legends take on the West Virginia Power. The Wildcats' familiar number 15 will help the Legends start their 15th season of baseball.
Cauley-Stein, UK's 25th consensus first team All-American, helped lead Kentucky to a 38-1 record and its second consecutive Final Four appearance. An athletic seven-footer, Cauley-Stein won numerous defensive honors, including the NBC Sports.com National Defensive Player of the Year, and SEC Defensive Player of the Year.
Before he takes the mound at about 6:50 p.m., Cauley-Stein will sign autographs on the concourse from 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. For $15, fans may have an item signed and also have a picture taken with Cauley-Stein. Fans must have a Legends game ticket to get into the autograph session.
` Game time is 7:05 p.m.
In addition to Cauley-Stein's appearance, there will be live music before the game, prizes to be given away during the game, and a Ford Fireworks show after the game.
And one lucky fan could win $15,000.
As part of the 15th season celebration, the Legends are having a Grand Slam Inning during the home opener. If a Legends batter hits a grand slam in the sixth inning of the April 16 game, a fan will win $15,000.
For the opener, gates will open at 5 p.m. (one hour earlier than most games). The first 1,000 fans through the gates will receive a rally towel with the Legends' famous mustache logo. The band County Wide will play on the concourse before the game. Marlana Van Hoose, whose performances have drawn rave reviews at a wide range of venues, including University of Kentucky sports events, will sing the national anthem.
Each inning, the Legends will give away a prize with a minimum value of 50 dollars.
Following the game, all kids age 12 and under may run the bases. That will be followed by a Ford Fireworks show, for which 3-D glasses will be distributed.
The opening night will also offer the first opportunity for fans to buy hot dogs at the new price of two dollars each. (The long-standing Tuesday night discount is still in effect - hot dogs will sell for 38 cents each on Tuesday nights, in recognition of the Ford F-150 being the best-selling truck for 38 consecutive years. The two-dollar price will apply for all other home games.)
In addition, Big L and Pee Wee will be available for photos around the ballpark.
For ticket information, visit www.lexingtonlegends.com or call 859-422-7867.
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