ONEONTA, NY (8/5/09) – Its usually a ping of an aluminum softball bat that members of the Colgate University Athletic Department are used too, but on Wednesday the sound turned into the crack of a wood bat as the they took in the sites and sounds at an Oneonta Tigers (Single A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers) baseball game.

As fans entered the park they were greeted by Colgate's beloved mascot, Raider. Raider posed for pictures, handed out candy and stickers and was even stopped to sign autographs before heading to the field for the pre-game activities.

Head Men's Hockey coach Don Vaughn, who was sporting his favorite Hawaiian shirt on Magnum P.I. night, threw out the first pitch to get the festivities started. Vaughn's patented split-finger fastball sailed just a bit high, but to his credit he threw from the rubber instead of the traditional spot located in front of the pitchers mound.

“It was just an overall great night” said Shaun Richard, Assistant Athletics Director. “Seeing Coach Vaughn out there in his Hawaiian shirt and perfect Tom Selleck mustache on Magnum P.I. night was priceless.”

Also on display was the new Colgate Marketing and Promotions table, complete with the 2008 Men's Soccer and Football Patriot League championship trophies. “We've been attempting to get into different communities and spread the word about the amazing Division I programs we have here at Colgate” continued Richard. “This is hopefully the first step as we attempt to expand the footprint of Colgate Athletics.”

A special thanks goes to Oneonta Tigers General Manager Andrew Weber and his staff for arranging this evening.  For more information about the Tigers Minor League team please visit: www.oneontatigers.com

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