MANKATO, Minn. — The Mankato MoonDogs Baseball Club, a member of the Northwoods League, is thrilled to kick off the 2013 MoonDogs season with the announcement that Jeff Reardon will be the opening night guest at Franklin Rogers Park on May 29th.

Reardon debuted in the MLB on August 25th, 1979 with the New York Mets, and went on to play 16 seasons in the Majors with seven different teams, including the Minnesota Twins. The Dalton, Mass. native played in two World Series, one being in 1987 with the Twins, where they won the World Series Championship. Reardon gained the nickname, "The Terminator" for his intimidating presence on the mound.

Not only will Reardon be on hand to throw out the first pitch for the MoonDogs home opener, presented by Wealth Enhancement Group, but he will also be available to sign autographs and take pictures with fans prior to the game.

"It is quite an honor to be asked to be the opening night guest for the MoonDogs," said Jeff Reardon. "Minnesota holds a big place in my heart and I am looking forward to seeing the Minnesota baseball fans again especially because of how nice they always treated me. Being a closer, I’m sure I gave them plenty of reasons to boo me out of the city, but they always stuck with me. They really are the number one fans in all of baseball."

In 1992, Reardon broke the All-Time Saves Record, with his 342nd career save, and since then ranks 7th on the list with 367. Reardon was also the first player in Major League Baseball history to have 40-save seasons in both the American and National League.

"We have a tradition of bringing in great opening night guests to Mankato. We’ve had Hall of Famers and World Series Champions help kick off many fantastic MoonDogs seasons," said MoonDogs General Manager Greg Weis. "Reardon will be no different, as someone who played a big role in bringing the first World Series Championship to Minnesota, Jeff will make sure that tradition continues in 2013."

Upon his retirement in May of 1994, Reardon moved to Palm Beach Gardens, Florida with his wife Phebe and their three children. The Terminator finished his MLB career with more saves (367) than walks (358).

The MoonDogs home opener is scheduled for Wednesday, May 29th at 7:05 p.m. against the Rochester Honkers at Franklin Rogers Park. Season tickets are now on sale at the MoonDogs office located at 1221 Caledonia Street. For more information, visit our website www.mankatomoondogs.com or call the MoonDogs office at 507-625-7047.