Sports

Former Phillies Pitcher Ricky Bottalico Coming to Galloway for ShopRite LPGA Classic

He'll emcee the inaugural ShopRite LPGA Classic Million Dollar Shootout.

Former Philadelphia Phillie and Major League Baseball all-star Ricky Bottalico will emcee the inaugural ShopRite LPGA Classic Million Dollar Shootout at the Stockton Seaview Hotel and Golf Club on Tuesday, May 29, 3 p.m., the Classic announced Thursday morning.

Participants in the inaugural challenge will be determined by more than 20 "Closest to the Hole" competitions, being held at participating clubs around the region, according to a release. The winners of these contests will attempt to earn $1 million by hitting a hole-in-one from 150 yards on the 18th hole at the historic Bay Course.

“We really wanted to get the public involved and experience the spirit of competition on a whole new level,” ShopRite LPGA Classic Executive Director Tim Erensen said. “What better way to do it than during tournament week on the 18th hole where the 2012 ShopRite LPGA Classic champion will be crowned just days later.”

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LPGA players will be on hand to watch and support the participants, according to the release. Tournament week begins Monday, May 28.

Bottalico, a former pitcher for several teams, made his Major League debut with the Phillies on July 29, 1994, and played with the Phillies through the 1998 season, and returned for a three-year tour of duty from 2001-02.

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He earned the only all-star appearance of his career in 1996. He was the only Phillie to appear in the game, played in Philadelphia, and pitched one inning.

He also played for the St. Louis Cardinals (1999); Kansas City Royals (2000); Arizona Diamondbacks (2003); New York Mets (2004); and the Milwaukee Brewers (2005).

In 2006, the Baltimore Orioles signed Bottalico to a minor-league contract. He was invited to spring training, and was later released.

He currently works as a Phillies analyst for Comcast SportsNet.


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