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MILWAUKEE BREWERS
AGE: 27
POSITION: Pitcher
BIRTHPLACE: Baton Rouge, LA
RESIDES: Baton Rouge, LA
COLLEGE: Northeastern Louisiana
PERSONAL: Wife Julie, 1 son
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As
part of his new contract, Ben Sheets will purchase $50,000
of tickets for youth groups each year, so that disadvantaged
kids can enjoy the experience of Miller Park. He became
an instant fan favorite back in 2000 when he returned
to Milwaukee wearing the Olympic Gold Medal for the United
States. Ben has always been supportive and willing to
meet with kids and community groups to support the ballclub’s
outreach efforts. He has a special fondness for Make-A-Wish
kids and other youngsters with special needs. Each year
during the Brewers’ recognition ceremonies of area
Little League teams, Ben stands outside the Home Dugout
and personally high-fives thousands of kids during the
annual Little League parade around the warning track.
Ben and his wife Julie also support the St. Jude Children’s
Research Foundation, Garth Brooks Teammates for Kids Foundation
and The Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin.
Ben
Sheets was the workhorse for the Brewers in 2003, pitching
220.0 innings, establishing a new National League franchise
record. He earned the Brewers’ Most Valuable Pitcher
Award. In college, he was an All-American selection and
named the Louisiana Player of the Year. As the number
one pitcher for the 2000 U.S. Olympic Team, Ben made three
starts during the tournament. He allowed just one run
in 22 innings. He pitched a 3-hit complete game shutout
against Cuba to win the Gold Medal for the United States.
For his Olympic efforts, Ben was named USA Baseball’s
Player of the Year.
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