Sutter to throw first pitch in Rome

Rome, Ga. -- In keeping with the tradition of historic opening night guests, the Rome Braves announce that baseball legend and Hall of Fame member Bruce Sutter will throw out the ceremonial first pitch April 3 just before Rome opens the 2008 season.

"We are honored to have a Hall of Famer, former Brave and Cardinal great Bruce Sutter joining us for our opening day festivities," says Rome General Manager Michael Dunn.

In 2006, Sutter was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame and is the first pitcher who never started a game to be elected to the Hall, and with 1042 1/3 career innings pitched he is also the first inductee to end his career with fewer than 1700 innings. The right-handed relief pitcher was one of the first pitchers to make use of the split-finger fastball and in the late 1970s and early 1980s became the only pitcher to lead the National League in saves five times (1979-1982, 1984), and retired with 300 saves. His playing career saw action with the Cubs, Cardinals, and Braves.

Opening Night is April 3 at 7pm against the Charleston Riverdogs at State Mutual Stadium which also begins an eight game home stand. For a complete schedule as well as a list of promotional games log on to www.romebraves.com.