City readies Stairs party
Published Tuesday November 17th, 2009
The City of Fredericton will pay tribute to Philadelphia Phillies' slugger Matt Stairs when he returns to his hometown Nov. 27-28 as the guest of honour for a Celebration of Success.
"When he is here, we will officially name a street next to Royals Field Matt Stairs Way," said Coun. Mike O'Brien, a member of Baseball New Brunswick's Hall of Fame who's helping to organize the weekend festivities.
"Future generations of minor baseball players will be inspired by the example Matt has set. He has shown them what a dream and a lot of hard work can accomplish."
On Nov. 27, Stairs will be guest of honour at a fundraising social, organized by Fredericton city council and Fredericton Minor Baseball Association, in the community room at Willie O'Ree Place.
The event begins with a 6:30 p.m. reception and will be highlighted by tributes to Stairs and the unveiling of the Matt Stairs Way sign and a billboard that will go on display at Royals Field.
The billboard features a photo collage of Stairs from Game 5 of last year's National League championship series victory over Los Angeles Dodgers in which he hit a dramatic two-run homer.
Tickets are limited and are available for $40 each. To reserve a ticket, contact the community services department at 460-2230.
On Nov. 28, Stairs will attend a Y's Men public breakfast to benefit local minor baseball at Willie O'Ree Place at 9:30 a.m. Following breakfast, he will be available to the public, signing autographs from 10 a.m. to noon in the Celebration of Sports Room at the arena.
The autograph session will be followed by a free public skate from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
"He has brought honour to our city throughout his very successful major league career, winning the World Series with the Phillies in 2008 and almost repeating in 2009," O'Brien said.
"We are very pleased to recognize Matt's achievements and salute him at the pinnacle of his career."
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