BATON ROUGE — For the second consecutive year, the YMCA and the Tiger Baseball Alumni Foundation (TBAF) are teaming to host “Opening Day 2004” to begin the baseball season in Louisiana.
The three-day program of events begins on Thursday and continues through Saturday. Several former LSU players are scheduled to participate in the festivities, including major leaguers Paul Byrd, Kurt Ainsworth, Russ Johnson, Eddie Yarnall, Randy Keisler, Jeff Reboulet, Brian Tallet and Trey Hodges.
“Opening Day 2004” starts with the Diamond Legends Gala at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday in the Sheraton/Argosy Atrium pub. This dinner party features current and former professional players and members of the LSU and Southern University squads. Chicago Cubs general manager Jim Hendry will serve as the keynote speaker.
The festivities continue with the annual TBAF golf tournament on Friday at the University Club. The format is a 4-man scramble with a 9 a.m. starting time.
The setting shifts to Alex Box Stadium on Friday for a Home Run Derby at 5 p.m. and the Alumni Game at 6:30 p.m. The Alumni Game matches the 2004 LSU squad against a team of former Tiger players who are currently active in professional baseball. Some of the former LSU stars scheduled to participate in the Alumni Game include infielders Aaron Hill, Ryan Theriot and Mike Fontenot, outfielder Brad Hawpe and catcher Brad Cresse.
Tickets to the Alumni Game may be purchased in the LSU Athletic Ticket Office by calling (225) 578-2184.
The YMCA Baton Rouge Kids’ Baseball Clinic will be held on Saturday at 9 a.m. in Alex Box Stadium. The event is a free instructional clinic conducted by an All-Star list of current and former professional players, scouts and coaches. Autograph and photo opportunities will be available following the clinic.
The weekend concludes with special hunting and fishing trips for alumni, professional players and event sponsors.
Sponsorship and other information about “Opening Day 2004” events can be obtained by contacting Ryan Still of the YMCA at (225) 767-9622.
OPENING DAY 2004 EVENTS
Thursday, January 29
6:30 p.m. – Diamond Legends Gala (Sheraton/Argosy Atrium Pub)
Friday, January 30
9 a.m. – TBAF Golf Tournament (University Club)
5 p.m. – Home Run Derby (Alex Box Stadium)
6:30 p.m. – Alumni Game (Alex Box Stadium)
Saturday, January 31
9 a.m. – YMCA Baton Rouge Kids’ Clinic (Alex Box Stadium)
1 p.m. – Hunting and Fishing Trips