March 28, 2008
Columbia, Mo. - University of Missouri Head Football Coach Gary Pinkel has accepted an invitation from the St. Louis Cardinals to take part in Opening Day ceremonies on Monday, March 31st at Busch Stadium as the Cardinals open their 2008 season against the Colorado Rockies.
Pinkel, the 2007 Big 12 Conference co-Coach of the Year, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch for Monday's game. It is not currently known what kind of pitch the former tight end will be going with, but his repertoire reportedly consists of a slow ball, a slower ball and something resembling an eephus pitch.
The FieldTurf 2007 National Coach of the Year will also appear for a stint in the broadcast booth as guests of Fox Sports Net Midwest for the Cardinals telecast. Pinkel is scheduled to appear in the top of the third inning for the game with FSN broadcasters Dan McLaughlin and Al Hrabosky.
Pinkel's Tigers have been off for spring break this week, but resume spring practices on Tuesday, April 1st. The team will wind up its 2008 spring camp with the annual Black & Gold Spring Game, set for Saturday, April 19th at 1 p.m. (central) at Faurot Field. Tickets for the game are available in advance by calling 1-800-CAT-PAWS (884-PAWS in Columbia), or are available on the day of the game for $3. A donation of three canned food items on April 19th (which go to the Central Missouri Food Bank) will also gain fans admittance to the game, which is set to be televised live nationally on ESPN-U.