June 14, 2010

WILLMAR, MN- The Willmar Stingers of the Northwoods League are excited to announce that former Minnesota Twins great Tony Oliva will be on hand for Twins Night presented by R & J Tours & KDJS 1590 AM on Monday, June 21 at Bill Taunton Stadium.  Joining “Tony-O” will be the Twins mascot TC the Bear and the Twins organist. Tony Oliva will throw out the first pitch and sign autographs as the Stingers take on the St. Cloud River Bats at 7:05p.m.

Oliva spent 15 years as a player for the Minnesota Twins as a right fielder and designated hitter.  Over his career Tony-O racked up 1,917 hits and held a career batting average of .304.  Named the 1964 American League Rookie of the Year, Tony could hit for power, hit for average, run, field, and throw making him a dominating presence day in and day out for the Twins.  Oliva also was the first player to ever win a batting title in his first two seasons (he would win a third later in his career).

After his playing career was over, Tony Oliva started his coaching career with the Twins in 1976.  He has held multiple roles within the Twins organization as a coach, first base coach, hitting coach, and his current role as a minor league hitting instructor.  In 2000, Tony was part of the original class inducted to the Minnesota Twins Hall of Fame honoring former Twins greats.  Joining Oliva were teammates Harmon Killebrew and Rod Carew, along with Kirby Puckett, Kent Hrbek, and long-time team owner Calvin Griffith.

Single game tickets for this event and all home games are currently on-sale at the Stingers ticket office location at the ballpark from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Monday-Friday or by calling 320-222-2010.  For more information regarding this release or the 2010 inaugural season presented by Charter Communications, please call 320-222-2010.