Storm to retire Peavy's number on Opening Day
The 2007 National League Cy Young Award Winner will be on hand for the pre-game ceremony starting at 6:30 pm as the Storm celebrates its 15th season in Lake Elsinore. After the unveiling of his No. 22 in center field, Jake will kickoff 2008 by throwing out the season's first pitch.
The entire Storm team will pay tribute to the hard-throwing right-hander by wearing No. 22 Peavy jerseys. Gates open at 6 pm with the first pitch slated for 7:08 pm.
When the Storm became a Padres affiliate in 2001, Peavy was the first San Diego prospect to take the mound at The Diamond. He made 19 starts for Lake Elsinore going 7-5 with a 3.08 ERA before a promotion to Double-A Mobile. Along with Oliver Perez and Xavier Nady, Peavy led the Storm to the 2001 California League Championship on their way to being named Baseball America's Minor League Team of the Year.
"Jake has been an integral part of Storm history and played a major role in the team being named Baseball America's Minor League Team of the Year," said team President Dave Oster. "We are happy for his success at the Major League level and are honored to have his number immortalized in center field symbolizing his importance to our team history.
"As good a baseball player as Jake is, he's an even better person. This will be a great day for Storm baseball."
Opening Night also marks the season's first Thirsty Thursday, meaning $1 beers and sodas all night long, as the Storm commence another season of affordable family fun at The Diamond. Tickets start at just $8 in addition to military discounts and weekly promotions.