Eckstein's #2 To Be Retired Wednesday, May 8

(TRENTON, NJ) - David Eckstein will be recognized for his accomplishments with the 1999 Thunder and during his 10 year Major League career as Trenton Thunder jersey number 2 is officially retired by the team on Wednesday, May 8. The Thunder face the Binghamton Mets at 7:05pm.   
 
The ceremony will take place on the field at ARM & HAMMER Park at approximately 6:45pm. Eckstein will also throw a ceremonial first pitch and sign autographs on the main concourse during the game. 
 
Eckstein, was the leadoff batter and an Eastern League All-Star for the 1999 Trenton team that went 92-50 and was Minor League Baseball's "Team of the Year". Drafted by the Red Sox in 1997, he went on to play ten years in the Major Leagues (Angels, Cardinals, Blue Jays, Diamondbacks and Padres) and was a two-time All-Star (2005, 2006), two-time World Series Champion (2002, 2006) and World Series MVP (2006). Eckstein, the first Thunder alum to win a World Series, was inducted into the Trenton Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003.  
 
"With this being our 20th season, we've spent a lot of time reflecting on our history and David's role with the 1999 team and all of his accomplishments in the Major Leagues could not be overlooked," said Thunder General Manager Will Smith. "The work ethic, character and success that David displayed with the Thunder and around the world of baseball warrants being forever remembered here in Trenton."  

Eckstein's number "2" will join Tony Clark's "33", Nomar Garciaparra's "5" and Jackie Robinson's "42" as the numbers retired by the Trenton Thunder. 
 
Schedule of Events
 
6:00pm-6:15pm - Eckstein available to media in the press box
6:45pm - Number Retirement Ceremony
6:58pm - Eckstein first pitch
7:02pm - National Anthem
7:05pm - Game begins / Eckstein autograph signing begins on main concourse 
All Times Are Subject To Change 

Tickets are on sale now online at trentonthunder.com, by phone, 609-394-3300 or in person at ARM & HAMMER Park. 

--THUNDER--