Thunder welcomes eight millionth fan

TRENTON, N.J. -- The Trenton Thunder, the Double-A Affiliate of the New York Yankees, welcomed the eight millionth fan in franchise history, Cherie Boccard of Fairless Hills, PA, on Tuesday night as the Thunder faced the Altoona Curve at ARM & HAMMER Park.

Tuesday's attendance of 8,213 ranks as the 10th largest crowd in Trenton Thunder history. The all-time franchise attendance now stands at 8,004,656 with 21 home games remaining this season.

Cherie Boccardo walked through the turnstiles with her son Brandan and friend Nancy Zeallo at approximately 5:30 pm to become the milestone fan. She was recognized on the dugout during the game and received a prize package that includes:

• A luxury suite with food for 20 people for a future 2013 game
• A collection of baseballs autographed by Major League All-Stars Lance Berkman, Mark Teixeira, Michael Pineda, David Eckstein, David Cone, Bob Boone, and Paul Blair, NJ Governor Chris Christie, Philadelphia Phillies #1 prospect Jesse Biddle, former Thunder/current Yankees stars Joba Chamberlain and David Phelps as well as former Trenton and MLB Manager Ken Macha
• A replica jersey and hat
• The opportunity to throw a ceremonial pitch
• Brunch for two at the Cock n Bull restaurant at Peddler's Village
• A $75 gift certificate for the Yankee Doodle Tap Room at the Nassau Inn in Princeton

On May 9, 1994 Trever Miller delivered the first pitch thrown at home in franchise history. Two years later the Thunder's one millionth fan passed through the turnstiles. The two millionth fan, Charlie Brown of Trenton, NJ, entered the gates in 1998. The three millionth fan was eight-year old Grace Conway of Yardley, PA during the 2001 season. Kevin Burch of Flemington, NJ was Trenton's four millionth fan during the 2003 season. In September 2005, Eileen Conville of Cinnaminson, NJ became the five millionth fan. Fan number six-million, Shawn Caple of Franklinville, NJ attended on June 11, 2008. Angie Bernstein of Mercerville, NJ became the seven millionth fan on August 31, 2010.

Tickets are available by calling 609-394-3300 or online at trentonthunder.com.