Long Beach Poly will celebrate Opening Day 2010 in grand fashion, as they host the Torrance Tartars for a 3:15pm game—prior to first pitch, Poly will honor the last Jackrabbit team to win a Moore League banner, in 1985 (pregame festivities begin at 2:50pm).  BBQ Hot dogs, kettle corn, shaved ice, and other ballpark snacks will be available from vendors before and during the game.

The championship drought is despite the presence of MLB stars Chase Utley, Milton Bradley, and James McDonald being in the lineup.  The 1985 Jackrabbits also advanced to the quarterfinals of the CIF playoffs riding the hot arm of staff ace, Erick Bryant, who would go on to be drafted by the Seattle Mariners.  Bryant is now the head coach at Cabrillo.

The head coach of the 1985 team and community icon, Joe Perruccio, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch.  The Reverend H.A. Bryant, father of Erick, will be the honorary umpire for the first pitch ceremony.  Coach Bryant has an Opening Day game of his own for Cabrillo High School and will be unable to attend.  He will be honored on Thursday, March 4th at the Poly Baseball Leadoff Dinner.  1985 team members expected to attend:

LF Frank Gideon

CF  Dedrick Walton

RF Macolm Perkins

P/RF Greg Reid

P/1B  Scott Moore

P/1B  Danny Goytia

INF  Merle Cole

2B  Johnny Madina

C  Phillip Williams

C  Tommy Stiles

Thanks to Poly coach Toby Hess for the info, and the spiffy writeup!