Baseball legend’s #3 jersey to be retired; Alzheimer’s Awareness jersey auction taking place
(Central Islip, N.Y., April 25, 2018) – The Long Island Ducks today announced the organization has teamed up with the Alzheimer’s Association to present “Bud Harrelson Appreciation Night”. This special event will take place on Friday, August 3 during the Ducks 6:35 p.m. game against the Road Warriors.
CLICK HERE to purchase tickets for Bud Harrelson Appreciation Night
“The Ducks have been, and will always be, the best thing I have ever done in my 50+ years in professional baseball,” said Harrelson. “It was always my dream to bring the passionate residents of Long Island a baseball team they can root for in a safe and affordable ballpark. I am forever grateful that I was able to make that dream a reality, and I cannot thank Ducks fans enough for their support every year.”
The night will be highlighted by a pre-game ceremony honoring the baseball legend and all that he has accomplished with Long Island’s hometown team. During the festivities, Harrelson’s #3 jersey, which he wore throughout his 13-year career with the New York Mets and since the Ducks inaugural season of 2000, will be permanently retired and affixed next to the DuckVision video board in left-center field. The program will also feature special remarks from the Harrelson family and members of the Ducks organization. In the spirit of celebrating all that Harrelson has accomplished with the Ducks and to say thank you, a postgame Fireworks Spectacular has now been added to the evening’s program.
Ducks players and coaches will pay tribute while also raising awareness for Alzheimer’s, which Harrelson was recently diagnosed with, by donning special purple jerseys throughout the course of their game against the Road Warriors, with each player wearing Harrelson’s #3 on the back of their uniform. The jerseys will be auctioned off from the time the gates open through the top of the seventh inning, with net proceeds from the auction benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association. Fans will be able to bid on these game-worn jerseys by visiting the auction tables located outside the Waddle In Shop on the main concourse behind home plate.
“Words do little in describing what Bud Harrelson has meant to the game of baseball, the Long Island community and the Ducks,” said Ducks President/GM Michael Pfaff. “Now, facing his Alzheimer’s diagnosis head on, it is fitting we pay tribute to the man and all he has done, while raising awareness for the cause.”
Harrelson, the Ducks Senior VP of Baseball Operations and part owner, has been a member of the coaching staff since the team’s inception in 2000. After leading the Ducks to an 82-58 record as manager in 2000, the California native moved to the position of first base coach for home games in 2001 and has served on the coaching staff since. During that time, he has helped lead the Ducks to three Atlantic League championships (2004, 2012, 2013). Prior to his career with the Ducks, Harrelson enjoyed a 16-year Major League career that included a World Series championship in 1969, a Gold Glove Award in 1971 and a National League championship in 1973, all with the Mets. He also served on the Mets coaching staff during their 1986 World Series championship season.
About the Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Their mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all who are affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. The Alzheimer’s Association was founded in 1980 by a group of family caregivers and individuals interested in research. Today, the Association reaches millions of people affected by Alzheimer’s across the globe through its headquarters in Chicago, a public policy office in Washington, D.C., and a presence in communities across the country. They are the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research.
For more information, please call (800) 272-3900 or visit www.alz.org.
The Long Island Ducks are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball and play their home games at Bethpage Ballpark. For further information, call (631) 940-DUCK or visit www.liducks.com.
About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)
The Atlantic League has been a leader in professional baseball and a gateway to Major League Baseball since 1998. Over 38 million fans have attended Atlantic League games and more than 900 players and 50 managers and coaches have joined MLB organizations directly from the ALPB. The Atlantic League emphasizes winning baseball games, showcasing the talent of top-caliber players and offering affordable family entertainment.
For more information, please visit www.atlanticleague.com.
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