Gill Set to Throw Out First Pitch at Bisons Game Friday

Head football coach and former minor leaguer will kick off Buffalo's game with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre

Turner Gill

BUFFALO, NY - Head football coach Turner Gill is one of Nebraska's most legendary quarterbacks, guiding the Huskers to a perfect 20-0 record in Big Eight play in his three seasons as a starting quarterback from 1981 to 1983. What he could have done away from the Nebraska gridiron and on Oklahoma's diamond could have been just as impressive, as Gill was recruited heavily by the Sooners' program. As it was, he lettered for only one season with the Nebraska baseball program, but that was still enough for him to catch Major League scouts attention, as he spent three seasons in the minor leagues.

On Friday night, the former minor leaguer will return to the diamond as he throws out the ceremonial first pitch at Dunn Tire Park for the Buffalo Bisons', Buffalo's AAA affiliate of the Cleveland Indians, game against Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

The 7:35 pm game features a host of Bisons' promotions, as it is a fridaynightbash!, sponsored by Verizon. After the game, there will be a spectacular fireworks show, presented by HSBC Bank USA, N.A. and Bison hitters will also compete in a Century 21 Home Run Derby. Tickets are still available for the game, with prices ranging between $7.50 and $10 for adult seats available at the park's box office or online at www.bisons.com.

Gill, entering his first season as the Bulls' gridiron coach, spent two seasons in the Canadian Football League before trading in his helmet for a hat and spending three seasons in the Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Indians organization. During his one season with the Huskers baseball team, Gill helped the team to a 44-15 record and a school-record 26-game winning streak. In the past 18 years, Gill has not lost his interest in the game, quickly becoming a follower of UB's baseball program this spring.

Gill makes his coaching debut with the Bulls' football team on Aug. 31 at 7:00 pm as they host Temple in UB Stadium. Tickets for the Bulls' football season's individual tickets can be purchased at the UB Athletics Ticket Office in Alumni Arena, at tickets.com outlets, by phone or through www.buffalobulls.com beginning on July 10. Season tickets are available now, with seating plans between $50 and $90, only at the UB Athletics Ticket Office.

06/21/2006