Bill Buckner to appear at Re-Opening Day

The Syracuse Chiefs are pleased to announce that 22-year Major-League veteran Bill Buckner will appear at NBT Bank Stadium on "Re-Opening Day", Saturday, June 25th, when the Chiefs play the Toledo Mud Hens at 7:05 p.m. Buckner will throw out the ceremonial first pitch, sign autographs and be available in a VIP pregame session before the game.

In addition, the Chiefs have rescheduled Mike Timlin's appearance to Sunday, June 5th, during the Chiefs' 1:05 Family Sunday game vs. the Buffalo Bisons. Timlin, a four-time World Series champion and former Syracuse Chiefs pitcher, will sign autographs for a half-hour before the game and for ninety minutes following his ceremonial first pitch. Both autograph sessions are limited to one item per person.

"June is shaping up to be a month to remember for the Syracuse Chiefs", said general manager Jason Smorol. "We're always listening to our fans, and we're thrilled to bring more awesome autograph signings to NBT Bank Stadium for them to enjoy. With Bill Buckner and Mike Timlin, we're bringing 40 years of Major-League experience to the park in one month!"

On "Re-Opening Day", presented by NBT Bank, Buckner will be available for a pregame VIP session in the Hank Sauer Room from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. VIP tickets, which are available for $100, will include a full buffet and game ticket, along with the opportunity for autographs, photos and conversation with Buckner. Tickets are limited to 75 people for this VIP session and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. After his ceremonial first pitch, Buckner will sign autographs on the concourse from 7:15 to 9:15 p.m.

Bill Buckner played for five Major-League teams over a 22-year career between 1969 and 1990. He led the 1980 National League in batting average and represented the Chicago Cubs in the 1981 All-Star Game. Buckner, who appeared in two World Series (1974 Dodgers, 1986 Red Sox), ranks 63rd on the all-time Major-League list with 2,715 career hits. He ended his career with a .289 batting average, 498 doubles and 174 home runs, with nearly as many walks (450) as strikeouts (453).

Tickets to Buckner's VIP session can currently be purchased by calling 474-7833 or in person at the NBT Bank Stadium ticket office. Options to buy tickets online will become available at a later date. Tickets to Re-Opening Day and all other Chiefs games are also available and can be purchased online at syracusechiefs.com in addition to over the phone or in person.