James Farrior to Appear Opening Day
Farrior will throw out a ceremonial first pitch at The Diamond on 2011 Opening Night, prior to the Flying Squirrels game with the New Britain Rock Cats (Minnesota Twins) at 7:05 PM. He will also be available during the game for autographs and photo opportunities.
The Diamond will also host the James Farrior Foundation's Softball "Grudge Match" against the Richmond Police Department on Saturday, June 11th. The game will feature many of Farrior's Pittsburgh Steelers' teammates taking on members of the RPD. The "Tackling Everyday Life" Celebrity Weekend will also include a Bowling Event at Bowl America in Glen Allen on Friday, June 10th, and a Celebrity Golf Tournament at Hunting Hawk Golf Club in Glen Allen on Sunday, June 12th.
"We're thrilled to continue our outstanding relationship with James (Farrior) and his wonderful foundation," said Flying Squirrels Vice President & COO Todd "Parney" Parnell. "Having him here for the opener will only add to what promises be a very special night, and anytime we can be part of a foundation as impactful as his, we will jump at that chance."
A native of Ettrick, VA, Farrior and his brother Matt founded the James Farrior Foundation to assist those in need through all stages of life. The Impact 51 program provides guidance and mentoring for students, the Farrior Scholarship Fund provides college financial assistance to eligible students and the Families in Crisis program provides assistance in many forms to families in need. In 2010, the foundation began the "Coats at Christmas" program and "Tree of Hope" Thanksgiving dinner program. In June of 2009, the foundation was given the key to the city of Richmond by Mayor Dwight C. Jones. In the past week, the foundation received the 2011 Community Service Award from the Urban League of Greater Richmond. The honor recognizes outstanding community leaders in Richmond and its surrounding communities.
Farrior, the captain of the Steelers' Defense, two-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time Super Bowl Champion, began his prolific career at Matoaca High School in Ettrick, VA. He was chosen as the Richmond Times-Dispatch co-Player of the Year following his senior season. He played collegiately at University of Virginia before being selected by the New York Jets with the 8th overall selection in the 1997 NFL draft. He spent the first five years of his professional career with the Jets before joining the Steelers as a free agent in 2002.
***For more information on the James Farrior Foundation and the 2011 "Tackling Everyday Life" Celebrity Weekend, visit www.jamesfarriorfoundation.org or call (804) 524-2352.
Individual game tickets for the Flying Squirrels' 2011 season including Opening Day, April 7th, are on sale now. Season tickets and mini-plan packages are also available and can be purchased by calling (804) 359-FUNN (3866), visiting the Flying Squirrels Ticket Office at The Diamond or visiting SquirrelsBaseball.com.