Curve to celebrate 'BOpening Night'

ALTOONA, Pa. -- The Altoona Curve will celebrate the life of Robert "Bo" Forney by holding BOpening Night on Thursday, April 11, when they open the home portion of their 2013 schedule at 6:30 p.m. versus the Harrisburg Senators. Forney, who passed away at the age of 21 on Feb. 4, had been the team's bat boy since the 2008 season, and had developed many strong friendships with staff members as well as former Curve players and current Pirates stars.

Forney was a 2010 graduate of Altoona Area High School and attended Mount Aloysius College. During his time at AAHS, Forney was the boys' basketball team manager and also appeared in many Mountain Lion television broadcasts. He was also employed at Carmike Cinemas and was a social member of Park Hills Country Club.

"Bo has been an inspiration to many with the way he lived," said Curve general manager, Rob Egan. "He had the rare ability to make anybody who came in contact with him feel better. Bo was such a positive person, loved life, and truly enjoyed people. We miss him deeply and look forward to celebrating his life on 'BOpening Night' and throughout the season."

A silent auction will take place during BOpening Night, with all proceeds benefitting the American Heart Association. The auction will consist of game-used items from the Pirates-Curve exhibition game, and will include, in addition to other items, 14-game used jerseys that have been signed by former Curve players and current Pirates players.

To commemorate the life of Forney, a patch with Bo's cartoon likeness will be affixed to all bat boys' uniforms throughout the 2013 season. The Forney family will also be in attendance for BOpening Night, and will throw out ceremonial first pitches prior to the game. A moment of silence will be held in Bo's honor prior to the game, as well.