Bisons to welcome back Birrer

Buffalo Baseball Hall of Famer Babe Birrer will throw out a ceremonial first pitch Thursday, June 21, as the Buffalo Bisons take on the Louisville Bats at Dunn Tire Park (1:05 p.m.).

Birrer, 78, was a pitcher for the Bisons for nine seasons (1952, 1955, 1960-1966). His best year with the Herd came in 1961 when he went 11-9. He is one of only two Buffalo natives to ever play in nine seasons with the Herd (pitcher Jim Galvin). Birrer was inducted into the Buffalo Bisons Hall of Fame on Aug. 5, 1995.

Signed as a right-handed pitcher out of Kensington High School in 1947 by the Detroit Tigers, Birrer played 19 professional seasons, with a two-year absence due to military service. He made 589 appearances and won 143 games. Throughout his long career, he played for the Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Dodgers and Baltimore Orioles.

Born Werner Joseph Birrer, he earned the nickname "Babe" on Aug. 19, 1955, when he had his career best day at the plate. Birrer drove two three-run homers while pitching four innings in relief for Detroit. Fans, friends and family have called him Babe ever since.

Birrer is now a resident of Brompton Heights Assisted Living Residence. Brompton Heights declared Thursday "Babe Birrer Day" in honor of its distinguished resident. A group from Brompton will cheer him on with pom-poms and good wishes during the game. Birrer will be pleased to sign autographs for his fans during the game.