Two area former big leaguers will be involved in throwing out the first pitch during Centralia Day at Busch Stadium that has been set for Tuesday June 13th.
Plans were detailed at Monday night’s Centralia City Council meeting after Mayor Bryan Kuder signed a proclamation declaring the first day of the major league baseball season on Thursday, March 30th, as Gary Gaetti Day.
The day will be celebrated with an open house Thursday evening from six to eight at the Gaetti Sports Center with demonstrations and free hot dogs and soft drinks while they last.
The Center’s Jack Harting told the council Gaetti appreciates the honor and support of the city. He then outlined plans for the Centralia Day Game on June 13th when the Cardinals meet the Giants.
“The first time Kirk Reuter was with San Francisco, he was ordered at one point in his career he was ordered to hit the next batter up. And it’s the first time he faced Gary Gaetti. Reuter got fined $250 for hitting him, they had friction between the teams. He did it, Gary ran down the 3rd place and there was no issue after that but it’s a pretty cool deal that Kirk’s gonna throw out the first pitch after that.”
Tickets are now on sale for the game. The normal $44 price has been reduced to $30 and $10 from each ticket purchase with go to the Centralia Youth Center and another $10 from each purchase will go to the Centralia Christmas Light Fund. Tickets are available by cash and check only at the Gaetti Sports Academy, Stonewater at Castle Ridge, as well as at the Centralia Youth Center among other locations.
