In a promotion so far out even the Lowell Spinners wouldn’t attempt it (at least I don't think they would), the Nashua Pride are bringing the king of the black diamond trails to the baseball diamond.
New Hampshire’s favorite son, World Champion and Olympic silver medal winner Bode Miller will trade in his skies for a pair of baseball cleats Saturday when he suits up to play for the Pride at Holman Stadium. Miller is expected to see action for at least three innings against the Brockton (Mass) Rox.
Nashua VP of Baseball Operations, Chris Hall, says Miller will show up at the ballpark around two in the afternoon for a little practice. He hasn't played competitive baseball since Little League, where he was a catcher and third baseman. "The plan is for him to play outfield for us" says Hall. "Manager Butch Hobson and a few of the players will provide personal instruction."
While the publicity stunt has obvious comedic potential, plenty of good will come of it. Pride owner John Stabile has pledged at least $5,000 to Miller’s Turtle Ridge Foundation, which the skier will in turn donate to the Lance Armstrong Foundation to help in the fight against cancer.
The Nashua entry, ranked next to last in Can-Am League attendance at less than 1,500 fans per game, expects an obvious boost at the ticket gate. Besides the appearance of Miller, the Pride hope to draw a few political buffs as well. Former New Jersey Governor and President Bush cabinet member, Christie Todd Whitman will throw out the ceremonial first pitch before the 7:05 start.
Perhaps it might be a good idea to have Bode stand in the batter’s box against Whitman…it'll be the best chance he has to get a hit all night.
Comments (2)
Ted
Just be Glad it's not Lindsey Jacobelis, diving and missing pop ups
Posted by Legend Killer | July 29, 2006 2:46 PM
Posted on July 29, 2006 14:46
The reason why the Spinners could not attempt this type of promotion is because they are affiliated baseball. Independent leagues have a little more flexibility in this area.
Bode may not have been a sight to see at the plate (two strike-outs), but one of his three catches in left field (the position he played) was worthy of the Channel 9 and ESPN highlight reels. His play was even covered by the Boston Globe.
Before the game at his press conference, Bode made no bones about the fact that his expectations for his performance were exremely low. He was there to have fun, try to play as competitively as he could, and raise money for charity.
How may fans do you know would cheer enthusiastically for a player from their own team after they strike out? Who knew that some of the loudest cheers would come as a result of catching a routine fly ball? The fans acknowledged Bode and he acknowledged them right back.
This was not an exhibition game that the Pride played, it was real and it counted. Despite the two strike-outs (which can happen to any player on any given night, even those that have been in the pros for quite some time), you could ask any Pride player and they would tell you that it was an honor and a privilege to have an Olympic-caliber athlete as one of them.
In the end, the Pride won the game, the fans left happy, Bode signed hundreds of autographs for the fans, and the post-game fireworks were spectacular. Minor league baseball is all about the sport AND the entertainment. Fans in the Greater Lowell area have more than one option for minor league baseball and are doing themselves a dis-service if they don't explore them all.
Posted by Pride Supporter | August 2, 2006 11:54 AM
Posted on August 2, 2006 11:54