The Louisville Bats' Muhammad Ali Appreciation Night might be 'The Greatest' theme night of 2017
The first anniversary of the passing of Muhammad Ali will take place on June 3, and the Louisville Bats -- the Reds' Triple-A affiliate -- have big plans.
The Bats will be the ones hoping to sting the opposition like a bee when they don these special commemorative Ali-themed jerseys that night:
The jerseys will be auctioned off after the game, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the Ali Center.
It's all part of a six-week celebration in Louisville championing Ali, born and raised in Louisville as Cassius Clay, for all he accomplished in his legendary career and life.
Said Bats Senior Vice President Greg Galiette of the festivities:
"We the Louisville Bats franchise were very appreciative of the support that Muhammad provided to his hometown baseball team over the years… often visiting us both at old Cardinal Stadium when we were the Louisville Redbirds and then at Louisville Slugger Field our current home as the Louisville Bats. And on Saturday, June 3rd I am sure that our players will also be honored to wear the one of kind Louisville Bats / "Muhammad Ali" themed Jerseys that we have designed when we pay tribute to the Champ on Muhammad Ali Night".
The "I Am Ali" festival will begin on June 3 with the Bats' special night and continue on each of the next five weekends.