Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, August 7, 1995 TAG: 9508080028
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: RAY COX STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
At least Salem Avalanche officials have someone to deliver the ceremonial initial heave, though.
The last loose end secured Sunday night was Salem Mayor Jim Taliaferro reworking his jam-packed politician/businessman's schedule so that his right arm would be available for first-toss honors.
``Just got it settled a few minutes ago,'' he said. ``I was supposed to be at a meeting Monday where at least 18 of the participants were going to be at the ballgame. We needed 31 for a quorum so we rescheduled. It was a major undertaking, but we did it.''
The same could be said for the $10.1 million Salem baseball palace overlooking the mountains. Construction was promised to take less than a year and the city, general contractors J.M. Turner and Avis Construction, and architect Kinsey Shane & Associates delivered.
Not all went exactly as planned. They had hoped to open April 14. And the final cost will more than double the original construction estimate.
Taliaferro, for one, believes the city got what it paid for.
``I think people will be pleased,'' he said.
But why be a spoilsport and quibble with the more unpleasant details?
Elderly Municipal Field is now history as a Carolina League venue and the glamorous new beauty queen is about to make her debut.
``I only throw one pitch a year,'' Taliaferro said. ``No warmup, nothing. At my age, all you'll get from that is a sore arm.''
Conveniently for the excitement index, the Avalanche (22-20) is in a race with the Kinston Indians for the second half Southern Division title. After losing two of three in Durham over the weekend, the Avalanche now can look forward to 21 of their last 28 games at home.
Tonight, left-hander Doug Million will pitch against a Frederick Keys starter to be announced. Jamey Wright (9-5, 2.49 ERA) is Salem's scheduled starter Tuesday.
The Avalanche has four games with the Keys before Durham comes calling Friday for four more. Salem and the Bulls will play a doubleheader Friday to kick off the weekend series.
Tonight's game is a sellout although the expected audience of 6,000 is expected to be augmented by the sale of a limited number of standing room only tickets.
by CNB