Syracuse to air broadcast in Spanish
The Spanish language broadcast will be the first of its kind in the 126-year history of the International League. Roberto Clemente Jr. will handle play-by-play duties for the Spanish language broadcast, with former Chiefs infielder Bob Nandin providing the color commentary.
"It is a great honor to participate in the celebration of Latino Night with the great people of Syracuse and the Chiefs Family. I know it is going to be a great evening, and I am looking forward to calling the game in Spanish for the first time in their history," said Clemente.
"Time Warner Cable Sports is thrilled to team up with the Syracuse Chiefs to offer this Latino Baseball Night game to our valued customers in Spanish as well as in English," said TWCS director, Doug Logan. "The Latin American community is ever growing in Central New York, and we feel presenting this game -- our first local sports production in Spanish - on TWCS2 [Channel 1026] is something we all can celebrate."
In addition to Central New York, both the Spanish and English language productions can be viewed in Buffalo on Time Warner Cable SportsNet. The English production will be on TWCS-Buffalo channel 13, with the Spanish language production on TWCS Digital channel 87.
The Spanish language broadcast is just one of many events planned for Latino Baseball Night. Additional activities include:
-- A baseball clinic organized by the Spanish Action League of Onondaga County, with instruction provided by Clemente, Jr. and Chiefs players on the field at Alliance Bank Stadium from 11 a.m.-12 noon.
-- A pre-game tailgate party presented by Miller Lite, featuring the music of Impacto Divino, in front of the main gates from 5:30-6:45 p.m.
-- Collection of donated baseball equipment, to benefit Roberto's Kids, a program that delivers baseball equipment to children in Latin American countries.
"We're looking forward to spending the evening with the great people of the Syracuse area and the Chiefs again this year. The Chiefs are long-time supporters of Roberto's Kids, and we couldn't do what we do without organizations like theirs. Thanks very much to John Simone, his great staff and the wonderful people of the Syracuse area," said Stephen Pindar, Roberto's Kids founder.
"We are very much looking forward to Latino Baseball Night this Thursday," said Chiefs general manager, John Simone. "The opportunity to make history by providing a broadcast of our game in Spanish combined with the presence of Roberto Clemente Jr. and the other festivities should make for a great night."
Tickets for all remaining Syracuse Chiefs home games can be purchased in person at the Chiefs ticket office at Alliance Bank Stadium, by calling 315-474-7833, or at SyracuseCheifs.com online.
About Roberto Clemente Jr.
Roberto Clemente Jr. is the son of late Hall of Fame outfielder, Roberto Clemente, the first Latin American player to collect 3,000 hits in his career. Clemente, Jr. was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and played Minor League Baseball for the Philadelphia and San Diego organizations before beginning his broadcasting career. He has worked for MSG Network, Telemundo, ESPN, ESPN Deportes and WFAN.
About Bob Nandin
Bob Nandin was born in Barranguilla, Colombia, and spent nine seasons in the Minor Leagues, including the 1982-84 seasons in Syracuse, where he was a fan favorite. He compiled a lifetime batting average of .266, and was known as a sure-handed infielder. Nandin currently resides in Syracuse with his family.
About Roberto's Kids
Roberto's Kids is an international non-profit organization named after the great Roberto Clemente. Its mission is to collect new and gently worn baseball equipment from the US and Canada, and distribute it to disadvantaged youth in Latin American countries, the US, and around the World. Roberto's Kids has the endorsement of MiLB, as well as the blessing of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and the Clemente family, which works closely with the organization.
About The Spanish Action League of Onondaga County, Inc.
The Spanish Action League of Onondaga County, Inc. has been serving the needs of Hispanics in Onondaga County since its founding in 1969. The Spanish Action League, affectionately known as "La Liga," was established to provide comprehensive services to the Latino community, and to address the unique needs arising from language and cultural barriers.