TOLEDO, OH (Toledo News Now) - Saturday will be a rare and exciting night for the Toledo Mud Hens, for multiple reasons. Cy Young award winner and Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander will take the mound for the team, and they'll be celebrating the release of the new “Jurassic World” movie.
Verlander will be making his second rehab start with the Mud Hens. He and the rest of the team will be wearing unique Jurassic Park-themed jerseys, which they will sign and auction off during the game.
“This is a unique item,” said Mud Hens Community Relations Manager Rob Wiercinski. “It's only going to be worn once and it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for not only if you're a Tigers fan, a Mud Hens fan, a Justin Verlander fan, or just a fan of ‘Jurassic Park.'”
Saturday is one of six themed nights the Mud Hens host throughout the seasons, but with Verlander playing, even more fans are expected to fill Fifth Third Field. His jersey is expected to raise a lot of money, as well.
“It's obviously going to draw some attention. Just how much it's going to go for, I can't look into the crystal ball, because this is a very unique item,” said Wiercinski.
The money raised at the auction will benefit Helping Hens and local after school and summer program Kids Unlimited.
“Saturday night in downtown Toledo in June is always great,” Wiercinski said. “You throw on top of that the weather forecast is good and also the fact that Justin Verlander is pitching, it's just going to add to a special night in downtown Toledo.”
The silent auction will take place on the main concourse. About 30 jerseys will be available to bid on. Bidding will close at the end of the sixth inning.
