White to throw first pitch at All-Star Game

Myrtle Beach, S.C. -- On June 24, the best players from the California and Carolina League's will grace the award-winning diamond at BB&T Coastal Field for the 2008 All-Star Game. The Myrtle Beach Pelicans are excited to unveil an addition to an already star-studded lineup. Vanna White, the co-host of one of the most popular television game shows of all-time, Wheel of Fortune, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the 2008 California vs. Carolina League All-Star Game at BB&T Coastal Field. Originally from North Myrtle Beach, White will be making her first appearance inside BB&T Coastal Field.

Vanna White made her Wheel of Fortune debut as Pat Sajak's puzzle-board assistant in December of 1982. Her popularity has skyrocketed over the last 25 years to unthinkable heights. Amongst a long list of accomplishments, she has her own clothing line, "Vanna Clothes", an autobiography entitled Vanna Speaks, which was a nationwide bestseller in 1987 and she has made numerous cameo-appearances on popular television shows including: Married With Children and Full House. Additionally, in 1992, White was recognized in the Guinness Book of World Records as "television's most frequent clapper", putting her hands together 28,080 times a season.

Now in its 25th year of national syndication, Wheel of Fortune has awarded more than $200 million dollars in prizes to contestants. Wheel of Fortune is the longest-running syndicated game show in American television history. In fact, if you combine network shows and syndicated shows, Wheel of Fortune has been airing longer than any other show except The Price is Right. Each year, approximately 3,200 hopefuls tryout for a chance to appear on the show.

"The Pelicans are honored to have a Grand Strand native and prominent national television star appear at the 2008 California vs. Carolina League All-Star Game," said Pelicans General Manager North Johnson. "Vanna exemplifies our dedication to making the 2008 All-Star Game an unforgettable event."

In 2006, White was honored with the 2,309th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her unparalleled television game show fame. Over the years, White has become one of the most sought after celebrities to showcase top designer fashions. In her 25 years on Wheel of Fortune, she has modeled over 5,100 designer outfits at the puzzle-board.

Most recently, White launched her own line of yarn called "Vanna's Choice".

On June 24, White will be ushered onto the field in a classic automobile courtesy of the Myrtle Beach Car Club, of which she is an honorary member.

The 2008 California vs. Carolina League All-Star Game features the best Class A Advanced level professional baseball players from 18 major league baseball organizations. Alumni of the mid-season classic include: Willie McCovey, Carl Yastrzemski, Lou Piniella and more recently Jeff Francoeur.

For tickets to the 2008 California vs. Carolina League All-Star Game, call the Pelicans Box Office at 843-918-6000. For more information, visit the Pelicans online at www.MyrtleBeachPelicans.com.