PORTLAND — Former Red Sox infielder Rico Petrocelli is scheduled to make an appearance at Hadlock Field on Thursday, May 4th, when the Sea Dogs host the Reading Fightin Phils at 6:00 PM.  Petrocelli’s appearance is part of the Sea Dogs’ Throwback Thursday Series, as the Sea Dogs honor the 50th anniversary of the 1967 Impossible Dream Red Sox team.  

Petrocelli will throw out the ceremonial first pitch and will be available to sign free autographs on photos provided by the Sea Dogs for fans from 6:00 to 7:00 PM.

Petrocelli had a 13-year Major League career, all with the Boston Red Sox. He hit .251 with 220 home runs in 1,553 career games. He was selected to the American League All-Star Team in 1967 and 1969. Petrocelli was an integral part of the 1967 Red Sox, hitting .259 with 24 doubles, 17 home runs, and 66 RBI in 132 games that season. He hit two home runs in Game 6 of the World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals. In 1968 and 1969 Petrocelli led all American League shortstops in fielding percentage. In 1992, Petrocelli managed the Pawtucket Red Sox and led them into the playoffs.  Petrocelli was inducted into the Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame in 1997.

Tickets for the May 4th game and all Portland Sea Dogs home games are currently on sale. Tickets range in price from $9.00 to $11.00 for adults and $6.00 to $10.00 for children and seniors, with group rates available. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Sea Dogs Ticket Office at (207) 879-9500 or online at www.seadogs.com. Book your nine-inning vacation today!