JOLIET – The Joliet Slammers, presented by ATI Physical Therapy, will welcome former Major League Baseball great Pete Rose to Silver Cross Field for a special one-game appearance Aug. 19.
Major League Baseball’s all-time hit king will be in uniform coaching the Slammers during the game, and he be available to meet and sign autographs with fans.
The event will start with a VIP meet-and-greet session in the Joliet Area Sports Hall of Fame. The meet-and-greet session will include a reserved seat ticket to the game, a Slammers baseball to be autographed by Rose, a photo of each participant with Rose, and the opportunity to hear a short speech by Rose.
There is a limited number of meet-and-greet packages available, so fans interested in one should call the Slammers at 815-722-2287 for a reservation while space remains available.
After that session, Rose will participate in the ceremonial first pitch on the field, and he will be on the field during the first two innings as both the Slammers’ first base and third base coach during the game at 7:05 p.m.
This will be Rose’s first on field appearance in uniform in the Chicago area since 1989.
Rose will be available for autographs on the concourse during the game. Fans wishing to get an autograph will need to purchase a voucher in order to receive a Rose autograph, and he will sign Joliet Slammers merchandise to mark the occasion.
Because of the special nature of the evening, special-event ticket pricing will be in place, and no ticket exchanges, vouchers or coupons will be accepted that night.
Rose played for 24 years in Major League Baseball with the Reds, Phillies and Expos. He holds the record for most hits in a career with 4,256 as well as the record for most career singles (3,215), games played (3,562), at-bats (14,053) and plate appearances (15,890).
During his career, he was a 17-time All-Star, Rookie of the Year, MVP, World Series MVP and three-time World Series Champion. In 1999, he was named to the Major League Baseball All-Century Team.
Information about the Joliet Slammers Pete Rose Night is available by calling 815-722-2287 or by visiting www.jolietslammers.com.