(Mankato, MN)The Mankato MoonDogs Baseball Team, a member of the Northwoods League, is proud to announce its Opening Day Luncheon, featuring Frank Viola, will be held on June 2nd at the Mankato Country Inn and Suites at 11:30 a.m.

The luncheon will be held in the newly constructed banquet facility at the Country Inn and Suites which is conveniently located at the intersection of Highway 14 and Highway 22 South.

Viola, who will also be on hand to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at the game Opening Night, will be the key note speaker in this the 3rd Annual MoonDogs Opening Day Luncheon. Previous key note speakers have included Minnesota Twins Hall of Fame player Harmon Killebrew in 2002 and Hall of Fame announcer Herb Carneal in 2003

With Dick Jonckowski as the emcee, MoonDogs fans will not only get to hear the wisdom and humor both he and Viola bring, but also get a chance to meet the 2004 MoonDogs. Returning head coach Brad Rupert and assistant coach Craig Marquez will introduce the players who have flown in from across the country to the fans and to their new home for the summer.

"We started this tradition two years ago, when we brought in Harmon and this year the parade of stars continues with Cy Young award winner Frank Viola,” MoonDogs owner Joe Schwei said. "We have a lot of things going on this year but opening day is just about baseball.”

Tickets are available for purchase through the MoonDogs Baseball Ticket Office, located at 310 Belle Avenue, starting Wednesday, May 26, at 9:00 a.m. for only $15.00.

Tickets are also available for the MoonDogs home opener on June 2nd against the Alexandria Beetles at 7:05 p.m. with a post-game fireworks extravaganza to start the season. Call 507-625-7047 to get your tickets today and reserve you chance to meet World Series Champion Frank Viola on June 2nd.