04/01/2005 2:33 PM - KANSAS CITY – The Kansas City T-Bones, a member of the Northern League of professional baseball, have announced an exhibition game to be played in St. Joseph, MO. Tuesday, May 10th, the T-Bones will play Missouri Western’s men’s baseball team in a nine inning exhibition at Phil Welch Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. with gates to open at 4 p.m.

The T-Bones are a minor league team playing home games at CommunityAmerica Ballpark in Kansas City, Kan. Their fan base has grown each year, with an average attendance of 5,080 in 2004. According to T-Bones General Manager Rick Muntean, “The St. Joseph exhibition provides an opportunity for our players to meet our growing fan base in St. Joseph and get some practice near the start of the season.” The T-Bones season begins May 20th. However, due to the NAIA Region 5 Regional Baseball Tournament taking place at CommunityAmerica Ballpark during the week of May 9th, the team will practice at other venues.

Missouri Western Athletic Director Mark Linder describes the game as “an excellent opportunity for our student athletes to compete against professionals.” Linder continued, “This is the next step for some of our kids. For them to get this chance is special.” The game follows completion of regular season play for the Griffons.

The T-Bones were recognized in 2004 as the Northern League’s “Organization of the Year” after winning the second half title in the league’s South Division. They have made a name for themselves with crazy theme nights at the ball park including Mullet Night, 70’s Night and on-field promotions such as the Dizzy Bat Race and Sumo Wrestling. According to Muntean, the team will bring some of their on-field promotions to this exhibition at Phil Welch Stadium. “We look forward to showing St. Joe some of the fun they might get if they come to one of our home games,” explained Muntean. He adds, “We are thrilled to compete against such a high quality collegiate program as Missouri Western. It is a great tune-up for our season.”

The game is being organized by KKJO radio in cooperation with the St. Joe Saints. Advance tickets go on sale Friday, April 15th at St. Joseph area HyVee, Breadeaux Pizza, Missouri Western athletic office and at the T-Bone ticket office at CommunityAmerica Ballpark. Tickets are $6.00 for adults, $2 for any student, and 7 and under are free. A portion of net proceeds will benefit Camp Quality.