Colorado Springs to honor Gossage
As part of the festivities, the Sky Sox will be giving away collectible figurines of Goose to the first 1,500 fans entering the park for the evening's 7:05 PM game against the New Orleans Zephyrs. In addition, Goose will be on hand for the evening to throw out a first pitch and sign autographs for Sky Sox fans.
The numbered, limited edition figurines will feature Goose posed in his own unique pitching motion and sporting a special uniform. Instead of Goose's major league uniforms, the figurines will feature a local flare with Goose in his high school uniform from his playing days at Wasson High School here in Colorado Springs.
Individual Sky Sox game tickets will go on sale, online only, on Monday, March 8th but fans can guarantee themselves the best seating options for Goose Gossage Day in advance of that date by purchasing any of the Sky Sox ticket packages. Tickets for the momentous day are included in all mini-plans which begin at just $55 per seat. Visit www.skysox.com or call (719) 597-1449 to secure your seat for the biggest promotion of the season.
Rich "Goose" Gossage was born and raised in Colorado Springs, CO and went on to play 22 years in Major League Baseball after being drafted out of Wasson High School in 1970. He played from 1972 to 1994 with nine different teams and pitched in 1,002 games. The nine-time All Star was one of the most dominant relief pitchers of his day and compiled a 124-107 record with a 3.01 ERA and 310 career saves. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2008 and is one of only five relief pitchers to receive the distinguished honor.
"Over the past couple of years, so many wonderful things have happened in my life and it is truly an honor for me to be recognized by the Sky Sox, my hometown team," said Goose. "I'm looking forward to meeting all the Sky Sox fans and all those who have followed my career over the years. It's an overwhelming and humbling experience."
"Goose is one of the treasures of Colorado Springs", said Sky Sox President and General Manager Tony Ensor. "Having a Hall of Famer as a member of the community is very special and after seeing Goose receive all the well deserved accolades across the country we wanted to recognize and celebrate him right here in his hometown. We're excited and very proud to have this special day for Goose."
The figurines and special celebration are made possible by Air Academy Federal Credit Union. "Air Academy Federal Credit Union's passion for outreach is our commitment to making a difference in people's lives," said President and CEO Glenn Strebe. "We continue to support opportunities in which people can become engaged and that provide social benefit. As a long-time supporter of the Colorado Springs Sky Sox, it was appropriate for us to become involved with the Goose Gossage event, a local hero who encourages and inspires youth to reach for their dream."