Ex-Phillies Star Mitch "Wild Thing" Williams Will Address Rider Baseball Team at Championship Ring Ceremony on January 31

Mitch Williams

The Rider University baseball team will celebrate their 2008 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) championship with a ring ceremony, reception and dinner, highlighted by a keynote address by former Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Mitch Williams, on Saturday, January 31, on Rider’s Lawrenceville campus at 2083 Lawrenceville Road.

A popular left-handed closer, Williams remains a favorite among Phillies fans, who recall the “Wild Thing” from his days as a star on the 1993 National League champions. Today, Williams, who compiled 192 saves over his 11-year major league career, including 43 in 1993, is the host of The Wild Pitch with Mitch Williams, a popular pre- and post-Phillies game analysis airing on Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia. The Medford, N.J., resident is also a frequent contributor to The Morning Show on Philadelphia’s 610 AM WIP.

Rider, which earned its first berth in the NCAA Tournament since 1994, will bestow the coveted MAAC championship rings to the members of the Broncs baseball team. “We had a lot of great support throughout the season from many people, and we’re looking forward to spending an evening with them in honor of our championship year,” said head coach Barry Davis. “It’s going to be a great night of baseball, especially with Mitch Williams here to speak, and a fun way to get ready for the 2009 season.”

A reception will be held in the Rider Hall of Fame atrium in the Student Recreation Center at 6 p.m., followed by dinner in the Daly Dining Hall’s Mercer Room, beginning at 7 p.m. Former Broncs diamond standouts James Hoey of the Baltimore Orioles and former Atlanta Braves pitcher Kevin Barry are expected to attend, along with many other former Rider players.

Tickets for the dinner are $100, or $150 for the dinner and reception, and may be purchased through the Rider Office of Alumni Relations by calling 609-896-5340.

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