Ozzie Smith to Speak at 2020 First Pitch Classic
12/2/2019 12:51:00 PM | Baseball
Hall of Famer to headline the 12th edition of the event
MACON, Ga. – Mercer head baseball coach Craig Gibson announced Monday that MLB Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith will serve as the keynote speaker for the 2020 First Pitch Classic on Monday, February 3 at Hawkins Arena.
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The annual First Pitch Classic event – sponsored by Macon Occupational Medicine and its Chief Executive Officer Leonard Bevill – is in its 12th year and will kick off the 2020 season, as well as benefit the Mercer baseball program. An autograph session will open the night at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m. For reservations or more information, please contact Ian Humphrey at (478) 301-2738, or by email at firstpitchclassic@mercer.edu.
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Smith is one of many high-profile guests to headline the First Pitch Classic, including Gordon Beckham, Jose Canseco, Roger Clemens, Jeff Francoeur, Chipper Jones, Dale Murphy, Pete Rose, John Smoltz, Darryl Strawberry, Mark Teixeira and Charlie Culberson.
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Known as "The Wizard of Oz", Smith combined athletic ability with acrobatic skill to become one of the greatest defensive shortstops of all time. The 13-time Gold Glove Award winner redefined the position in his nearly two decades of work with the San Diego Padres and St. Louis Cardinals, setting major league records for assists, double plays and total chances. Smith was inducted into Cooperstown in 2002, was named to 15 All-Star teams and helped lead the Cardinals to three World Series – including a 1982 championship.
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Follow the Bears
For complete coverage of Mercer Baseball, please follow the Bears on social media at @MercerBaseball (Twitter), /MercerBaseball (Facebook) and @Mercer.Baseball (Instagram) or visit the official home of Mercer Athletics at MercerBears.com.
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The annual First Pitch Classic event – sponsored by Macon Occupational Medicine and its Chief Executive Officer Leonard Bevill – is in its 12th year and will kick off the 2020 season, as well as benefit the Mercer baseball program. An autograph session will open the night at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m. For reservations or more information, please contact Ian Humphrey at (478) 301-2738, or by email at firstpitchclassic@mercer.edu.
Â
Smith is one of many high-profile guests to headline the First Pitch Classic, including Gordon Beckham, Jose Canseco, Roger Clemens, Jeff Francoeur, Chipper Jones, Dale Murphy, Pete Rose, John Smoltz, Darryl Strawberry, Mark Teixeira and Charlie Culberson.
Â
Known as "The Wizard of Oz", Smith combined athletic ability with acrobatic skill to become one of the greatest defensive shortstops of all time. The 13-time Gold Glove Award winner redefined the position in his nearly two decades of work with the San Diego Padres and St. Louis Cardinals, setting major league records for assists, double plays and total chances. Smith was inducted into Cooperstown in 2002, was named to 15 All-Star teams and helped lead the Cardinals to three World Series – including a 1982 championship.
Â
Follow the Bears
For complete coverage of Mercer Baseball, please follow the Bears on social media at @MercerBaseball (Twitter), /MercerBaseball (Facebook) and @Mercer.Baseball (Instagram) or visit the official home of Mercer Athletics at MercerBears.com.
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